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Topic: Black Panels (Faux Windows) and Sun Fading... (Read 242 times) previous topic - next topic
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Black Panels (Faux Windows) and Sun Fading...
I live in the Desert Southwest and store my rig at an outdoor facility.  The black panels have become faded by the sun, but are not cracked.  Any suggestions on what product to use to darken the panels again and protect them from sun fading? 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Black Panels and Sun Fading...
Reply #1 –

After cleaning and masking everything off I sanded with 120 grit followed by 220 grit to remove the oxidization. I then put on two coats of generic black paint from the auto parts store. After this I sanded back the orange peel with 400 grit wet and dry.

Once everything was clean and dry I gave it two coats of 2K clearcoat.

 Amazon.com: USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol (2 PACK): Automotive.

I purchased two cans but one is more than enough.

There is some orange peel if you look at it closely but from the ground it looks good. I did this about two months age so no long term results yet.

I used an 8' ladder with a moving blanket over the top to protect the RV from scratches. Worked OK but a scaffold would be safer.

On the subject of safety, the 2k clearcoat it not user friendly. If you use it be sure to read and take  all of the precautions. You absolutely need a good respirator and a well ventilated area. I did mine on my driveway on a calm day. I started around 8am and was finished by late afternoon.



As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
1997 MB
Re: Black Panels and Sun Fading...
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Davehca  - 

 Amazon.com: USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol (2 PACK): Automotive[/
On the subject of safety, the 2k clearcoat it not user friendly. If you use it be sure to read and take  all of the precautions. You absolutely need a good respirator and a well ventilated area. I did mine on my driveway on a calm day. I started around 8am and was finished by late afternoon.

The Spray Max 2K paints are top notch and will last years. It's a two-part paint, similar to the Factory paint.
I have used it when repairing the damaged lower, fiberglass sections of LDs, it can be color-matched and packaged at some automotive paint shop. I removed an exterior cargo hatch for color-matching.

As you mentioned and I have previously, this paint is very dangerous if the wrong respirator is used. If the paint enters the lungs, it can catalyze in place, usually not a good thing. Good ventilation is essential

When having 2K paint mixed, I buy a new 3M disposable organic respirator at the same time, to make sure it's the right one and it's fresh. The filters use activated charcoal to absorb fumes and will absorb gases from the atmosphere if not stored in an air-tight package.
I keep the old respirators in a sealed bag and use them when cleaning with solvents, once you begin to smell the solvent, the filter is finished.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Black Panels (Faux Windows) and Sun Fading...
Reply #3 –

Larry, Are you saying that this clear coat can be color-matched by some auto paint shops?
Amazon.com: USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol (2 PACK): Automotive
That somehow that can get pigment into the can?

Is the respirator you are talking about?
Amazon.com: 3M Safety 142-5303 Safety Half Facepiece Disposable Respirator...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
 
Re: Black Panels (Faux Windows) and Sun Fading...
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
Larry, Are you saying that this clear coat can be color-matched by some auto paint shops?
Amazon.com: USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol (2 PACK): Automotive
That somehow that can get pigment into the can?

Is the respirator you are talking about?
Amazon.com: 3M Safety 142-5303 Safety Half Facepiece Disposable Respirator...

The 2K paint can be custom mixed by some auto paint shops. The can is filled with mix at the shop.
The can has two ends. One end had a red button that when pushed, breaks a bag inside the can that is filled with the paint hardner.
Shake the can for several minutes and then you have 24 hours to use it up before is cures in the can.
The 2K paint is complete. 1K paint is also available but it needs clear coating.

Not sure about the listed filter, I would check with the paint shop to be sure it's the correct filter..

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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