Forum Discussion

frisbeekev's avatar
frisbeekev
Explorer
Jul 14, 2019

clay bar and wax

Looking to detail the rig. How do the exterior of the RV's do with a clay bar, is it ok or too abrasive?. Also is there a certain type of wax to use? It is a fiberglass sidewall, Not azdel (however you spell it). Any other recommendations on detailing and RV?
  • I’ve tried the Lucas version of the spray wax on the filon cap of the camper. Looked good wet, not so much dry. Haven’t tried it on the car or truck.
  • spoon059 wrote:
    I've been hearing about the Turtle Wax Seal N Shine spray on wax. I was skeptical at first, but I've been researching and it appears legit. Wash, dry, spray on and wipe off. No buffing. Supposed to last 4 months.


    I too had been hearing lots of good reviews of the Ice Seal N Shine. I had to do brakes on one of our cars so picked up a set of pads and also a bottle of Turtle Wax. Our daughter just bought a new to her Nissan Xterra. It's a 2001, so 18 years old. After she brought it home I washed it and used the Turtle Wax.

    Wow, what a difference it made. The Xterra had been well taken care of, but with a 10 minute spray on, wipe off application of the Turtle Wax, it looked fantastic.

    Our TT has tin siding. I've been reluctant to use the Turtle Wax because it isn't a car, but I plan to try on a small section between slides (not easily seen).

    The application is so easy. I washed the truck with Megiuars Ultimate Wash and Wax. Then I dried it off. Sprayed the Turtle Wax on one section of the truck at a time and wiped it off. It looks beautiful. When our daughter showed it off to my parents, they both thought she bought a new car. They couldn't believe it was 18 years old. It's the best $10 I have spent for any car care item.

    -Michael
  • trail-explorer wrote:
    Rover_Bill wrote:
    For normal waxing, I recommend Meguiar's No. 50 Cleaner Wax. This is a simple one step wax that will clean off light oxidation and minor scratches and protect and shine the GEL COAT.


    When did Filon start having a Gel Coat finish to it?


    Filon product literature wrote:
    Available for about 30 years, Filon was the first fiberglass product offering for the RV market.


    Filon product literature wrote:
    The Filon G-III gelcoated panel is a durable, semi-rigid fiberglass reinforced polyester (frp) resin material. The gelcoated surface is highly scratch and abrasion resistant with excellent weathering characteristics


    See HERE
  • This: For normal waxing, I recommend Meguiar's No. 50 Cleaner Wax. This is a simple one step wax that will clean off light oxidation and minor scratches and protect and shine the GEL COAT. For heavier oxidation and stains, Meguiar's No. 44 Color Restorer followed by the cleaner wax.

    Had the TT for 10 years, looked like new when I sold it after regularly using Meguiar's products.
  • Rover_Bill wrote:
    For normal waxing, I recommend Meguiar's No. 50 Cleaner Wax. This is a simple one step wax that will clean off light oxidation and minor scratches and protect and shine the GEL COAT.


    When did Filon start having a Gel Coat finish to it?
  • I've been hearing about the Turtle Wax Seal N Shine spray on wax. I was skeptical at first, but I've been researching and it appears legit. Wash, dry, spray on and wipe off. No buffing. Supposed to last 4 months.
  • When you use a clay bar make sure the surface is wet,use alot of water.never use a clay bar on a dry surface.
    As for polish I recommend Duragloss marine Rv polish #501
  • Use the clay bar on your TV and NOT on your RV.

    Don't use automotive products on fiberglass! Automotive products are designed to work on PAINTED metal surfaces that have been covered by a protective HARD CLEAR COAT finish. Fiberglass is a soft colored plastic that is usually covered by a clear GEL COAT for protection and shine. Marine/RV products are specifically designed for GEL coat surfaces.

    For normal waxing, I recommend Meguiar's No. 50 Cleaner Wax. This is a simple one step wax that will clean off light oxidation and minor scratches and protect and shine the GEL COAT. For heavier oxidation and stains, Meguiar's No. 44 Color Restorer followed by the cleaner wax.

    For a really dull surface, Meguiar's Fiberglass Restoration System (a three bottle kit) contains a bottle of heavy duty oxidation remover, a bottle of high gloss polish, and a bottle of pure Carnauba blend wax.

    This LINK describes other specific Marine/RV products from Meguiar's.
  • A clay bar is not abrasive. It's smooth and will remove any abrasives adhered to the sides. So once you clay bar it (a lot of work but definitely worth it!). Then use any good quality automotive wax. You will be amazed at how well it looks. My 07 I traded in still looked shinier than when it was new.
  • Meguiar's

    I've always used either Mother's or Meguiar's Carnuba wax...same as for the car for the last 5 years and looks good as new. I do have the advantage of it being a pop-up and covered most of the time.

    That being said, I have had really good luck with it on our cars. Wife gets the garage, I get the driveway. I usually tried to buy white vehicles because they generally hold up better to the Texas sun, but current truck is gray, so hoping it will keep it looking good for many years