The exteriors of RV are made of fiberglass and covered by a gel coat. The gel coat is a synthetic resin-based material that is linked to the fiberglass surface to protect it. Not only that, but the gel coat can also create glossy and brilliant shine for the RV surface. Some campers enjoy sticking decals on their vehicles to design special highlights. After a period of time, both gel coat and decals appear oxidized by environmental elements, including UV rays, rust on iron, dust on the surface, etc.
Hence, to keep your RV looking good and prevent oxidation, you should know the ways on how to remove oxidation from RV decals and fiberglass.
Table of Contents
What Kind of RV?
On the market nowadays, it offers a variety of RVs with different exteriors. We still have various ways to take care of each type of RV. You need to determine what kind of vehicle it is before applying solutions on its surface.
Fiberglass Gel Coat RV
A combination of fiberglass material and gel coat covered outside is the most popular type of RV.
It usually has two colors: cream-colored or white.
It is often applied vinyl decals with lettering or stripping patterns.
Although it is a fiberglass gel coat RV, it still has paint at the top or bottom of the body.
Over time, the gel coat can be hazy, blotchy and chalky.
Aluminum or Corrugated Fiberglass RV
This type of RV can be a smooth-sided or textured corrugation.
The RVs are often white, but they can be painted any color.
They have applied to a variety of vinyl decals and lettering.
Fully Painted RV
This type of RV is the same as a car with two full covers, including color paint cover and a clear topcoat.
The fully-painted RVs are the most expensive and the least common type. However, they are effortlessly washed and waxed with soap, water.
How to Remove Oxidation From the Fiberglass Surface?
As I have mentioned above, the oxidation process on the fiberglass surface will cause stains, rust, dust, etc. Therefore, you can refer to these tips for preventing those problems on your RV:
Removing oxidation with Hand Buffing
You could prepare a non-scratch scrubby sponge or polishing compound to retrieve oxidized fiberglass.
Take a little polishing compound or special oxidation remover for RV on the sponge and rub the polish onto the RV surface by hand. You can work on it many times until you don’t see any resistance.
Let the polish dry. Then, using a dry cloth to wipe off the polish on the surface.
Removing oxidation with Power Buffer
If you don’t want to work more, you can use an electric power buffer as a replacement.
Take a little polish on the machine and remove oxidation on the wide surfaces of your RV.
Apply the polishing compound or wax for RV decals on the non-scratch sponge to polish the little nooks on your rig.
Moreover, the electric power buffer can not only use to polish the fiberglass surface, but it also is used to cover the wax on the RV.
Tips to Prevent RV Oxidation
It would help if you cleaned your RV monthly to prevent the oxidation process.
You could choose products that have both “wash and wax” functions to achieve optimal effect.
To keep the RV looking good and shining, you should wax it at least once a year.
When you don’t use the RV, you should cover it with a wide canvas to prevent damages caused by environmental factors.
How to Remove Oxidation on RV Decals?
If your RV is applied with vinyl decals, you should take care of them with suitable maintenance. Unless the decals will be cracked or faded by UV rays or oxidation. There are many ways to protect the decal surface, but I will introduce the cheapest and easiest tip to you as below:
Necessary materials
- Non-scratch scrub sponge.
- Water.
Step 1: Deep the sponge with fresh water.
Step 2: Use one face of the sponge to rub on the small sections of decals. You can put a lot of pressure to work best.
Step 3: Squeeze out the sponge and use the other side of it for the next step.
Step 4: Wipe away oxidation and dirt. Repeat the process in other sections.
Step 5: Let the decals dry.
Step 6: Apply to the Rejuvenate solution of decals to create a smooth and glossy surface for your RV.
Conclusion
Those are some instructions about how to remove oxidation for your RV fiberglass and decals. To extend your RV life, you should read pieces of information above carefully and perform them frequently.
Did you find those pieces of information beneficial to you?
Let us know in the comment below!
Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.