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Old 09-12-2010, 07:57 PM   #1
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Hand Polishing

Has anyone ever tried to polish their Airstream by hand? I own a 1983 Airstream and am in the process of polishing it by hand. My goal is to not polish it to a mirrored finish because I don't want to worry about the upkeep. I've been using aircraft stripper to remove the clearcoat and I've been using an aluminum polish. I've been applying the polish "with the grain" (I want to keep the grain in the aluminum visible, just make it shinier). I'm also using rubber sanding blocks with terry towels to apply the polish (instead of sandpaper, of course). It makes the polishing process much easier. Polishing by hand is quite a time consuming process. I've only finished a 4x4 foot area (about one hour of labor), but I've tested multiple sections throughout the trailer. After polishing, I'm applying laquer thinner in order to remove excess polish. For the final step, I apply a hard wax, hoping it will somewhat help protect all my work.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Old 09-25-2010, 09:29 PM   #2
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I spent the entire day removing clearcoat. I've been using aircraft stripper. It seems to work really well. I noticed that the top of the Airstream did not have any clearcoat on it (sun baked it off). For the most part, I had no major problems....except.... I got some aircraft stripper on the plexiglass on the front of the Airstream. It etched the glass. Can I still buy this part for my 1983 Airstream?

Tomorrow I begin the polishing. My Dad and a friend actually polished the entire lower half of the Airstream today. It looks great. Not a complete mirrored polish, but I am wanting a "back to original" look. As for the blue and white pinstripes, I am changing them to orange and white (I'm an Oklahoma State fan). Hopefully, tomorrow is smooth.
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Old 09-26-2010, 06:21 AM   #3
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In some instances, I will hand polish small areas and I have had good results (see my other threads and posts) using 3M super duty rubbing compound (nicknamed 'gravel in a bottle') ..and finishing with mother mag aluminum polish. I use simple kerosene as it tends to keep the surface wet longer as a clean up of the black oxidation. I hit the salvation army and goodwill dumpsters for old tee shirts to wipe up with.
Orange and White? Heres a link to Inland RV...those plexiglas rock shield visors run up to around 300.00 -- but they look great regardless
Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations



PS the rest of the gang are going to come rushing in here to sell you on NUVITE which is good but Expensive. But if you are an 'Edmon-ian' you probably can afford it. ha!
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Old 09-27-2010, 07:17 PM   #4
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Thanks for the tip on the Kerosene. I've been using laquer thinner. It seems to dry too fast which causes black streaks. I'm having trouble on the sides of the trailer. I have a lot of water runs which almost look like rust (which it can't be because the sides are aluminum... of course). It has been a batle getting the spots off. I'm going to use a buffer with a very fine polishing pad (nothing too strong).

I can't belive I ruined the plexiglass. I'm thinking I can color sand it (similar to sanding headlamp lenses). It will always be pitted, but I can at least get the white color out of the tinted plexiglass.
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Old 09-27-2010, 07:38 PM   #5
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Try a hand spray bottle of mineral spirits instead of kerosene....usa as necessary. I am sure you will like it better.....but, kerosene does work well.
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Old 09-27-2010, 09:09 PM   #6
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Lacquer thinner and stripper will also ruin plastic marker light lenses and other plastic trim pieces. Kerosene should be okay if you're not a smoker.

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Old 09-27-2010, 10:25 PM   #7
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My trailer needs help . . . re-coating would cost about as much as I paid for it . . . a mirror polish seems like more work than its worth. I just want it to look decent, not showroom new. Your approach seems like one that would work for me. I wonder about the effectiveness of a good wax. I find annual waxing with a high quality wax is fine for a car, using a quality car wash soap on a regular basis. Even twice a year might be acceptable on the trailer, using an electric buffer.

