High Gloss repair? - Montana Owners Club

Ozzie · 09-08-2006, 05:57 PM

I got a little too close to a tree last trip out and a branch made a dull streak in the finish...

I tried cleaning it with a couple different cleaners, but would love any ideas how to bring the gloss back. I haven't tried wax yet as I wanted to here if you folks have had any luck first.

327RKS

sreigle · 09-09-2006, 03:05 PM

Ozzie, the high gloss is known as "automotive finish" although I fail to see the connection. I'm not sure how to fix that scratch but I wonder if automotive polishing compound followed by wax would work. Just like you'd do on a car? It doesn't sound like you'd need to go to a fullblown rubbing compound.

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Ozzie · 09-09-2006, 03:42 PM

Whew! Thanks for the reply Steve...I was starting to feel like a red headed stepchild with no replies.

I was holding off trying compounds and such figuring someone here has surely gotten a skuffmark or two and learned how to take them out.
It would make sense to try what you said, but I just don't want to get too aggressive with it and cause further damage.

I'm starting to appreciate the space in the campgrounds more and more these days. Our lake lot doesn't have a lot of room to be turning a rig my size around and I got bit by the rear end swing.
After taking it up there for three seasons I should know where things are, but I tried to give myself just a little more room.

I may try something mild at first to see how it goes.

327RKS

Cat320 · 09-10-2006, 08:25 AM

Always start with the least abrasive substance. Try plain car wax/polish. If that does not work, use the lightest abrasive (compound) you can find. Keep going until you get one that will work. Many times the standard wax/polish will do the trick.

Bert and Betty
Fort Smith, AR
2007 Silverado Classic 3500, DRW, D/A, CC
2007 Montana 3400RL

Old GI · 09-10-2006, 12:14 PM

Ozzie, the auto dealers use something called clay bar, I had a rub mark on my rear dual wheel fender (don't ask) I took it to the paint shop and they used clay bar and you cannot see the rub mark.

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Ozzie · 09-10-2006, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.
It's been wet out today, so I haven't been able to try anything yet.
I've been stuck watching football and having a couple beers...

I agree it makes sense to start out easy though, and I think I have some of that clay bar stuff around too.

327RKS

kmh3212 · 01-24-2007, 06:11 PM

Ozzie, I know it sounds strange but automotive paint shops wet sand the paint/gel coat that you see. They have some very very fine black waterproof sandpaper that will take the scratches right out. You get a water hose and some of that super fine sandpaper and rub the damage right out.

Illini Trekker · 01-25-2007, 02:41 AM

From what I know Turtle Wax is one step from a rubbing compound and still be a wax. That is where I'd start then move up the abrasive latter.SeeYa

VanMan · 01-25-2007, 04:53 AM

That sandpaper is wet/dry 500 grit and it will make anything shine - use lots of water. I'd still start with the compounds first, though (localized just to the mark).

Ozzie · 01-25-2007, 06:00 AM

Ahh...the thread came back from the dead...

I did try a couple of cremes, but never got it resolved to my satisfaction yet, although still very interested in the responses.

We are currently under seige with the cold winter here in Minnesota, so anything to do with polishes or water will have to wait for spring.
In the meantime, I'm rebuilding my systems and doing what I can between the cold snaps.
Winter sure doesn't hold the charm it did when I was a youngster...

snfexpress · 01-25-2007, 04:51 PM

Try http://www.adamspolishes.com/

I used the Butter Wax (with clay bar material in it) and the Detail Spray. Use the Detail Spray first, then follow it with the Butter Wax. My High-Gloss looks good.

sreigle · 01-27-2007, 09:28 AM

Michael, will that also work to rejuvenate dull gelcoat on the nose of the rig? I don't have that problem yet on this rig but did on the prior one. Thanks.

rickety · 01-27-2007, 02:04 PM

Don't use 500 grit paper, that is what you use to prep for paint. 1600 grit with lots of water will give you a almost polished finish that can be finished of with a good wax.
had a couple of rub marks on the 39 chevy i built, from my jeans, used 1600 and a claybar and fonal wax and you couldn't tell it had ever been marred.

snfexpress · 01-27-2007, 02:20 PM

I used it on everything, including my truck!

Ozzie · 01-27-2007, 02:30 PM

...so you must buy that Detail spray in the one gallon bottle then?

See - I was paying attention...

melnjoy · 01-28-2007, 03:22 AM

Last Summer we had some fiberglass repairs done on a delaminating bubble and Mel asked the guys at the shop what to use for some discoloration on the high gloss parts of the gel coat. They gave us some wet/dry 2000 grit (yes, 2000 grit), and Mel did try that and even that left some marks you can see if you look hard. So.... Be careful....

Joy

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