Sun damage & how often to wax?

After reading about the different choices, I opted for Mothers synthetic marine wax.

From their website: A super-tough, one-step synthetic polymer wax, custom engineered for modern gelcoats. Our easy-to-use, high-tech formula creates a long lasting protective barrier against harmful environmental contaminants and UV rays. Removes light oxidation and leaves behind an unparalleled deep gloss shine.

If it's good for boats that get plenty of exposure to sun and salt, it seems like a good choice for an RV. Waxing also helps keep black streaks away. I think application every 6 months is recommended and may depend on you location and how much time your RV spends under a cover of some sort.

I can't imagine RV manufacturers doing the highest quality gel coat applications so keeping waxed is probably a good idea.

I am also using the 303 Aerospace Protectant (applied first).

Here is some info. on gel coat fading on boats and RVs

Only problem is finding a neighborhood kid to put the stuff on. They don't seem to do manual labor anymore.

Over time UV damage will suck the oils out of gelcoat. If you don't do something to slow the process it will eventually dull and ruin your finish.

A high quality wax will help protect the gelcoat and slow the process. I hope I never end up purchasing a 5 year old RV from someone that has never waxed their unit!

We wax twice a year. Used to use NuFinish but now use McGuires.

donn0128 wrote:
That wash and wax stuff is good for maybe one day. You really really need to do a thorough cleaning, oxide remover, then follow with a quality wax product. Colonite, and McGuires both offer excellent products. But even that needs to be done a couple times a year. An option some swear by is floor polish sold at Lowes stores.

BINGO!

30 years of saltwater kept boat maintenance here. Now 8 years of RV gelcoat maintenance.

There is no substitution for using a good product, applying it properly & doing it twice a year. Three times if in the harsh sun fulltime.

The sun will take its toll but waxing the RV will make it look better longer, in my opinion. I use Wash and Wax all with a UV protectant. I use it because you do not need to use water and it is fast and easy to use. I use it on the RV and the cars.

APT wrote:
Wax is not necessary for RVs, although it does tend to make it easier to clean. I sue 303 Aerospace protectant on everything outside my TT though for UV protection.

Why is it not necessary? When I wax my TT. I can visually see the difference in the paint. The waxed paint is several shades darker than the unwaxed. Waxing brings back the original color, and shine. Plus waxing takes a lot of scratches out. Yes there are tree limbs where I camp, and where I have to back thru the yard.

I kept my last TT for 10 years. Friend of mine had the same year. I waxed mine once a year. He never waxed his. His looked like it was 100 years old, faded, and chalky. Mine looked like new. So IMOP. Waxing is not only necessary. But mandatory. I like my stuff to feel slicky too.

Wax is not necessary for RVs, although it does tend to make it easier to clean. I sue 303 Aerospace protectant on everything outside my TT though for UV protection.

I wax my RV once a month. Mothers' or McQuires wax.

I live in Tucson. I use a carnauba wax with UV protection twice a year. It's a big job and takes me a couple days. Also don't forget to put UV roof protection on or you'll have damage there too.

Start with a good wash. If you unit still has a good base then wax a couple of times a year should be fine. You may want to on a more frequent bases, use one of the spray on wipe off UV protectants such as Aerospace 303. The key it to keep up with it.

Those of us who bought used units or were less diligent have found that floor wax does a good job of restoring the shine. Even then a dose of UV protectant is a good follow on activity. It should be used as a "last resort" and not on a new unit.

That wash and wax stuff is good for maybe one day. You really really need to do a thorough cleaning, oxide remover, then follow with a quality wax product. Colonite, and McGuires both offer excellent products. But even that needs to be done a couple times a year. An option some swear by is floor polish sold at Lowes stores.