How many of you use this stuff? We were getting that chalky finish with faded and peeling graphics. I was waxing it with Meguiars--trying to avoid the graphics and spray them with 303 Protectant instead. I spray the dirt off after almost every trip too. We've only had it 15 months--I hated to see it get "old looking" under my care.
Replant just mentioned Lowes Red Max Pro and I read the links. Wow! Why not take the chance that the fiberglass would be looking shiny and new?
It worked! Here are a few pics.
The graphics bleed out color when washed.
And they were peeling up at the edges. I took a flat razor blade holder and trimmed off the peeling edges--
This is after the trimming. They are a bit ragged in places, but at least no longer peeling.
I used my little power sprayer with TSP in it and scrubbed with Bar Keeper's Friend as recommended.
This is the tire cover with one side is just washed with a sponge and TSP, the other is washed with a green scrubbie and Bar Keeper's Friend. I also used the white scrubbie (1000 grit sandpaper grade and much more expensive) for scratches--it did wonders even on the cab metal but for most of the job I used the cheap green stuff. I completely wore out 4 half sheets!
This is a "before" of the cleaned passenger side.
Red Max Pro Step 3 ready to apply.
Finished! It took me about 10 hours to do the job.
Plus I washed and waxed the cab. But by this time I was losing daylight so it is harder to see the shine.
I'm really pleased with the results. The recommendation is a new coat every year--that is a lot longer time period than waxing.
This was a good project for the start of a great season. I think it was worth the effort!
Replant just mentioned Lowes Red Max Pro and I read the links. Wow! Why not take the chance that the fiberglass would be looking shiny and new?
It worked! Here are a few pics.
The graphics bleed out color when washed.
And they were peeling up at the edges. I took a flat razor blade holder and trimmed off the peeling edges--
This is after the trimming. They are a bit ragged in places, but at least no longer peeling.
I used my little power sprayer with TSP in it and scrubbed with Bar Keeper's Friend as recommended.
This is the tire cover with one side is just washed with a sponge and TSP, the other is washed with a green scrubbie and Bar Keeper's Friend. I also used the white scrubbie (1000 grit sandpaper grade and much more expensive) for scratches--it did wonders even on the cab metal but for most of the job I used the cheap green stuff. I completely wore out 4 half sheets!
This is a "before" of the cleaned passenger side.
Red Max Pro Step 3 ready to apply.
Finished! It took me about 10 hours to do the job.
Plus I washed and waxed the cab. But by this time I was losing daylight so it is harder to see the shine.
I'm really pleased with the results. The recommendation is a new coat every year--that is a lot longer time period than waxing.
This was a good project for the start of a great season. I think it was worth the effort!
EMD360 wrote:
TSP removes the wax, BKF removes any chalkiness from the fiberglass and hard to clean spots like black streaks. Use a 3m pad--preferably white and then rinse very well. I cleaned again with TSP, but I didn't use the powder--used a green liquid called TSP. (Same thing?)
Some people have just used their favorite cleaner of any kind and not bothered with the BFK but most who have used BFK find lots of other uses for it afterwards, it is a great mild abrasive cleaner.
Sun may just be uncomfortable to work in--I read someone applied in the sun and the drying went just fine. RMP dries very fast anyway. Just be sure to apply several thin coats to watch for runs. Good luck!
Got as high as 108* while I was doing the front cap and it came out perfect. I was able to claim on the roof and do the first couple of feet with 4 coats before coming down with the heat. by the time I got to one end the other was dry. use a sponge with a microfiber cover to put on the RMP. All went well. Did the BKF first and the powder TSP all rinsed well after use.
