Small “rust-like”spots on 2015 grayhawk trim piece

[rmoore2540]

Has anyone had this happen to their RV? I took it out of inside storage and noticed these spots only on this trim piece. Any suggestions for removal? I believe this trim piece is fiberglass.

[jimp]

It's probably the start of mold/mildew, or just where dirt has collected on small rough spots on the surface. A cleaner wax will remove most/all of it (Meguires), or waxing it with dawn/joy detergent. Wax after washing.

[robkelly]

Originally Posted by jimp

It's probably the start of mold/mildew, or just where dirt has collected on small rough spots on the surface. A cleaner wax will remove most/all of it (Meguires), or waxing it with dawn/joy detergent. Wax after washing.

X2

[jd99336]

Since fiberglass doesn't rust/corrode, I am with the prior two (is that x3?). I would grab a dollar store "scrubby", you know, the plastic scrub pads that sometimes have a sponge in them, take some soapy water (the $1 miracle yellow cleaner at dollar stores is also excellent for these types of things) and give it a scrub.

The photo looks like perhaps there is a bit of silicone sealant on the top of the trim piece, so if any of that is smeared where the mold/mildew is, it likely is acting like a trap for it. I may be wrong, but a little scrape of the area with your fingernail or plastic putty knife should indicate that. You may need to try and remove it the silicone, but cleaning/waxing should be enough.

This should remove it, then rinse and follow with wax of choice to give some UV protection to the paint.

[rmoore2540]

The spots are inside the silicone sealant and thus won't rub off. Any suggestions on how to remove the silicone layer? I'm just nervous on how much elbow grease to use and do damage. Thanks

[Vicr]

This topic has been discussed here before and the only solution is to replace the "molding". Sorry for the pun.

[jd99336]

Not sure why the molding would have to be replaced, but removing silicone sealant can be a bear. Similar to re-caulking a back splash or sink etc, the most effective method is to scrape it off with a plastic putty knife or other non-metallic item that will remove the caulk without damaging the underlying fiberglass or plastic.

You may want to try a bleach solution first (something like 1/2 cup per gallon but check on line as you don't want it too caustic) then soak the area with a wet bleachy rag. This may remove the mold good enough to ignore it, otherwise, you are just going to have to scrape off the old and apply new.

[Vicr]

[QUOTE=jd99336;759024]Not sure why the molding would have to be replaced, but removing silicone sealant can be a bear.



The mold is inside the molding.

[landinj]

I have the same problem on my Greyhawk. Almost looks to be rust where water has gotten into cracks in the caulk/sealant and rusted the molding covered metal trim underneath.