1.0
COACH EXTERIOR . . .
Fiberglass Skins
At Born Free Motorcoach, we constantly test and
evaluate the latest in new fiberglass materials to
offer you, the owner, the finest and the most long
-
lasting products available. Even though we are
constantly striving to use the best possible products
in the construction of your motorcoach, the
fiberglass finish may become dull, faded, or chalky
without proper care. The following is a brief
explanation of what causes dull or faded fiberglass
finish and what can be done to restore the finish.
Fiberglass consists of two basic polyester products
– gel coat and the structural reinforcement. Gel
coat is the outer colored surface, and the structural
reinforcement is a blend of polyester laminating
resin mixed with strands of glass to create a
structure that is strong, weather resistant, and long
-
wearing.
Man made and natural materials, when placed in the
elements, slowly deteriorate. The material is
exposed to the sun, water, wind, dust, and
chemicals in the air; the amount of wear and tear
depends on how you treat the product and maintain
it. An automobile’s exterior surface quickly
deteriorates if you do not wash and wax the painted
surface. Although the gel coated surface is
approximately ten times thicker than the paint
surface on your automobile, it reacts similarly when
exposed to the elements.
Chalking
Chalk is the outer surface of the gel coat breaking
down into an extremely fine powder. The chalk
that develops is strictly on the surface. This is
caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet
rays, chemicals in the air, or improper care of the
gel coat surface. To minimize this chalking, wash
the unit and apply a sealant to restore the luster. If
this is not effective, apply a fine rubbing compound,
either by hand or with a power buffer. Follow this
procedure with a good sealant. If this method is
still ineffective, a light sanding using 600 grit (or
finer) wet or dry sandpaper can be used followed by
fine rubbing compound and a coat of sealant.
N O T E: If a power buffer is used, use low RPM
with light pressure. Keep the buffer moving at all
times to prevent heat build
-
up, which may result in
softening of the gel coat surface.
Fading
Fading means that the color has changed. Fading is
caused by (1) chalking, which makes the color light,
(2) pigments in the gel coat that have actually
changed color due to a chemical reaction with
chemicals or pollution in the air, or (3) the gel coat
being bleached or stained by something. Stains
may derive from dirt, dust, road tar, plant sap, rust,
or materials from caulking or sealing compounds.
To determine how to remove a stain, pre
-
test the
stain in an inconspicuous area first, using mild
detergent. A mild abrasive cleaner may be used if
necessary. The abrasive cleaner may leave the
finish dull and may need to be buffed to restore the
luster. Always apply a coat of sealant to the repair
area when completed.
To remove a non
-
soluble stain, you may try
acetone, paint thinner, or alcohol, using care to
prevent prolonged contact in order to minimize the
risk of deterioration of the gel coat surface.
Body Paint
Some Born Free Motorcoaches have partial or full
body paint on the fiberglass skins. The paint finish
consists of a base coat, that provides the color,
covered by clearcoat, which protects the base coat.
It is the clearcoat that needs to be maintained
especially in harsh environments. Clearcoats do not
fade or lose gloss but may appear to do so when
contaminated by the environment. Many products
used for maintenance of fiberglass can also be used
for painted surfaces. Touch
-
up paint and paint
color information is provided with each coach when
applicable.
Washing your RV
When possible wash and wax your unit in a shaded
area to prevent rapid evaporation of water and soap
that can result in water spotting. Use a separate
sponge or wash mitt for fiberglass and painted
surfaces and another for heavy dirt areas such as
tires, wheel wells and undercarriage components.
Dirty sponges and mitts can be abrasive to
1
