With all the advantages of having an RV comes great maintenance. As it faces the great outdoors, it is met with rain, dust, hail, snow, and many other factors that can add up to significant damage in the long run. Specifically, all these factors affect the RV’s exterior. One of the most problematic challenges owners might face is the steady build-up of oxidation in the rig’s exterior. This is why most owners invest in the best oxidation remover for RV that they can find!
Table of Contents
10 Best RV Oxidation Remover Reviews
1. Meguiar’s M4901 Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover
The task of removing discoloration and other deep-seated stains is an expensive one. However, if you are on a tight budget, you certainly need the help of a trustworthy oxidation remover. If you want to restore your boat or your RV to its former glory, you need to include Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover to your shopping list.
What I love about this product is its flexibility. Not only can it eliminate any discoloration, but it can also remove nasty corrosion and deep-seated stains. In addition, it can improve the quality of the surface by giving it a sleek finish.
I also like the fact that it can reduce scratches. With this product, I don’t need to hire a professional or go to an auto body shop just to deal with this issue. One simple application of this fluid reveals a kind of glow to my rather old RV. Now, you have to take a closer look before you can identify the scratches.
Another impressive feature of this product is its ease of use. I didn’t have to use any special glove to handle the fluid. Just a simple rug can handle it without harming my skin.
While this product is indeed very effective, my only concern is the number of times I have to use it before it shows any result. I had to apply this oxidation remover at least three times to achieve impressive results.
- Reduce scratches and corrosion
- Restores color
- Safe to touch
- Easy to apply
- Have to use it multiple times to achieve results
2. McKee’s 37 Marine & RV MKRV-520 Heavy Cut Oxidation Remover
Oxidation and other discoloration on your RV or boat can be considered an eyesore. To stop this from happening, you need to invest in a trustworthy oxidation remover. But finding the right product can be difficult, given the number of available products in the market today. If you haven’t decided yet, this one from McKee’s is certainly worth a try.
When I first tried this product, I knew that it was the right choice. I was able to remove 10 years of discoloration on the front side of my RV instantly. Moreover, this brand is very easy to use. Just one swipe of the fluid using a rug instantly reveals a good result. In addition, I didn’t need to use gloves because it is safe to touch.
Another noteworthy feature of this product that I’d like to discuss is its long buffing cycle. With this, I didn’t need to buff my RV that often. I can leave it as it is for months.
My only problem with this particular oxidation product is its small size. 16 oz is definitely not enough to finish a huge restoration project. I had to purchase four more in order to give my RV the kind of restoration it deserves. Purchasing more of this product definitely puts a dent on my wallet.
- Heavy-duty
- Reduce scratches
- Has a long buffing cycle
- Easy to use
- Comes only with 16 oz size
3. Meguiar’s M771 Marine/RV Care Heavy Oxidation Scrub
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to remove oxidation from RV gelcoat or boat fiberglass surfaces should consider Meguiar’s M771 Heavy Oxidation Scrub. After all, automotive detailers and showroom operators rely on Meguiar’s unquestionable performance in restoring a vehicle’s brand-new looks and protecting it from the elements.
This product’s foaming action actually works, lifting dirt, grime, and other particles off the motorhome’s surface like powerful magnets. Preparing the panels for more aggressive oxidation removal is a breeze with these surface contaminants out of the way.
RV owners can also apply an automotive wax to protect their campers against future oxidation, allowing them to drive into an RV park with confidence.
This heavy-duty oxidation remover is perfect for marine vessels with fiberglass and gel coat surfaces. Logic dictates that if this product can eliminate oxidation from sunbaked boats, removing the yellowish stains from RVs should be a cinch. Indeed, applying this oxidation remover to my motorhome turned its unsightly staining into a mirror-glaze finish.
I also appreciate the biodegradable detergents. I do not want to dump toxic chemicals onto the ground or bodies of water, making this product one of the eco-friendliest oxidation removers.
After reading several Meguiar’s oxidation remover reviews, I knew this product demanded more time and effort than other products. I do not question its effectiveness. However, RV owners must schedule their oxidation removal activity because it takes time to complete the project.
