Refreshing fiberglas

Bowti wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
Best way to bring back the shine. Water sand it with 500+ grit water paper. then buff, and wax.

however try a good Cleaner Wax first. May be all it needs

500 grit wet sanding is too aggressive, better to be in the 1000, 1200, or 1500 range before buffing. Of course everyone differs some what on this, depending on surface condition, rubbing compounds used, and expected finish desired.

I would not recommend wet sanding for someone who has not had experience or training in it.

I did it for a living. I was the "Boat Doctor". and truly we used 400 grit Water paper. which is way different than regular sand paper. Then I buffed if out with compound, and waxed it. I have to brag a little. When I was done. you couldn't tell it was ever scratched, or dulled. And when a new boat was drilled wrong.. You couldn't see the bad place when I was done.

I also rebuilt molds for new boats. they had to have prefect finishes. Because the GelCoat goes on first. The fiberglass is sprayed / chopped, to the GelCoat.

I got tired of standing on the ladder just to polish the front and rear caps all the time so I had them clear coated last year.
Shiney all the time now.

Terryallan wrote:
Best way to bring back the shine. Water sand it with 500+ grit water paper. then buff, and wax.

however try a good Cleaner Wax first. May be all it needs

500 grit wet sanding is too aggressive, better to be in the 1000, 1200, or 1500 range before buffing. Of course everyone differs some what on this, depending on surface condition, rubbing compounds used, and expected finish desired.

I would not recommend wet sanding for someone who has not had experience or training in it.

5th wheel traveler wrote:
Does anyone know of a detail shop or any repair shop that can revitalize the fiberglas on my 2000 Excel fifth wheel? I have some areas showing oxidization and the finish is dull. I don't know if it is repairable or can be fixed by a good detail shop. I live in the Milwaukie, OR area but would be willing to travel some for a good job.

If you don't want to try to repair it yourself as others are suggesting then ask a couple of RV dealers where they send such work. Or find a commercial truck/trailer repair shop and ask them.

Best way to bring back the shine. Water sand it with 500+ grit water paper. then buff, and wax.

however try a good Cleaner Wax first. May be all it needs

buta4 wrote:
Glass Reinforced Plastic (commonly known by it's trade name as Fiberglass) repair and maintenance is best performed through a boat repair facility. They're the experts. They do it all the time.
See what they use.

Repair yes as far as waxing etc its not rocket science. Rubbing compound removes oxidization etc, wax protects and shines it. I've done boats, RV's cars, airplanes, pretty much anything with paint and there is nothing special you have to do except not burn through the finish.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (commonly known by it's trade name as Fiberglass) repair and maintenance is best performed through a boat repair facility. They're the experts. They do it all the time.
See what they use.

I just bought a 2003 TT that was oxidized all over, not horrible but it had zero shine and was rough to the feel. I took 3M medium duty rubbing compound and an electric buffer and went over the entire trailer small sections at a time with water to keep it lubed up and not dry out too much then would wash everything off and go back with 3M marine wax and the thing looks brand new. Granted it was a ton of work and I could only do about 10 feet at a time before I needed a good long break as I'm over 50 and tire pretty easy but I got it done. I would do a section, then wax it so if I got to a point I had to wait a few days at least the area I did was complete. It took me about a week to do the whole thing including the first wash from the roof down. You will be supprised at how well it will look when done. I would suggest getting some of the product and just do a 2'x 2' area and see how it looks to get an idea. Also its a great time to look for areas of concern that may need caulking etc. Good luck.