3401 on an RV

GTaylor

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My RV has mild oxidation and the white is "yellowing". I have been over it by hand twice with Meg 49. There is a little bit of sheen so there is hope. Not achieving the results I wanted as quick as I had hoped so I ordered a 3401. Can someone recommend a good pad(s) and product(s) combination(s) for cleaning, polishing, and waxing? Any help here would be appreciated very much.
Thanks again!
GT
 
You can go the menzerna SIP/106fa route, or megs 105/205. You will need plenty of pads, espeacially for a RV. Get some LC orange, white, soft green, grey, blue and red.
 
My RV has mild oxidation and the white is "yellowing". I have been over it by hand twice with Meg 49. There is a little bit of sheen so there is hope. Not achieving the results I wanted as quick as I had hoped so I ordered a 3401. Can someone recommend a good pad(s) and product(s) combination(s) for cleaning, polishing, and waxing? Any help here would be appreciated very much.
Thanks again!
GT
Surbuff pads with Meg's 105.
 
Are the yellow pads too abrasive? I have noticed that meguiar's has a kit for boat/rv restoration. Is this a kit worth considering? Are these products that are marketed for boat/rv any different than automotive finish products? Do fiberglass and gel coat surfaces require different cleaning, cutting and polishing techniques? Ahhhh, 20 questions! Don't ya' love it?!! I know someone out there has at least 19 answers! Thanks for the help guys.
 
Are the yellow pads too abrasive? I have noticed that meguiar's has a kit for boat/rv restoration. Is this a kit worth considering? Are these products that are marketed for boat/rv any different than automotive finish products? Do fiberglass and gel coat surfaces require different cleaning, cutting and polishing techniques? Ahhhh, 20 questions! Don't ya' love it?!! I know someone out there has at least 19 answers! Thanks for the help guys.
IMO the only way to polish gel coat is with a rotary and a wool pad.
 
My RV has mild oxidation and the white is "yellowing". I have been over it by hand twice with Meg 49. There is a little bit of sheen so there is hope. Not achieving the results I wanted as quick as I had hoped so I ordered a 3401. Can someone recommend a good pad(s) and product(s) combination(s) for cleaning, polishing, and waxing? Any help here would be appreciated very much.
Thanks again!
GT


The best way to figure out what you'll need for your specific application is to do a test spot. Try your Flex with a polishing pad and M49. If you're not getting the results you're looking for, then jump to a yellow pad (foam cutting) and the M49 you already have. See how that works out. You may have to do more than one pass with this combo. If that works then you may find the need to follow this more aggressive combination with a lesser one, like a polishing pad and maybe some M44 color restorer or if unavailable, some ColorX or M66. Always try the least aggressive method first (even on gel coats.) If you find that M49 ain't cutting it, then get some M67 or M91. and try them with your yellow pad and see if you can get the desired results you seek.

Unfortunately since gel coat is much tougher than automotive clear, you may need a rotary buffer to correct the finish on your RV.

Check out this link also:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Meguiar's Marine/RV
 
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i just did a boat the other day using my flex 3401 vrg using a lake country yellow cutting pad and it cut right through the oxidation.. i was suprised.. but im not saying that will work 100%.. what i have learned from the past is that gelcoats are a monster in themselves .. its so hard to tell what will come out and what wont until you dig into it.. i have gotten the shine back on some bad RVs but it wont come back like auto paint will... unless someone on here can prove me wrong.. i hope they can cause i would love to get RVs to look as good as my vehicles.
 
I will be using it on a 31 footer. But, it does have lots of windows and only one large surface area on the passenger side that if free from obstructions. I bought the flex because I just don't have experience to take a chance with a tool that could do significant damage. Maybe a rotary will be in my future! Has anyone here tried the meguiars maroon cutting pads on a DA? What about the 3M heavy compound? Sorry, I can't remember the exact name. The local supplier carries these two items and I was considering giving them a shot. Thanks for all your help guys!

GT
 
Rsurfer, lets try and be less critical and help someone out for a change. After reading the title of the OP's thread and his question, I gathered that he only has a DA (Flex 3401VRG) to work with. Lets try and remember that not everyone owns nor has the skill set necessary to safely operate a rotary buffer. I gave advice which I felt better suited his specific situation. What have you offered in regards to useful advice so far?

IMO the only way to polish gel coat is with a rotary and a wool pad.

That is mildly interesting , and while everyone is entitled to their opinion, your opinion hasn't really helped anyone out in this instance.

Try buffing out a 54 footer with a DA.
Since this was directed at me, I feel compelled to answer. First off, the OP's RV is only a 31 footer not a 54 footer like you stated. Secondly, I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish with your remarks, but unless you have something useful to say, maybe its best you don't say anything at all. It really helps no one except maybe one's ego.

My understanding is that forums like AG, and MOL to name a few, were established to help those in search of detailing knowledge find that knowledge, without the fear of being put down by self proclaimed detailing experts. I understand that sharing secrets is like pulling teeth in detailing, but unless you're willing to share them, keep the negativity to yourself. Let's try and give some constructive (read constructive, not negative) criticism once in a while. This back and forth bantering you attempt to incite between you and I is pointless, so please :nomore:.