Moreover, one must exercise the arm and hand muscles because the application needs more than the usual elbow grease.
- Oxidation-removal capabilities for fiberglass and gel coat surfaces
- With biodegradable detergents for safety
- Recommended for RV and marine applications
- Advanced foaming action for better cleaning
- Trustworthy brand, used by automotive shop
- Plenty of time and elbow grease required
4. 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat 36106
If you’re having problems with the oxidation cleaner you are using just rubbing off the gel coat, then you’re using the wrong product. It’s important to use a compound that is safe for your RV exterior. For RVs with gel coating, I recommend this compound from 3M, specifically the 36106 variant, which is best for moderate oxidation.
You would definitely need a buffer to maximize this product. Hand-buffing won’t cut it, in my opinion. But when you apply and buff, it effectively removes the cloudiness and made my travel trailer’s side shine. My technique when using this compound is that I use a multi-speed buffer. I apply it at low speed first, and once that’s done, I finish it off with medium speed. I place one coating of wax to make sure it lasts.
If your RV has light oxidation and you just need a compound for regular maintenance, go for the light version, though this variant would work swell, too. If you need something extra strong, go for the heavy variant.
Now, for the downside. When I said you shouldn’t apply it by hand, I wasn’t joking. Hands aren’t fast enough for the cleaner and it easily dries up if you attempt to do it manually. But just follow the instructions and you’ll be golden.
- Works great for light to moderate oxidation
- Effective when using power buffers
- Specialized for fiberglass and gel coated exteriors
- Easily dries up so hand-application won’t work
6. 3M Marine Restorer and Wax
If you’re looking for a color restoring and oxidation removing product that really works — this is it! I’m very happy with 3M’s product that it’s actually now my favorite. Let me tell you why.
First off, even if its main purpose is to be used on boats, it can also be used on campers. It works well even for RVs that have been neglected for so long that it developed heavy oxidation and hard water stains. Your camper will look brand new with this product. Mine looked so shiny it makes me proud to take it out again!
Second, the wax provides enough protection so that your fifth wheel won’t gather stains and oxidation any time soon. I estimate that it takes at least 10 months before I started seeing any form of oxidation.
However, with every positive thing comes a negative aspect, and that downside is that it really needs buffing. You can do it manually or with a power tool. You can go with just manual buffing if you have enough energy, and it’s enough to get rid of the dullness. But if you want it to really shine, I suggest using a power buffer.
What’s great is that you don’t actually need to use a separate wax. This includes a polishing compound that helps give that shine as well as enough protection to last you months.
- Works fantastic for heavily oxidized parts
- Color restorer and polisher in one
- Leaves RVs and boats shiny and clean
- Requires effort (manual buffing or power buffing) to effectively remove oxidation
7. Poli Ox Heavy Oxidation Remover
Oxidation can be one of the main issues that make your travel trailer looking dull and unattractive. As I said, it’s one of the issues, but it’s not the only one. For instance, you may also have rusted parts, water stains (some rivers leave colored stains, such as brown or orange), and even mineral deposits. These are not easy to remove. Instead of using multiple products for multiple issues, why not use just one? If you’re wondering about how to make an old RV look new, Poli Glow’s Poli Ox is the answer.
Unlike other oxidation removers that are liquid, this one is in powder form. I used it thick like a paste, and it removed really tough stains. This was a relief because some of these reddish-brown stains I thought I would never be able to remove.
I would recommend using gloves when applying this as it has chemicals that can be harmful. I always use gloves when using any of Poli Glow’s products.
One thing I don’t like is that it requires a lot of effort. But then, it worked astonishingly great, so my tiredness was rewarded with a good-looking travel trailer.
What I love most about this product is that it enhances even colored decals. This is one of the major concerns when using oxidation removers — that it can ruin decals. Thankfully, it did not! It even made the decals look brighter and of course, shinier.
- Removes all sorts of stains and oxidation
- Enhances decals
- Polishes steel, aluminum, chrome and more
- Requires a lot of effort to clean up stains
- You can be exposed to chemicals
8. Thetford Corp 55032 Oxidation Remover
Thetford is a brand I’ve known for a while. I’ve tested a lot of their RV products. It’s a hit and miss, actually. Thankfully, their Protect All Oxidation Remover works nicely. This product is very easy to apply. If you’re in a hurry to remove light to moderate rusty and chalky stains, this is a good choice.
