Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB (Read 30 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Yahoo Message Number: 151283
Hi All, I have an awesome 1988 LD 26.5 RB that needs some attention to the paint. Any thoughts insofar as best approach? I'd love to hear from others as to what they've done, approximate spendiness, and if you're happy with the results.
 Right now the paint is just "tired" but is otherwise in awesome shape. The RV has spent its entire life based in Northern CA so has the typical fading, etc.
 I searched old threads and learned a lot, but was kinda hoping to find out if there's like 3 options or 10 options and your impressons cost-benefits of each.
 I'll put together a spreadsheet of what I learn (from y'all) as well as from my individual research, and I'll post it for the group to help with the "collective knowledge".

Thanks!

-Jack
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151286
It depends on how faded and "tired" the paint is, but I don't believe one can expect to *effectively* "refresh" the paint on a 27 year old LD. You might try a thorough washing, then going over the rig with Finish Kare 2180:

http://www.amazon.com/15oz-Finish-Kare-Sealant-Conditioner/dp/B002NZQWRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424637537&sr=8-1&keywords=finish+kare+2180

Aside from the polymer treatment (and I'm sure you'll get additional suggestions), the best "cure" for badly faded paint is new paint; the factory will do the best job, but I think the the cost would be more than the re-sale value of the rig! :-( You might also check your local area for body shops which might do a re-paint.

We all fade a bit as we age! ;-)

Joan
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151292
I was able to bring my 1991 to a nice sparkly shine with a rotary polisher and some MqGuire's professional polish.
 Just be careful with the polisher if you haven't used one before.  You might consider employing a professional detailer.
 The little Porter Cable orbital polisher is useless since the factory paint is so tough.  It would take weeks to finish the job with one of those little rattlers.
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151293
Hi Jack,
 I know that a LD is a LOT bigger than my Avalon but I used a clay bar on it (about 2 1/2 hours work in the shade) to remove all the smog and air born contaminants that find their way into to pores of the paint. After clay barring, don't forget to wax.
 The results can be spectacular. Clay bar kits go for about $35 at your local automotive store. That's enough for two cars.
 You may want to give it a try on a section of your LD that isn't too large. Maybe the rear end, just in case it wears you out. It's a bit of work. It could take a few days to complete the entire coach.
 Remember to stay in the shade. Also, it's a good idea to place a plastic tarp below the work area in case the clay bar slides out of your hand (it's kind of slippery) and if it gets dirt on it it is pretty useless.
 With my car, I pretty much didn't have to wash it again for over a year. I would dust it off (California Duster) before dark (damp outside) to remove the dust from the day and then once in a while I'd use the spray liquid that comes with the kit and a micro fiber towel to dry. Saves a ton of water that way.
 Just a thought. Worked great for my 14 year old car. Hope this helps. A lot less expensive than a new paint job, anyway.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151294
"I was able to bring my 1991 to  a nice sparkly shine with a rotary polisher"

What type of rotary polisher do you use? Tom
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151299
"Just be careful with the polisher if you haven't used one before.  You might consider employing a professional detailer. The little Porter Cable orbital polisher is useless since the factory paint is so tough.  It would take weeks to finish the job with one of those little rattlers."

Good advice about using a big polisher, they can do wonders in a pair of experienced hands.                       Amateurs, like most of us, can destroy the paint in moments, especially on the edges and corners.
It's a large project, even for a professional, so expect it to cost a few bucks or many long hours.                        If doing it yourself, spread it out over several days, giving your arms are chance to recuperate.

Older LD's stripping were painted with an acrylic that oxidized badly, no amount of cleaning, polishing or waxing with bring more than a temporary shine.
Sometime in the late 80's/early 90's, LD switched to a 2-part polyurethane paint, similar to what is used today. It is a much more durable paint and usually the shine can be brought back with serious polishing.
Some colors are very prone to fading are difficult or impossible to restore an even color and shine, red being the most prone.
I have noticed the paint on the lower fiberglass panels does not seem to hold up as well as the painted metal areas.  Not sure if the fiberglass subsurface is the cause or if being close to the pavement exposes it to more road spray .

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151300
I know that a LD is a LOT bigger than my Avalon but I used a clay bar on it (about 2 1/2 hours work in the shade) to remove all the smog and air born contaminants that find their way into to pores of the paint. After clay barring, don't forget to wax"

Kent

Thumbs up for clay bars. All my vehicles get 'clayed' once a year.
Even after a good scrubbing, the clay lifts all sorts of crud off the paint, leaving the surface feeling smooth and ready for wax.
Just don't drop it. The tarp suggestion is a good one.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151303
For who was asking, I use a Makita variable speed grinder / polisher.  Wool or foam pad, depending on the need.  Takes a light touch and finesse.  Don't let the pad dry out.
 
Re: New Question: Refreshing Paint on 1988 LD 26.5 RB
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153923
I did some research on how to revive the faded paint on my 99 RB and ended up trying the following:

1 - I scrubbed the outside using Dawn dish washing liquid

2 - Removed any other grime, road tar, and other junk from the finish

3 - Purchased a gallon of Zep Wet Look Floor Polish from Home Depot ZEP 128 oz. Wet-Look Floor Polish-ZUWLFF128 - The Home Depot

4 - Being sure to wear rubber/plastic gloves, I applied four coats of Zep Floor Polish.

5 - The outside now looks great even after six months in the Texas sun

Notes: Really, really clean the finish before applying the Floor Polish, don't worry about the oxidation, it'll go away. Don't leave any floor polish runs, they'll become permanent.

After applying the first coat of Floor Polish the finish will look really blotchy and uneven, the second coat makes the finish really start looking better and the last two coats really make it shine. You should only need to wait 30 minutes or so between coats.

Application tip: Don't buff it like you would for car wax, just wipe a medium coat on and go to the next section.

I should have taken before and after pictures, but alas, I didn't.

This is the video that got me thinking about cleaning the finish: Using Floor Polish on Faded Motor Home / RV fiberglass.

Finally, I've not tried it but floor polish remover will take the polish off.