How Do I Restore Faded Fiberglass on an RV?
Faded fiberglass on an RV can often be restored by first determining whether oxidation is causing the fading, removing the damaged oxidized material, and then sealing and protecting the prepared surface. If the RV looks dull, chalky or bleached even after washing, oxidation may be the reason the original color and shine have disappeared.
Why Does RV Fiberglass Fade?
An RV spends much of its life exposed to sunlight, oxygen, moisture, road grime, temperature changes and other environmental conditions.
Over time, these conditions can break down the exterior surface and cause oxidation.
Common signs include:
- Faded colors
- A dull finish
- A white or chalky appearance
- Patchy or uneven coloring
- Stains that become harder to clean
- Loss of the original glossy finish
Oxidation is different from dirt. If an RV still looks faded after a thorough cleaning, simply washing it again will not restore the original appearance.
Can Faded RV Fiberglass Look Good Again?
In many cases, yes.
The first step is removing the oxidation and contamination from the surface. The severity of the oxidation determines how much preparation is necessary.
Poli Glow's restoration process uses Poli Prep® to clean and prepare fiberglass and gelcoat surfaces and remove light to moderate oxidation, stains, grime, old wax and other detailing products.
When oxidation is moderate to heavy, Poli Ox® can be used for additional oxidation removal.
The surface should be prepared until it is clean and uniformly dull without chalkiness, stains, blotches or obvious areas of remaining oxidation.
Some colors may still appear faded at this point. Removing oxidation prepares the fiberglass for restoration, but it does not by itself create the final glossy appearance.
How Do You Bring the Shine Back?
After the oxidized surface has been properly prepared, Poli Glow® is applied to seal the surface and restore a glossy finish.
Poli Glow is a water-based acrylic polymer designed for fiberglass, gelcoat and other compatible exterior surfaces. It is applied in multiple thin coats rather than being buffed like a traditional wax.
Each coat should dry before another is added. After application is complete, the finish requires 48 hours to fully cure and should be protected from rain or other water exposure during that time.
Do I Have to Buff a Faded RV?
Buffing is one traditional method of restoring oxidized fiberglass, but it is not the only approach.
Traditional restoration frequently uses abrasive compounds and a power buffer to remove the deteriorated surface, followed by wax or another protective product.
The Poli Glow restoration system provides an alternative process in which oxidation is removed during surface preparation and Poli Glow is then applied as the protective high-gloss finish.
Which method is appropriate depends on the condition of the RV and the type of surface involved.
What About RV Decals and Graphics?
RV exteriors often contain several different materials, so preparation products should not automatically be used over every part of the vehicle.
Follow the product instructions carefully and protect sensitive graphics, including ink-printed or silk-screened decals, during surface preparation. If you are uncertain about a particular painted surface, decal or graphic, test an inconspicuous area or contact Poli Glow before beginning the restoration.
How Can I Keep My RV From Fading Again?
Once the exterior has been restored, ongoing protection is much easier than repeatedly allowing severe oxidation to develop.
Regularly wash the RV, keep environmental contaminants from remaining on the surface, protect it from prolonged sun exposure when practical, and maintain the protective finish.
With a Poli Glow finish, routine cleaning and maintenance coats help keep the exterior glossy and reduce future oxidation.
Related Questions
What causes fiberglass and gelcoat to turn chalky?
https://poliglow.com/pages/what-causes-fiberglass-and-gelcoat-to-turn-chalky
How do I keep gelcoat from oxidizing again?
https://poliglow.com/pages/how-do-i-keep-gelcoat-from-oxidizing-again
What is Poli Glow and how does it work?
https://poliglow.com/pages/what-is-poli-glow-and-how-does-it-work