What I like about this product is that, as I mentioned above, it’s easy to apply. It shines nicely and coats evenly. It also provides protection from oxidation, so it will take a while before I’m bothered with that issue again. Aside from fiberglass, this also works on metal surfaces coated with enamel or polyurethane paint.
However, you would need at least two or three applications if there’s heavy oxidation. If you tried just one application, you would think that it didn’t work, but it does just a little at a time. I also noticed that for best results, I had to work on a small patch of your fiberglass, about one or two feet at a time, instead of rubbing it on a large surface and hand buffing afterward.
- Easy to apply
- Coats evenly
- Makes surfaces shine nicely
- Removes wax build-up
- Works great for light to moderate staining only
5. Premium RV Wax Color Restorer and Deoxidizer
Even if I love the dirty look of my RV (which shows that I really go off on adventures), that doesn’t mean I’ll just let it look old and dilapidated. Of course, I would clean it up and buff it some from time to time. But if in you’re in a hurry and you can’t buff your camper, I suggest trying this premium RV wax from Thetford.
What I love most about this product is that you won’t need a power buffer to make it really shine. The shine is equivalent to using compound and glaze and then buffing your camper, which is a lot of work. It does restore the color quickly, which is wonderful.
It also leaves a nice layer of coating for the fiberglass and other surface areas. This is great since I haven’t stopped camping out after I used this product. Even if it rained where I was at, when the sun shone, everything still looks good.
If you’re thinking about how to make RV shine, this product will work nicely. But the downside to this is that it does not completely clear up the oxidation. It shines, but some of the oxidation is still there. Plus, it only lasts for two to three months, after which I had to re-apply.
- Brightens nicely
- Does not need buffing
- One bottle is enough for large campers
- Provides enough protection
- Lasts for only two to three months
- Does not fully remove oxidation
9. Boater’s EDGE Cleaner Wax
If your rig has moderate to extreme oxidation, this product from Boater’s Edge can help solve your problem, if you’re not averse against a little elbow grease. Among all the cleaners I’ve used, this one gave the most in-depth instructions that helped me achieve the shine that I so longed for.
Now if you have light oxidation, this works by simply applying, wiping and then polishing your camper. With moderate to heavy oxidation, you would need to exert more effort. Based on experience, if it’s light oxidation, just apply, allow it to dry, and then wipe. For deeper oxidation, you would need a power buffer.
However, compared to other compounds, you won’t be exposed to harsher chemicals, which I believe is an upside.
I love that it’s effective in removing the dullness on my RV’s paint. It doesn’t harm the decals, which is great! That is one of my biggest fears with cleaners. Whether you have a clear coat, gel coat, or paint, it effectively brightens the surface. The gloss lasts as long as eight months to one year. The moment I begin to see oxidation, I apply this product again to prevent the oxidation from deepening.
- Great for light, moderate and heavy oxidation
- Works for fiberglass and metal surfaces
- Has no harsh chemicals
- More effort is required for deeper oxidation
10. Protect-All Fiberglass Oxidation Remover
Wondering how you can restore your RV’s former glory without breaking the bank? All you need is a trustworthy oxidation remover such as this one from ProtectAll. If you haven’t heard of this product, just read on so that you will know how fascinating this color restorer is.
What I like about this oxidation remover is its effectiveness. In just one application, I was able to remove the yellowish build up on the front side of my RV. other products normally take two to three applications before I could get rid of any stain or discoloration. This one, however, only took me one. I’m really impressed by this oxidation remover’s efficacy.
Aside from the fact that it can remove oxidation from RV roof and sides quickly, it can also restore the color of boats and RV. I was amazed when I saw its performance. My RV’s blue color has faded over the years. However, with just one application of this product, its original color when I purchased it was brought back.
Finally, I am glad that this product is easy to use. I didn’t need any extra tools or equipment to apply it.
My only disappointment with this product is that this product is not suitable for RVs with a clear coat finish.