Now, let me get back to the OP. GTaylor to answer you question, yes, Meguiar's Foam Cutting Pad 2.0, can and has been used with great results via a DA. Although Meguiar's currently doesn't recommend it, you can use it with your Flex. I remember when the announcement for the 2.0 cutting pad was made. My understanding is that early on Meguiar's was going to approve the new foam to be used via DA, but after further testing abandoned the idea because it didn't always produce a finish that would meet Meguiar's high quality standards. That doesn't mean it won't work, but do so with the understanding that it may or may not. Do a test spot.

As far as the 3M compound, I don't have much experience with them aside from their 06085 compound, so I won't comment on it without first knowing if that is the one your PBE store carries.:dblthumb2:
 
Thanks Erik. I didn't see the insult, it must be something between the two of you and I couldn't read between the lines, I don't know. But, that being said, I feel like you've got my back and I appreciate it. I am not trying to steal detail knowledge as I am not here to compete with anyone. I am just a weekend warrior trying to keep my stuff looking nice. Again, thanks to everyone for you help. This forum is full of great people!

GT
 
Your words Erik: " Unfortunately since gel coat is much tougher than automotive clear, you may need a rotary buffer to correct the finish on your RV." And that's my point. Sure you can use a DA, but it will take you a very long time.

"I gave advice which I felt better suited his specific situation. What have you offered in regards to useful advice so far?"

My advice if he was using a DA is to use surbuff pads and 105, see post #3, guess you can't read.

"Since this was directed at me, I feel compelled to answer. First off, the OP's RV is only a 31 footer not a 54 footer like you stated.

Again you don't read very well, see post 9 and 10, I did not know it was a 31 as he said this after my post. BTW a 31 footer is no way close to the trailered ski boat that you posted.

"This back and forth bantering you attempt to incite between you and I is pointless, so please "

Here's GTaylor reply:
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Thanks Erik. I didn't see the insult, it must be something between the two of you and I couldn't read between the lines, I don't know.

I guess anyone that disagrees with you are insulting you. You are a 25 year old kid that needs to grow up. I have rotaries older than you.
 
My advice if he was using a DA is to use surbuff pads and 105, see post #3, guess you can't read.

I guess anyone that disagrees with you are insulting you. You are a 25 year old kid that needs to grow up. I have rotaries older than you.

I admit I overlooked your post #3, sometimes its difficult to catch it all on my Blackberry. I also admit that I went on a bit of a rant, but did so only because I've become a bit frustrated with some replies you've directed towards me (most of which were both unsolicited and unwarranted.) I felt these were meant as personal attacks towards me and I felt it necessary to make an attempt to defend myself. Perhaps you did not intend this, but that is what I believe you were trying to do over several different posts in recent threads.

I'm not against respectful disagreement nor do I see it as an insult. Disagreements are a key foundation of discussion, and this being a discussion forum, it's only natural that there will be some.

I sent you a PM, but in case you didn't get it, here it is:

Rsurfer/ Legacy99, I think we need to put an end to our differences. I admit that I was a bit ticked off by several of your comments in posts which you personally addressed me. I did not appreciate you bringing any disagreements you may have towards me over here (AG) from DB. I'm not sure what your intent was in doing so. Up until the last several threads in which we have exchanged responses, I never directed a word towards you. With that being said, I would like to try and settle our differences. I think we both enjoy the forums, and I'd like to maintain an enjoyable experience here. I'd like to apologize for any disrespect which you may feel I have caused you. I hope you can accept my apology so that we can bury this hatchet and put this behind us.:xyxthumbs:

And just to clarify, I'm not 25.
 
I admit I overlooked your post #3, sometimes its difficult to catch it all on my Blackberry. I also admit that I went on a bit of a rant, but did so only because I've become a bit frustrated with some replies you've directed towards me (most of which were both unsolicited and unwarranted.) I felt these were meant as personal attacks towards me and I felt it necessary to make an attempt to defend myself. Perhaps you did not intend this, but that is what I believe you were trying to do over several different posts in recent threads.

I'm not against respectful disagreement nor do I see it as an insult. Disagreements are a key foundation of discussion, and this being a discussion forum, it's only natural that there will be some.

I sent you a PM, but in case you didn't get it, here it is:

Rsurfer/ Legacy99, I think we need to put an end to our differences. I admit that I was a bit ticked off by several of your comments in posts which you personally addressed me. I did not appreciate you bringing any disagreements you may have towards me over here (AG) from DB. I'm not sure what your intent was in doing so. Up until the last several threads in which we have exchanged responses, I never directed a word towards you. With that being said, I would like to try and settle our differences. I think we both enjoy the forums, and I'd like to maintain an enjoyable experience here. I'd like to apologize for any disrespect which you may feel I have caused you. I hope you can accept my apology so that we can bury this hatchet and put this behind us.:xyxthumbs:

And just to clarify, I'm not 25.
I replied. :nomore:
 
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