How to Restore the Shine

[7th day]

The top front cap on my 1905 MinLite has turned a flat dull anyone know what to use to restore the shine? I've tried automotive polishing compound and wax but it won't shine up.

[5er_tom]

After 115 years I am not suprised[emoji4]

[7th day]

Originally Posted by 5er_tom

After 115 years I am not suprised[emoji4]

Yep it looks incredible for being so old

[GoneSouth10]

Originally Posted by 5er_tom

After 115 years I am not suprised[emoji4]

Hahaha!!

[GOTTOYS]

It's probably fiberglass gelcoat, not paint. You could probably get a shine if you use automotive rubbing compound and a buffer but it will only last a few weeks. Once they start to go it's over. The only real cure is to have it painted with a good quality automotive base coat/clear coat finish.

[Grdumond]

My previous MH had gel coat front and back end caps that were really dull and chalky white when I purchased it. I had a friend who owned a body shop and he loaned me his hand buffer equipped with a “heavy cut” buffing pad. He also gave me a “heavy cut” liquid compound to use. With a some practice (and a little coaching) I was able to get that gel coat to a high gloss. I finished it off with a good wax and it stayed looking good up to when I traded the unit for a newer model several years later. It did take me over 4 days and some arm muscles to get it done but it is possible to restore faded gel coat.

[PenJoe]

Gelcoat restoration and products to maintain the finish are the same for RVs and boats. The first website "2-simple ways" does not require a buffer. Each of the videos below gives some great information with different techniques to maintain gelcoat. Be careful using a buffer around graphics.

https://www.doityourselfrv.com/remov...2-simple-ways/

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...CE60&FORM=VIRE

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...F214&FORM=VIRE

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...64&FORM=VDMCNR

[frozen]

I used 3M Fiberglass Restorer on an old, dull sailboat. It brought back a shine that lasted, but took a lot of work. I found the product at an auto parts store.

[Cleo]

We purchased a used 2016 Surveyor with the dark brown gelcoat in 2018. Since we were not the original buyers we figured there would be no warranty claims available for the oxidized gelcoat. It was badly oxidized with white shading throughout the front brown cap.
We tried "Poli Glow Canada Restoration System". Using the Poli Ox Marine Cleanser to remove the oxidation, then Poli Prep to prepare the surface and once dry 5 coats of the Poli Glow to restore the shine. It took quite a few hours but the outcome was a finish and shine of a brand new RV. Cost in the fall of 2018 was $160.90, but I have enough to do one more application for this year. The process lasted us 18 months through an Ontario summer and 2 Ontario winters. Amazon.com now sells this product for a lot less than we pay in Canada even with the difference of the dollar.

[djreg]

I have used 303 Aerospace . It goes on easy and buffs off easy. It lasts longer than anything I have ever used. You can use this on rubber and metal too. Great Stuff.

[7th day]

Thanks to all for the info will certainly give it a try.

[itat]

I would use a Cleaner Wax product like Meguiar’s 50 to remove oxidation and then a wax/polish of your choice.

[NJKris]

Does regular waxing prevent the OP's issue?

[aircommuter]

Keeping it out of the sun is the best way. Wax doesn’t stop it but some oxidation would be removed each time with a cleaner/wax.
I use a Flex polisher with 3m compound starting with 36060, 39061 and final with 39062. There are other numbers for the same products.
Then you might look into the nano-ceramic protectant products.

With the Flex polisher not much chance of burning. They use forced rotation orbital motion. You can get that in other machines today like Festool.

[GOTTOYS]

Originally Posted by NJKris

Does regular waxing prevent the OP's issue?

Probably not much. It's the UV rays that kill the finish. None of the waxes or polishes that I've seen can eliminate 100% of them. I've dealt with this on my last two fifth wheels. Rubbed, buffed and polished. Never lasted very long. Tried the Zep floor polish coating that was all the rage a few years ago and after a few months it crystalized and started to flake off. Made a real mess and I did all the right prep work too. Finally had it painted.

[burks]

I have used Poly Glow with success on a 2000 motorhome. Get the kit at Amazon.

Poli Glow kit boat RV fiberglass/gel coat restoration with UV inhibitors, water-based polymers, 32 ounce Poli Glow, 32 ounce Poli Prep, micro fiber mitt applicator scrub pad w/ handle
4.6 out of 5 stars
378
$79.95
$79
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95
FREE One-Day
Get it Tomorrow, Mar 6

[NJKris]

Here's the link Burks. You have to cut and paste the whole link into the link window. https://www.amazon.com/Poli-Glow-fib...3418158&sr=8-2

[NJKris]

Hahahah, I just watched the little video clip with that product, and it looks like the side of the boat says NJKris!

[itat]

Originally Posted by NJKris

Hahahah, I just watched the little video clip with that product, and it looks like the side of the boat says NJKris!

Close. I read "NiKris II".

[spicercars]

The only way to get the shine back is to use a buffer with a wool pad and automotive rubbing compound. After that a good coat of you wax of choice. I have tried the easy rub on rub off and have found nothing that works.