- Removes oxidation and stain in one application
- Restores color
- Works well with a buffing machine
- Easy to use
- Not suitable for RVs with a clear coat finish
Bio-Kleen M00707 Oxidation Remover (Outdated)
Of all the oxidation removers I’ve tried, this one from Bio-Kleen is the easiest to apply, by far. Why, you only have to spray it on! That’s great because for an old guy (ok, I’m not that old, but my back aches at times!), bending down to get more compound to apply can be a pain. With this one, I can just hold the bottle on my left hand and a towel on the right to proceed with the wiping. I wait for about a minute before wiping it off though, to make sure it gets rid of the oxidation.
What I love about this product is that it also helps remove other dirt, such as mold, mildew, mineral stains and rust. You would think that since this is spray-on and doesn’t need buffing, it won’t work as better. It actually did, which is great! Based on my experience, it works well on fiberglass.
For heavier oxidation, I suggest spraying more of the product and wait longer (such as five to ten minutes). At first, I thought it didn’t work on heavier stains, but when I accidentally waited longer (went inside the house to get something), when I got back and washed it down, the stains were gone!
One thing I noticed though is that it releases some sort of fume when sprayed. This must be the chemical acting on the stain. As such, I wore gloves to protect my hands, and a facemask so I won’t inhale the fume.
- Great for light to moderate oxidation
- No power buffing or scrubbing necessary
- Easy to apply
- Releases light chemical fumes
What to Look for When Buying an Oxidation Remover for RV
I’ve tried multiple cleaners and oxidation removers for my RVs (yes, I have several). One thing I noticed about oxidation cleaners is that you really need to try them out to find which one works! But of course, no one wants to buy multiple products for one purpose, right?
So when buying such products, aside from reading fiberglass oxidation remover reviews, here are my tips for you:
- Choose the oxidation cleaner specifically made for RVs or boats, not for cars.
As a longtime RV owner and enthusiast, I cannot stress enough the importance of choosing RV-specified products for your rig. This is simply because they are made to complement the materials used in manufacturing your RV. Although the RV’s exterior might look the same with your motorcycles and/or cars, they are actually made from entirely different materials. In fact, the RV’s exterior is more comparable to the exteriors of boats and yachts!
Oxidation remover products that are specified for RVs will complement your rig’s exterior, which in turn complements the very activities that you conduct with your RV. Ordinary cars are just not made to travel like the RV, hence they would not need RV-grade strength! One day you are facing blistering hot weather, with dust and dirt sticking to your RV. The next, you are facing heavy rains and strong winds. This is why you should invest in an RV-grade oxidation remover.
Granted that the RV’s exterior is built to be quite stronger than the ordinary car’s, oxidation problems are not something that you should take lightly because it is more costly to tackle as it worsens. And RV owners worth their salt know fully how pricey the maintenance can be!
- Know the surface finish of your exterior.
After choosing an RV-grade oxidation remover for your RV, you would then need to know what kind of exterior you have in order to select what type of remover you need. Different materials have different requirements when it comes to this, and knowing the gist would go a long way for your rig.
Fiberglass RV Gel Coat – This is probably the most common kind of RV exterior you can find out there. From the average priced campers up to the high-end options, fiberglass gel coat is utilized by many manufacturers for its lightweight and durability. Usually, with white (or cream) coloring, RVs with this kind of exterior can also have minimal striping, lettering, and even decals. This kind of exterior somehow becomes chalky and hazy-looking as time goes by.
Painted and Finished RV Exterior – This is arguably the least common type of RV exterior that one can find. This type of exterior can handle a full paint job with two stages, comparable to a car’s exterior. They are also easier to wax and wash as compared to the other options. The painted and finished RV exterior is probably the most expensive out of the options, used commonly with the manufacturing of high-end, A-Class motorhomes.
Corrugated RV Exterior – This is the choice of the RV owner on a budget. Highly durable and widely available, the corrugated fiberglass (or aluminum) exterior is the cheapest of the main options. Usually coming in white, they can also be painted on with other colors. Vinyl letterings and decals also complement this exterior.
Knowing what type of exterior you are working with, you can ask for RV oxidation removers with chemical compounds that are not a threat to the materials that consist your rig!
