Waxing...live & learn

[gearhead]

Good timing on resurrecting this subject. After being on my Amazon wish list for weeks and weeks, I finally pulled the trigger on the Porter Cable with a Chemical Guys assortment of hex pads. Just got it Tuesday. I'll experiment with polishes, sealants, and glazes.
No I wouldn't use the truck wash. I have used a regular carwash that has one high bay. I use it to wash saltwater off the bay boat. Did the 5th in it once to just knock the dust off. Not really worth the effort. I can use the old blue Walmart extendable soft brush and the Mequiars yellow soap for a better job and about as quick.

[bsmith0404]

The PC is a good unit for occasional work and will do the job well for you. Just run it up on around 5 and don't press to hard. I put a black mark with a sharpie on the backing plate so you can see that it is spinning. If you apply too much pressure it'll stop spinning the pad, but it's hard to tell without something to clue you in visually.

I have my PC set up with 3" pads for small spaces and I use my Flex 3401 for the big stuff. It is a beast and is gear driven so it will not stop spinning. If you get the bug after using the PC and want to spend some big bucks on a polisher, I highly recommend the Flex.

[gearhead]

Yes it is big bucks. $360 on Amazon.

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by gearhead

Yes it is big bucks. $360 on Amazon.

It's a bit heavier too, gets tiring on something with as much vertical area as an RV. The PC is much more user friendly.

[Desert185]

You guys need to do yourselves a favor and try the Top Gun Ultra Finish. You don't need all that machinery.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by Desert185

You guys need to do yourselves a favor and try the Top Gun Ultra Finish. You don't need all that machinery.

I see a couple places to buy it. Do you have a preference?

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by gearhead

I see a couple places to buy it. Do you have a preference?

I get mine from www.aircraftspruce.com.

[LittleJoe]

I have the trailer AND truck done once a year in March when we are in Florida.

The mobile outfit (husband and wife team) do roof and wash and wax truck and trailer for 160.00 (I give them 20.00 tip). It usually takes them 3-4hrs.
They do an excellent job and the shine lasts from one year to the next. 5 yrs in a row now. (The wax is pink and they have used same for 10yrs. Can't remember brand).

For that kind of $ I will gladly farm that job out. I usually text them a month ahead and have appointment for the 2nd or 3rd day after we arrive.

[gearhead]

Update...a year later.
I finally reached the point I couldn't stand to look at it anymore. I've been attacking it for about an hour at a time in the evenings. If any of you are familiar with Houston weather...it's heavy dew until 10am that won't wipe off and then blistering heat and humidity until an hour before dark. I got a bottle of Chemical Guys Boat Heavy Cutting Compound. I tried a green pad first and not much. Went to the yellow pad and it worked. I put 4-6 dots on the pad, spread it on speed 1 over a 2' x 2' area and ran up to speed 6 with maybe 6-8 passes. I did a little at time and finished compounding this evening. I've gone over maybe 33% with the Klasse One and Done cleaner wax. When I finish with that I'll put the Klasse Glaze over it. I'll wash the other 3 sides of the trailer and it should be good. I may have to touch up compound when the weather cools.
I think what happened is the very heavy morning dew got baked on the south side. The other 3 sides are OK...just need a wash. I will probably spend more time on the front cap.
Now to wash it, go get it inspected, get my back surgery Aug 21, and be ready to get on the road about late September.

[kfxgreenie]

Originally Posted by gearhead

Update...a year later.
I finally reached the point I couldn't stand to look at it anymore. I've been attacking it for about an hour at a time in the evenings. If any of you are familiar with Houston weather...it's heavy dew until 10am that won't wipe off and then blistering heat and humidity until an hour before dark. I got a bottle of Chemical Guys Boat Heavy Cutting Compound. I tried a green pad first and not much. Went to the yellow pad and it worked. I put 4-6 dots on the pad, spread it on speed 1 over a 2' x 2' area and ran up to speed 6 with maybe 6-8 passes. I did a little at time and finished compounding this evening. I've gone over maybe 33% with the Klasse One and Done cleaner wax. When I finish with that I'll put the Klasse Glaze over it. I'll wash the other 3 sides of the trailer and it should be good. I may have to touch up compound when the weather cools.
I think what happened is the very heavy morning dew got baked on the south side. The other 3 sides are OK...just need a wash. I will probably spend more time on the front cap.
Now to wash it, go get it inspected, get my back surgery Aug 21, and be ready to get on the road about late September.

What kind of back surgery are they performing? I love a clean vehicle, the satisfaction of seeing your hard work when done priceless. That said being fused from L2-S1, 2-3 hours of running a porter cable 7424 is all i can take for a day.

[gearhead]

Four herniated discs. Three impinged nerve openings. Appointment next week with PA to remind me what the doc is doing. It was the proverbial "drinking from a fire hose" discussion at the last appointment. I'm thinking laminectomy and opening up the nerve openings.

[kfxgreenie]

Good Luck with the surgery, hopefully everything goes well and you get some relief. Just take it easy waxing the rig, don't want to make things worse.

[bert]

what does everyone use for oxidation removal?

[gearhead]

^^^see post#29. I used Chemical Guys products. 3M should be at least as good.

[GreyCamper]

Originally Posted by bert

what does everyone use for oxidation removal?

I have a 2015 Outback and with some oxidation on the front cap. So far, I have tried the 3M Marine with a Porter Cable polisher. It lasted the summer and it needs to be done again. However, I have also downloaded the maintenance manual from Keystone for my fifth wheel and they recommend to use Poli Glow to remove the oxidation and then their sealer.

I have placed an order for Poli Glow kit and I am presently waiting for it.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by bert

what does everyone use for oxidation removal?

Top Gun Ultra Finish: Spruce P/N 09-00192

www.aircraftspruce.com