Forum Discussion

jstaffon's avatar
jstaffon
Explorer
Mar 14, 2020

Scratches on gel-coat surface

I have a 2016 Rockwood 5th wheel. It has a nice gel-coat finish. Everything is in excellent condition. The trailer is stored in a covered bay when not in use. Over the past several years, dry camping in the mountains of Idaho we've gotten a few scratches in the finish due to tree branches. You can't see the scratches when the camper is clean unless the lighting is just right. They're more obvious when the camper gets dusty. If you rub your finger or finger nail across the scratch, you can't feel them. It has to be a very light scuff on the finish of the gel-coat as apposed to an actual scratch. I'm wondering what the best solution is to remove the marks. I don't want to turn someone loose with a buffing wheel unless they know what they're doing. I've seen too many campers ruined with swirl marks all over the finish. I'm hoping there are some tricks or approved methods to getting this taken care of. Thanks in advance!
Seeking Advice
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Mar 15, 2020
    There are lots of sealants out there. Tried a few but for the past 10-15 years on boats & RV the main products to use have been 3M cleaner wax (takes care of smudges & minor chalking), followed by Meguires Flagship wax (for a high gloss durable shine).

    Front cap gets the treatment twice a year. The rest of the trailer gets waxed once a year. Trailer is now 13 years old & looking great. Seven month a year indoor storage helps too.

    Having a good gelcoat base to work with helps too. For example I am currently doing some restoration on a 32' Albin boat that has been sitting untouched since 2007. It was looking very sad. So far just the 3M cleaner wax with amazing results on the hull.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Mar 15, 2020
    Go ahead and try to polish the scratches out by hand for a bit and then judge how long you'll be playing Karate Kid.
    If you decide to use a buffer or polisher, it's not a difficult skill to learn and way less effort and gelcoat, even thin gel on camper bodies.
    Only a few basic rules.
    Keep everything clean. 1 grit of sand will make more work than you originally had.
    Keep the buffer moving. Sitting in one spot and trying to grind out a blemish can/may burn or burn through the gel.
    Don't use it on decals.

    And polishing compound is very forgiving. It's abrasive qualities "polish" , not sand.
    A small amount of common sense can replace a lot of elbow grease.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Mar 15, 2020
    jstaffon wrote:
    My thoughts and concerns, exactly!...on all the replies. Thank you! I wasn't sure about the gel coat. Didn't know if it was special and needed special care and products. One thing I forgot to mention is; When I bought the camper new, I paid for the magical sealant they put on it...or said they did. Great sales effort but probably a waste of my money. I'll start out by trying a polishing compound and microfiber cloth I've used on my cars in the past. I normally put good products on my cars so they should work fine. Again, thanks for the advice!
    Look at the paperwork for that 'Magic Polish" they overcharged you for. If they are still in business you may have some recourse. Usually they won't fix anything, but you might get a partial refund.
    B.O.
  • jstaffon's avatar
    jstaffon
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2020
    My thoughts and concerns, exactly!...on all the replies. Thank you! I wasn't sure about the gel coat. Didn't know if it was special and needed special care and products. One thing I forgot to mention is; When I bought the camper new, I paid for the magical sealant they put on it...or said they did. Great sales effort but probably a waste of my money. I'll start out by trying a polishing compound and microfiber cloth I've used on my cars in the past. I normally put good products on my cars so they should work fine. Again, thanks for the advice!
  • Lightning55's avatar
    Lightning55
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2020
    There is no magic product to removing surface scratches other than using an abrasive product to cut through the surface of the scratches. Hand rubbing is not easy or as effective as a buffer, but you need someone that is experienced in the use of a buffer and polishing products. Swirl marks are usually created by using dirty or the wrong pads, the wrong products, or an inexperienced person using the buffer. Sealers and waxes must be reapplied after buffing to seal up any light swirl marks and to protect the now bare surfaces.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2020
    Try a hand polish like Nu Finish Scratch Doctor, it will do light polishing. If you need a more aggressive polish, try a polishing compound. I too would stay away from power tools for light work.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Mar 14, 2020
    I am approaching 40 years as a boater so I have seen my share of fiberglass & the various products used on it. What you have is more likely nothing more than a minor rub. A decent cleaner wax should take care of it.

    I have never had a boat or my 5er professionally cleaned or waxed so I don't really know about the swirls. Maybe they use a very aggressive compound or are too heavy on the buffer.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2020
    If the scuff marks are as light as you say just get some "polishing compound" and a micro fiber cloth and rub them out. Then use a good wax or sealant.

    I can't recommend a rookie use an electric polisher. There is just too much to do it correctly.

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