- Consider the Product’s Versatility
Although the exterior is your main concern, there may come a time when you also need the oxidation remover for other surfaces. If you feel that this is a problem that you want to avert, then you can also find a versatile product that can do wonders for fiberglass, aluminum, metal, or gel coat. The good news is that such products are available in shops too, although they may differ greatly in prices.
It is also worth noting that there are RV oxidation removers that come with polish and wax. These products are highly cost-effective and are also able to bring other help to the table by helping it restore the exterior’s gleam while leaving a protective layer to maintain it.
- Consider the Longevity
When it comes to the RV’s maintenance, think of each purchase as an investment in the long run. Just the same, when looking for the best oxidation remover for RV, you should also consider the lasting factor of the product. Since the process of removing oxidation from RV is painstakingly laborious, you would not want to use a product that only lasts for a few weeks because that would mean additional man-hours for you to use on applying the product all over again.
Other Important Factors to Consider
What is an oxidation remover for RV?
An RV-grade oxidation remover is an important help to have around as your exterior faces different challenges and accumulates damages along the way. For example, the rig exterior’s fiberglass gel coat becomes chalky-looking and kind of yellowed as time goes by, after months and years of adventuring. This is because of a process called ‘oxidation’.
Oxidation occurs in nature in different forms. The gradual browning of fresh fruit is the result of oxidation, just like the slow rusting of iron. When your exterior is continuously exposed to different elements, under different temperatures, the oxidation build-up becomes more apparent visually.
The oxidation remover is a product that helps owners in maintaining the quality of the rig’s exterior. When it starts to yellow, it is the job of the RV fiberglass oxidation remover to restore your rig’s original gleam as if it was brand new through thorough steps of application. All in all, it is a cleaning product that is unique in its own right, being able to resolve issues of chalking, staining, yellowing and more!
How does it work?
Although both new and old RV owners might be confused as to how RV oxidation remover works, it really is quite simple. Oxidation removers are made with chemicals that are safe for your rig, and these combinations of chemicals are responsible for lifting the stains and removing the actual oxidations for your RV.
It is also able to remove unwanted visual clutter that appears in your exterior. Apparent gel coat chalking, yellowing, and other damages that are accumulated by fiberglass, metal, and corrugated exteriors are also removed by a quality RV-grade oxidation remover.
When the product is applied on the surface, your RV will be rid of these visual issues and will return to its shiny, brand-new look.
What are the different types of RV oxidation removers?
Before you go looking for the best product for RV oxidation removal, you need first to identify the needs of your exterior. Different levels of oxidation may require different actions, so your tactics should adapt.
- Light to Mild Oxidation – When it comes to slight oxidation up to visible mild levels, it can be relatively easy to deal with. A degreasing agent will be needed in order to help you clean the surfaces of your rig. Grease is formed when your exterior begins to oxidize, and this is characterized by the surface beginning to look chalky. When you use the RV for long drives and oxidation occurs in the exterior, it begins to gather dust and dirt resulting in grease. When this problem appears, it is best to use a degreasing agent first as you clean the rig.
Apply the agent to the wet surface and begin to give the exterior thorough rubbing. After this, you will need to let it sit for a specific duration of time, which most of the time is instructed when you buy the agent. After giving it some time to sit, only then should you apply the RV oxidation remover. Give it another session of thorough rubbing, and let it sit for another while before you apply other products.
- Extreme Oxidation – This level of oxidation can prove to be quite a challenge for RV owners. Most of the time, this is caused by poor maintenance and upkeep, although at times it can just be a result of the rig’s aging. With this problem, most owners opt to do a complex and time-consuming restoring process.
This may include a full-body washing, wet sanding, product application, polishing, and a full-body wash yet again. Keep in mind that even professionals might have a hard time when it comes to extreme rig oxidation, so winging the process might not be entirely advisable.
When you learn of the types of oxidation and what type your rig is dealing with, this is the time to choose the type of RV oxidation remover for you.
