Fiberglass and Gel Coat

[slippin_jimmy]

We've had our 2016 Octane 222 for 5 years. I keep it outside uncovered. I take good care of it, but in the last two years the nose of the camper has started to get chalky and fade. This year I used Meguires Oxidation remover and then used their Pure Wax for RV/Marine Gelcoat. It looked great. After a week or so it starts to show the fibers as if there is no gel coat on this thing. Does anyone else have this problem? For what I spent on wax, it shouldn't need done every two weeks. I may just end up either applying new gel coat next year or have it wrapped. Any ideas? Thanks.

[CAG]

Here is one thread that I found by using the search bar at the top of the page in gold. There are others but the news is not good. The bottom line is there is no "fix" without totally refinishing. Some will tell you that they use this product or that product but the life of those is short when the finish under it is pretty much gone.



https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ade-80354.html


A failure on the part of RV manufactures to provide a quality product and then to stand behind their mistakes.

[muckinfuss]

Years ago, I owned a manufacturing concern that used fiberglass reinforced panels for specific projects, so I have some experience with the material.

More directly, you used a product that is an abrasive, ie: practically identical to a 'fine cut' paint compound. It removed the gel from the FRP. I haven't mic'd the frp on my trailer, but I know from experience the usual thickness of the panel is between 3mm and 5mm. I'd be willing to bet it's 3. Because the fiber threads are visible in undamaged panels, the gel itself is most likely not even 10% of the thickness. That ain't much.

Lots of info on the interweb on re-applying gel. Most is voodoo and not a diy or on the job training thing to attempt. You may have a marine refinish shop near that has the experience and proper equipment. Usually paint application equipment will fail. I can't determine what you should do since your ideas of cost effective solutions have to be dealt with.
I will suggest going forward, that if you end up with a new rv or a new finish on the old one, get yourself some good UV protection and apply it regularly. I use Chemical Guys Jetseal. I only use marine wash products and apply using a soap cannon followed up by a quick scrub using a marine brush on the pole. They're cheap at wally world.

Since you're only 6 or 7 miles from me, PM me if you want me to come look at what you're dealing with.

Good Luck in your choice.