Skin Delaminating

[kry226]

Had a run-in with a basketball goal that some kids left out on the street about a year and a half ago. I thought I gave it wide enough room, but alas, I rubbed it just enough to get into the metal.

I just happened to check on the trailer in the storage lot today and noticed the skin starting to delaminate from the scratch. I know the only real fix for this is skin replacement, but deciding not to go there, is there a way I can stop further delamination? What coating, if any would I need to use?

Below are pics with and without arrows showing the delamination.

[overlander63]

Sheet aluminum doesn't delaminate. If you are talking about the plasticoat over the aluminum, there are dozens of threads dealing with peeling clear coat, and as far as I know, none of them specify replacing panels. Refinishing is usually as extreme as is needed.

[dkottum]

It's hard to see what's in the photo, but could it be the heavy clear protective tape that is installed under the length of the awning has been pulled loose and pushed down?

doug k

[ROBERT CROSS]

I've had one area that has done the same thing.

The clearcoat has pealed (3insq), away from the bottom edge of the front curbside clearance light,(top). I can see where the edge of the chrome bezel has worn thru. I believe water had loosened the clear as there was no evidence of filiform. I removed all the loose material and used brush on clear to seal, doesn't look very good but at least no corrosion yet.

Bob

[kry226]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Sheet aluminum doesn't delaminate. If you are talking about the plasticoat over the aluminum, there are dozens of threads dealing with peeling clear coat, and as far as I know, none of them specify replacing panels. Refinishing is usually as extreme as is needed.

If I take you literally, new trailers aren't "plasticoated" any more, since 1998, yes? If we're just talking the Alcoa pre-coated "clearcoat," yes it is peeling in the two lighter appearing oval-ish spots as shown above (I know the pic isn't that great). Are the coatings the same or even similar? If so, how would one "refinish" as you mentioned? I'm simply interested in arresting further peeling. Thanks in advance, and thanks for the earlier reply.

Originally Posted by dkottum

It's hard to see what's in the photo, but could it be the heavy clear protective tape that is installed under the length of the awning has been pulled loose and pushed down?

doug k

Doug, sorry the pics aren't that great, but it is not the 3M-type protective tape used under the awnings.

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I've had one area that has done the same thing.

The clearcoat has pealed (3insq), away from the bottom edge of the front curbside clearance light,(top). I can see where the edge of the chrome bezel has worn thru. I believe water had loosened the clear as there was no evidence of filiform. I removed all the loose material and used brush on clear to seal, doesn't look very good but at least no corrosion yet.

Bob

Bob, which clear did you use?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by kry226

If I take you literally, new trailers aren't "plasticoated" any more, since 1998, yes? If we're just talking the Alcoa pre-coated "clearcoat," yes it is peeling in the two lighter appearing oval-ish spots as shown above (I know the pic isn't that great). Are the coatings the same or even similar? If so, how would one "refinish" as you mentioned? I'm simply interested in arresting further peeling. Thanks in advance, and thanks for the earlier reply.



Doug, sorry the pics aren't that great, but it is not the 3M-type protective tape used under the awnings.



Bob, which clear did you use?

This.....


It's actually a clear gel coat repair for fiberglass boats.
Although it can be applied with a brush, it's a lot thicker than regular paint, and requires a different final step. Clean with mineral spirits, apply clear, spread with brush then apply clear packaging tape over and squeegee it smooth, no bubbles, let dry, remove tape and wet sand with 2000grit.
It was done last year in a hurry, looks a bit ragged, hope to redo this season.

I'd like to give it a try on a smaller filiform spot but the nail-polish still looks pretty good.

Iv'e also used Dupli-Color automotive clear with good results a bit easier to use and is pretty durable.



Bob

[kry226]

Thank you, sir.