Forum Discussion

boatscr's avatar
boatscr
Explorer
May 30, 2015

Buffing/Compounding Info Needed

My unit is 9years going on 10years old and the decals on the cap are getting shabby. I had to remove one and found the gel coat under the decal looks like new and very shiny. The rest of the cap shows its age but still looks good. I had the unit waxed and compounded last year.

I would like to dull the shiny part to blend in with the rest of the cap. Can anyone with experience recommend the right grit compound to do this job?

Also years ago after a blowout, I had some work done on a slide-out and the dealer finished the patch with what looks like a very shiny top coat something like used on a car. Over the years, the rest of the fiberglass aged but the topcoat is still very shiny. I would like to blend in the patch so it is not so noticeable. Also need grit/compound to do this job.

All replies will be greatly appreciated and helpful.

8 Replies

  • hone_eagle's avatar
    hone_eagle
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2015
    "I would like to DULL the shiney ".................. hence the sanding rec
  • Dtank's avatar
    Dtank
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2015
    Ron Nielson wrote:
    boatscr wrote:
    I would like to dull the shiny part to blend in with the rest of the cap. Can anyone with experience recommend the right grit compound to do this job?


    Use 1000 grit wet or dry and use with sanding block, and water (3 gals) with a little (1 tsp) liquid detergent in it. Back and forth in one direction, then back and forth at 90* to original strokes. Don't use much pressure.


    NO sanding!

    Try a search on here for waxing, polishing, etc.
    Topic has been on here often

    Here's what a Meguiar's rep recommended - with Barry standing next to him.
    1. Rent a dual action polisher.
    2. Buy 3 yellow foam pads.
    3. Use a cleaner wax.

    Lots of other solutions have been posted over the years - but never seen a recommendation for sanding!

    Of course none of those were for *dulling* the shiny part/s..:R

    .
  • Ron_Nielson's avatar
    Ron_Nielson
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2015
    boatscr wrote:
    I would like to dull the shiny part to blend in with the rest of the cap. Can anyone with experience recommend the right grit compound to do this job?


    Use 1000 grit wet or dry and use with sanding block, and water (3 gals) with a little (1 tsp) liquid detergent in it. Back and forth in one direction, then back and forth at 90* to original strokes. Don't use much pressure.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    May 31, 2015
    If the gelcoat continues to be neglected that new looking area will be like the rest in no time.

    If you want to restore the powdered gelcoat that will take some multi step work.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 31, 2015
    boatscr wrote:
    My unit is 9years going on 10years old
    Strange expression.. does that mean it's closer to 10?
  • HTElectrical's avatar
    HTElectrical
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    I polished my entire trailer with compound meant for gel coat when I replaced my decals. It was a lot of work, but looks like new.
  • HTElectrical's avatar
    HTElectrical
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    I think you are going to find that you want to polish the dull parts not dull the shiny parts.

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