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Paint oxidation
Has anyone been successful in restoring the exterior paint luster after 15 years of oxidation?  How did you do it?
2003 26.5'

Re: Paint oxidation
Reply #1

Hi Kenny;   I've been told that it can be done.  A 2003 at 20 years old is very dependent on how much sun exposure there has been, and how well it's been taken care of between the factory and now.  If you are trying to make up for 20 years of finish neglect, it won't be easy.  It is also dependent on what color you have.  Red ages the worst and fastest in my opinion. The silver metallic and the teal metallic were next worst.  The non metallic green followed by the blue and brown, I think, resist ageing the best.
   A lot of wax, careful treatment, and the right polishes (almost none for abrasives) can improve the situation a lot.
   Joel made a believer of me with WashWaxAll.   Amazon.com: Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax 32 fl. oz Aircraft...        A good cleaner, easy to apply. I also use Meguiar's  hydrophobic polymer wax.   Amazon.com: Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax, Durable Protection that Shines -...    Lots of coats, lots of rubbing.  Recently I've had good results with Meguiars  detailer: Amazon.com: Meguiar's G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax, 15.2 Fluid Ounces : Automotive.  
    I have a package of Costco's micro fiber towels.  I have a Ryobi polisher, but the decals/pinstriping can be damaged by that, so I don't use it often.  Mostly rubbing by hand.   I did use a polishing wheel on a friend's 2001 red MidBath.   https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-polishing-kit-66713.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMTA1MDI5NDkiLCJza3UiOiI2NjcxMyIsImlzIjoiMi43OSJ9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20361715379&campaignid=20361715379&utm_content=154770203681&adsetid=154770203681&product=66713&store=348&gclid=CjwKCAjwh8mlBhB_EiwAsztdBIK5y2hWUN1djJbEYa2uqzwUH5sMoYPMxZbMv_CftE3yT8crYL8v7xoC7gUQAvD_BwE    It was better on some places than other parts. The cab doors responded best. It was tough on the drill motor, and extreme care was required with a mildly abrasive polish (also Meguiars) and a spray bottle of water used often to keep the surface lubricated.  
   Your mileage will vary a lot!  The best solution would have been to store it indoors, but it wasn't an option for me.     I know there are as many recommendations as there are owners out there. Mostly it's what you have the best success with.    RonB

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RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Paint oxidation
Reply #2
I have a 31 ft LD  2 tone brown and white.  Stored outside az.  washed and polished 2 times a year.  Looks just about as good

when it left the factory.   I think  colors  have something to do with fading

Bob
2007 31 IB

Re: Paint oxidation
Reply #3
Using a random orbit polisher and a compounding liquid is the best way of removing oxidized paint, followed up with a  polishing compound. You could try automotive clay to clean the paint's surface.
YouTube has many videos about using a random orbit polisher to compound the paint. Do a little research.
I buy the polisher's pads from the Chemical Guys and use 3M compounding and polishing liquids.
Polishing | Chemical Guys

The results ultimately depend on the color and condition of the paint, along with how much work you are willing to put into it. Compounding and polishing the entire rig can take a couple of days, you might want to have a professional detailer do this.
Red and gray are the worse colors for longevity, with blue and brown the longest-lasting colors.

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: Paint oxidation
Reply #4
"...you might want to have a professional detailer do this."

Whoohoo! I'll second that! Even the price was justified by not having to do the labor. And when my guy got done the rig looked like new.   :o  ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!