Guest N P Appleby Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 I am new to this motorhome cleaning lark and I have seen a on the message board a note to the effect that you should not use polish containing silicon (such as Mer)on gel coat. What should I use to polish a motorhome which bodywork is conventional bonded sandwich construction with hig-gloss aluninium outer skin, except all the complex curved surfaces such as the overcab roof, tail panel and side skirts which are moulded in tough GRP? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest henry Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 when you find the answer to that one pray tell me how I get to the top at the front (where all the flies stick!) of my hymer. Mu missus keeps tipping off the ladder!! Regards Henry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest N P Appleby Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 Long arms?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest John McDonald Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 I have been using " International Polish with Teflon " which is designed for use on paintwork and GRP on Yachts. If it stands up to that environment then it should protect our Motorhomes. Check out the following for more Info http://www.yachtpaint.com/uk/ Look under product guide. I found the only way I could wax the overcab luton was by using a set of steps and work platform designed for decorating stair wells, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neal Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 John's spot on with his answer; Yacht products are the answer for cleaning/polishing and steps/platform are the way to reach the overcab. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brian lawrence Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 I'm worried now.If it's not ok to use MER,why do they always have a trade stand at all the motorhome shows and do a roaring trade ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Norma Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 And why the vegetable slicers?? Who has space to store them - but the punters buy them ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neal Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Brian Mer is a popular product and would certainly be suitable for all the van conversions. Also, the people buying it may have other vehicles to use it on. Finally, we cannot legislate for those that do not know! Regards Neal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ralph Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 I use Starbrite One Step Heavy Duty Cleaner Wax, which is a GRP boat cleaner, restorer and polish in one. It is very effective and is suitable for use on metals and painted surfaces as well as GRP. Only down side is it requires a little more elbow grease than the Mer Autoglym types of product, but it is quicker because it does the cleaning and waxing in one go, rather than using a cutting type compound then poish. It is available from boat chandlers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David Powell Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Re-assuring to read that others beside me go to boat chandlers for things, I was beginning to think that as an old retired Coxswain I was a bit kinky getting so much 'boat stuff' for use on my motor caravan, nice to know I'm not alone. Cheers everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mel E Posted October 22, 2005 Share Posted October 22, 2005 As I started the 'silicone' issue, I'd better give the facts: 1. Polish containing silicone (common in many domestic polishes) is fine on ordinary painted aluminium surfaces. 2. It is probably OK (but I can't swear to it) on gel coat that has been painted. 3. However, most GRP has gel coat on the outer surface to give a smooth finish and this is normally 'coloured' rather than painted. Most modern formulations of gel soften after prolonged exposure to UV light when in contact with silicone-based polishes, eventually leading to crazing and cracking. So it's best to avoid such polishes. Mer contains silicone - I've checked with the manufactureres. It's therefore fine on aluminium and car bodies, van conversions and so on. But I would avoid it on GRP/gel finished surfaces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nick Posted October 23, 2005 Share Posted October 23, 2005 Just a short note to thank one and all for their help and advice on this topic. Much appreciated. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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