Scratches in fiberglass

[deewhite0612]

Got a bum steer from GPS yesterday and we have a lot of superficial scratches from tree branches on the side wall of our motorhome. Can anyone recommend something that we can use to buff the scratches out?

[Gjac]

If you look at how your fiber glass front or rear cap is made, Gel coat is applied to the mold first then Fiber glass reinforcement during the manufacturing process. The gel coat is pure resin the FG reinforcement is FG and resin. Clear coat is sprayed on after the MH is assembled and is to protect the paint and make it shine. Not all MH's have clear coat. Some older ones like mine only have gel coat on the front and rear caps not on the flat sides. If you can see a random FG pattern on the outside there is no gel coat. If it is completely sooth it is gel coated. The products mentioned above are safe to use on your exterior.

[sidney]

I have some light scratches on our 5er.

What's the difference between Gel Coat and Clear Coat?

Our 5er is not a painted exterior. Forest River describes it as: “True” Pearl Gelcoat Exterior. The products mentioned in the previous posts are described as safe for Clear Coat. Are they safe for Gel Coat as well?

[timmac]

TechWriter wrote:
ScratchX

Yes that's good stuff, took the scratches off my motorhome..

[J-Rooster]

TechWriter wrote:
ScratchX

X-2, This worked for me on my wife's car in the past!

[wolfe10]

One if the issues here is we really don't know what you are buffing.

Your title is "Scratches in Fiberglass".

But, you mention clear coat.

Is this gel coated fiberglass, a painted surface with clear coat, etc.

This is important, as gel coat is many times as thick as paint and can stand a lot more sanding, buffing, etc.

[Bruce_Brown]

If you're in northern NY stop by and I'll buff it out for you, assuming it can be buffed. Serious offer too.

[TechWriter]

ScratchX

[randallb]

Use a brand name "polish" and follow with a coat of wax.
Randy

[wrgrs50s]

I use this product (Kit Scratch out). It works well and is very reasonably priced on amazon.com or can be purchased at most automotive parts supply.

Click here

[wildmanbaker]

A lot of times, what appears to be scratches, is actually material rubbed onto the paint by the branches. I have found the just using a good clear/wax can remove most of the marks from the side. We use to take our MH down some narrow roads to get the camping spots we wanted. We actually got more scratches from moving things around the MH then when camping. We have used "Nu Finish Scratch Doctor" to remove any actual scratches.

[harold1946]

deewhite0612 wrote:
i am afraid polishing compound will scratch the clear coat on the RV.

Polishing compoundnot rubbing compound. Two different things.

[deewhite0612]

i am afraid polishing compound will scratch the clear coat on the RV.

[harold1946]

Polishing compound. Available at most auto parts stores and Walmart.

[cpmath]

What do you mean your GPS gave you a bum steer?