- Single-Purpose Oxidation Removers – The single-purpose Rv oxidation remover is a product that can be found easily in the market, so owners need not worry about availability. They are relatively cheap compared to the multipurpose option, however, they lack other advantages that others have. It does the job really well, effectively removing stains, oxidation, chalking, and other visible degradation effects.
- Multipurpose Oxidation Removers – The multipurpose RV oxidation remover is what most owners go for these days. They are able to remove chalking, staining, and other effects of oxidation in your rig. As an added bonus, they are also able to add a protective layer for your exterior. Just as well, they can also provide an additional shine to your rig which can bring back its hot-off-the-market look that owners want to restore.
What is the best RV oxidation remover?
The best product to remove oxidation from RV varies depending on one’s needs.
Meguiar’s M49 RV Oxidation Remover may be considered the best choice, as it is effective against moderate oxidation on gel coat, fiberglass, and high-tech automotive paint surfaces while improving the RV’s color and shine. The M49 can also remove water spots and moderate scratches, although it can irritate the skin.
Some RV owners who want to remove heavy oxidation from motorhomes might prefer Meguiar’s M711. Its heavy-duty formulation is more impressive than other so-called heavy oxidation removal products. It is also safer than the M49 because it contains biodegradable ingredients.
Owners of motorhomes with mild oxidation like the Bio-Kleen M00705 spray on oxidation remover for RV. It is perfect for removing severe yellowing and stains on fiberglass surfaces without worrying about the spray’s effects on the environment.
How to remove oxidation from aluminum camper?
Learning how to remove oxidation from aluminum camper is not different from eliminating oxidation from a gel coat or fiberglass surface.
RV owners only need the correct product, such as an aluminum polish, an RV wax for oxidation, or a spray-on alternative. The steps for removing oxidation from an aluminum camper are as follows.
- Wash the aluminum camper to remove any surface dirt, dust, and other particles that might scratch the vehicle’s body during the oxidation removal process.
- Get an aluminum-rubbing compound and apply a generous amount of it on a clean rag. Rub the cloth on the camper’s surface, continuously rinsing it with clean water to prevent residue from drying and re-staining the surface. Continue this step throughout the aluminum camper.
- Rinse the aluminum camper and dry it well with a squeegee and clean towels.
- Apply an appropriate aluminum polish on the camper and wait for the polish to turn hazy.
- Use a wool buffing pad to buff the aluminum polish.
Why do you need an RV oxidation remover?
RV oxidation removers can help owners maintain the rig’s tiptop shape, as well as restore the look that made them attractive in its first days. In many ways, it helps you take your rig’s maintenance up a notch.
- Ease in Cleaning Build-up
Most owners will find that using RV oxidation removers can be pretty easy and straightforward. While in dire cases professional help is needed, when you are dealing with light to mild oxidation levels the RV oxidation remover need only be applied through thorough rubbing and/or brushing.
- Restoration
When you have a rig that is quite old, RV oxidation removers can help you bring back the look that you fell in love with. Bringing back its shine will surely be one of the steps in returning your rig to its former glory!
- Helps in Other Surfaces
Not only can the RV oxidation remover be of great help to your exterior, but to other areas as well! Fiberglass, corrugated surfaces, and other metallic areas will surely get much-needed help from products like this as well. An RV-grade oxidation remover is strong enough to deal with other areas in your rig too, and it is a versatility you can count on.
- Removing Oxidation from your Rig
This is the main benefit of using an RV-grade oxidation remover, as an agent that helps you remove the visible damages accumulated by your rig through long and hard drives off the grid. As you use it often, the dirt, dust, and other elements accumulate and stick to the exterior, which can spell yellowing, chalking, and other degradation factors that will be observed in the future. With an RV oxidation remover, this can all be prevented!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to remove oxidation from RV decals?
Before doing anything, always consider the RV finish, the type of decals you have in your RV, and the heaviness of oxidation in the decals. Oxidation of decals on corrugated aluminum RV finish can get difficult to remove unlike with the common fiberglass RV finish. The different types of decals can also have varying degrees of oxidation.
Any traditional car wax can be used to remove oxidation from any RV decals. However, it is best to avoid products that contain petroleum distillates as it can dissolve the adhesives on your decals and may cause further oxidation. Regardless of the oxidation remover you use, always make sure to try it first in a small inconspicuous area as a test. Use a non-scratch scrub sponge when applying the remover in your rig. Leave it for a day or two to see how the decals and the finish react with the product you used.
