Out with ZEP, but what for best protection and looks?

There is a specific stripper at Lowes for the stuff.
Easy? Nothing! It is going to take work to restore the finish. Contact a marine dealer and see how they do it.

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I figured we would start hearing these Zep and RMP stories of yellowing and peeling. Back when it was all the rage, I called the manufacturer (Zep) and was told that the product was a floor wax that was inteneded for indoor use only and would need periodic stripping and reapplication. It was not intended to use outdoors on any surface at all.

I put Zeps on my MH 3 years ago,still looks good. After I did I had to repair some caulking and cleaned the area first with acetone, off course it dripped and ran down the side and completely removed the Zep finish. I poured some more into a rag and remove the Zeps in the surrounding area them reapplied the Zeps. It blended in nicely with the original application. So my conclusion based on my experience is use the acetone it will work fast with little effort.

I also heard that tire cleaner will work! Cleaning the windows with ammonia based cleaner definitely leaves streaks in the finish too.
Actually I didn't mind removing it after 2 years and reapplying. I used the stripper and just went over it well, like the original preparation. Didn't notice any staining of our concrete driveway though. Then I redid the prep but didn't have to scrub black stuff off the filon--guess gunk doesn't stick with the RMP on. I notice that I don't have the chalking we experienced with just wax either. I did have trouble working on the overhead and noticed some uneven patches there on the second application. Maybe I didn't get all the stripper rinsed off well. The finish definitely yellowed a bit over a couple of years, but it stayed slick and easy to clean. All surface wax is a pain to remove isn't it?
I bought some Zep last fall because my RMP was empty and hope to redo it again this spring. But I'm seriously thinking of just removing most of the cracked decals. My complaint was that it didn't seem to protect the decals at all. The process is LOTS easier and longer lasting than a good wax job, especially for an older RV that needs to be brought back from fading and chalking.
As far as asking the manufacturer--I wonder what Bounce manufacturers would say about using their product to remove bug goo or whatever else RVers use it for? Although not the original intention for the product, people use it in lots of ways. If the manufacturer said yes, go ahead, would they get sued if someone felt their product rubbed off the finish?

Thanks for all of the comments! I actually noticed the yellowing from the photos I did for my most recent leak post. I looked at photos (3 years ago) from the time of purchase and also examined Winnie. YEP it is much yellower!

To EMD360's comment about removing cracked decals. I am also considering limited removal of same. Other than the difference in paint tone it will not hurt the design and may even help it. Keep in mind the decal design was made 15 years ago and I wasn't consulted. LOL!!!!

I'd also appreciate any comments on the use of acetone to remove ZEP.

EMD360, thanks for the tip

Not sure I can install new decals--not that patient or detail oriented. I have not tried acetone but know ammonia streaks it.
I used the stripper but although it runs, it is not much different from the Zep itself.
I need to work on it this spring. That is one thing about living in a winter climate--such work is best done in Arizona's winter while here in Colorado it requires waiting for warmer weather.
The cover seems to be holding up well though and I hope that we have success with the leaks too.

robsouth wrote:
I figured we would start hearing these Zep and RMP stories of yellowing and peeling. Back when it was all the rage, I called the manufacturer (Zep) and was told that the product was a floor wax that was inteneded for indoor use only and would need periodic stripping and reapplication. It was not intended to use outdoors on any surface at all.

Agreed. Sounds like once you do it you are stuck with it.

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
I have a 2000 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and have used ZEP for about 2 years. As some others have mentioned, over time there is a slight yellowing of the light colors. I didn't really notice it on mine until recently and would like to strip the ZEP. What is the best way to remove ZEP with any damage to Winnie? What is a good protectant with minimal labor effort? Thanks for your input! Happy New Year!

ALL lighter color fiberglass yellows over time from the UV rays of the sun. There's no way around that. What's more, it doesn't matter what finish you use, they will yellow over time regardless. The Zep and Red Max Pro 3 are the best thing going for our coaches, bar none.