If it went well, the surface should look clean and polished. Now, you can continue with the rest of your decals. Apply the oxidation remover to your RV decals gently and polish. Let it be absorbed for a few minutes. Buff gently with a soft clean towel and let dry overnight.
How to remove oxidation from RV fiberglass?
Keep in mind that there are different types of fiberglass finish. Consider this whenever choosing an oxidation remover for your RV fiberglass. Fiberglass gel coat, which is the most common type of RV surface finish, are likely to be white and cream-colored. These types of RV finish needs to be sealed with a coat of wax after cleaning. On the other hand, corrugated fiberglass needs a polishing compound with enough amounts of strong elements to remove oxidation on the corrugations. A little bit of elbow grease also helps in keeping it shiny. Moreover, fully painted RVs require two coatings, a paint coat, and a clear coat over RV fiberglass.
As always, make sure to test the whole process in a small area before applying it to the whole fiberglass surface. To start, use a non-scratch scrub sponge to apply the oxidation remover to your RV fiberglass surface. Scrub it by hand or by using an electric buffer until it feels smooth. Allow the remover to dry then buff the fiberglass surface. Seal it with a coat of wax and polish the surface until it is shiny. Let it dry completely and you have now restored your RV to its original glory.
How do you get rid of heavy oxidation?
Getting rid of heavy oxidation on RVs will require more work. You will also need a specially formulated remover for heavy oxidation to get the best results. Without proper care, some parts of your vehicle may have also formed rust stain through time.
For rust stains, dampen the spot with water then mix a little bit of baking soda into it to form a paste. Scrub it lightly with a soft sponge and lather through the stain. Leave it for an hour and rinse thoroughly. Do not leave any residue on the surface and wipe it dry.
When rust stains have cleared, you can now use an oxidation remover. Start by soaking a sponge brush with the remover. Gently scrub the fiberglass surface with the soaked brush while adding more remover as needed. The original shine of the RV fiberglass should start to appear. Let it dry completely.
Now that you have removed the oxidation from the fiberglass, you will need to apply a sealant to the cleaned surface. Let the sealer dry. Buff the treated fiberglass by hand or with an electric buffer until it shines. You can also apply wax with a soft clean towel to the RV surface for an extra layer of protection from further oxidation.
How to maintain the RV so there won’t be oxidation?
Oxidation happens naturally and it’s a process you cannot prevent, but with proper caring and maintenance, your RV fiberglass should last longer before needing an exhaustive cleanup. While you cannot prevent it, regularly washing your RV can delay this oxidation process on the decals and the RV finish. It can also prevent rust from building up in your rig.
You can wash your RV using a mix of one cup liquid laundry detergent and a gallon of warm water. Use a soft sponge so as not to damage the fiberglass finish of your vehicle. Rinse the soap thoroughly and let it dry naturally. As a general rule, make sure to keep the surfaces of your RV dry after washing. After every cleaning, apply a wax coating to your RV surface to create an additional protective barrier against oxidation.
Over time, even with proper maintenance, the wax coating will wear off and your fiberglass will still develop oxidation. When this happens, make sure to use a high-quality oxidation remover for your RVs. It is also important to keep a cleaning and waxing routine to keep your vehicle in good condition.
Conclusion
Because oxidation is a natural occurrence that happens with any type of vehicle, you should always keep your cleaning and polishing products handy. In choosing the best oxidation remover for RV, always take into account the type of decals, fiberglass finish, and the oxidation damage in your rig. Keep in mind that the various types of finish also require varying methods of cleaning.
RVs with rust stains on its surface must first be cleared before applying further oxidation removers. Heavier oxidation on RV finish also needs more polishing. And with any products you use for removing oxidation, always do a test before using it throughout your whole RV.
Lastly, keeping a cleaning and waxing routine can go a long way in minimizing the oxidation damage of your RVs. Caring for your vehicle is no easy task but having a clean, shiny, and well-maintained RV is a reward in itself.
Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.