Keep us posted. Photos would be great.
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Old 09-28-2010, 05:28 AM   #8
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Some waxes will leave a foggy finish and you sure don't want that to look at when finished. Depends on where you live too. Kerosene will not tear your hands up. Lacquer Thinner certainly does clean, but the vapors and harsh nature will leave you with mixed emotions. Kerosene is something you can go to some gas stations and fill up a gas can with it, and you won't worry about running out plus it's cheap and will not fry your brain.
The 3M compound cream polish is about 14-15 dollars a quart. It also has kerosene in it. Even though I use a cyclo, the 3M if hand polishing does the same thing--takes the grime and crud off and takes you down to a dull even finish that is ready to polish up to the shine, or near shine that you want. The vintage skins on these airstreams are 'well coated' aluminum, called 'Alclad', which when polished right will leave you with an almost 'mercury silver finish'. That once finished will almost stay that way for months at a time. Polishing will FLAT OUT-WEAR YOU OUT! But it's a great way to work those muscles.
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Old 09-28-2010, 07:42 AM   #9
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Using power tools on a 31 footer is cause enough for many people to tear out their hair...
I can't imagine the permanent psychological scarring from doing it all by hand. Best of luck, and check in often - otherwise, we may need to perform a "welfare check" now and then.
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Old 09-28-2010, 04:12 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by gmcryan View Post
Has anyone ever tried to polish their Airstream by hand? I own a 1983 Airstream and am in the process of polishing it by hand. My goal is to not polish it to a mirrored finish because I don't want to worry about the upkeep. I've been using aircraft stripper to remove the clearcoat and I've been using an aluminum polish. I've been applying the polish "with the grain" (I want to keep the grain in the aluminum visible, just make it shinier). I'm also using rubber sanding blocks with terry towels to apply the polish (instead of sandpaper, of course). It makes the polishing process much easier. Polishing by hand is quite a time consuming process. I've only finished a 4x4 foot area (about one hour of labor), but I've tested multiple sections throughout the trailer. After polishing, I'm applying laquer thinner in order to remove excess polish. For the final step, I apply a hard wax, hoping it will somewhat help protect all my work.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Going to polish my 1955 Safari by hand, looking for a different look with no swirls. Below is what I will be using.

Liberon Steel Wool - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Norton Sheet Sander - 05237 at The Home Depot

Kmart Online Shopping for home accessories, TVs, clothing, and more

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Old 09-28-2010, 05:55 PM   #11
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Mineral spirits works very well and won't burn your poll barn down. Corn starch also works very well. I tried some hand polishing. It took a huge amount of effort and the result was not worth it. Compounding/polishing with Nuvite, Dewalt & Cyclo was easier than by hand (still a bunch of work) and the result was wow!....Tim
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Old 09-29-2010, 08:06 PM   #12
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I've just tested a spot on the Airstream with a buffer and a very fine foam pad. It was able to remove the water marks, yet did not create swirls. I figure, worse case scenerio is that I have to continue polishing unitl I have a mirrored finish... which would be quite cool. I'll be starting back up on the project on Saturday... Luckily my college is playing football on Thursday night... therefore, I'll have all day on Saturday to work on it....
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Old 09-29-2010, 08:48 PM   #13
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You will eventually get around to that 'shine', and you will grow accustomed to the amount of labor you can put into the act of polishing too. Good luck
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Old 10-03-2010, 06:36 AM   #14
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It is day number four, and all I have left is the roof and a few touch ups around the trailer. It should still be a full day of work. Removing the black residue has been the hardest part of the polishing process. To make the job easier, I've been putting the lacquer thinner in a spray bottle. That way, I don't use as much compared to just pouring it on a rag. Misting the thinner on the trailer is the way to go. I think removing the resdiue has been the most difficult part of this project.

After wathcing how differently my Dad and I polish, I have decided to switch to an electric buffer. By switching to the buffer, I can make sure that we are all polishing the same (ie same type of pad, polish, and RPM).

I've got tons of pictures to post. I have had tons of fun working with my Dad on this project. I can't wait to take it camping or to a football game soon.

Off to work.
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Old 10-03-2010, 06:46 AM   #15
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Removing the black residue has been the hardest part of the polishing process.

Off to work.
Try gel gloss with a micro fiber cloth, dissolve the black residue instantly. You can get it at home depot or camping world.

Gel-Gloss - Product - Camping World

Gel Gloss 12 oz. Marble and Fiberglass One Step Cleaner and Polish - GA12 at The Home Depot

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Old 10-03-2010, 06:47 AM   #16
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Lets see the pictures soon aye?
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Old 10-03-2010, 06:54 AM   #17
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If you do smaller areas, about 2 x2 and use mineral spirits (not a thinner) with microfiber cloth rags...the black removal becomes very easy. Then use a microfiber with cornstarch...just a little bit....it all comes off and even shows a bit of polished surface. Do not let the black residue "set up" by doing large areas, then going back....or, as I have seen one polisher do, leave it all for a final clean up of the day. What a mess that was.s
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Old 10-05-2010, 08:16 PM   #18
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I posted pictures of my "labor of love". Truthfully, I have no idea where I posted the pictures. I tried to post them under the 1980's section of the photos tab. If anyone can find them, please let me know. I will continue to post more pictures (hopefully, in a place in which I can find them).

Today, I ordered new blue moldings and LED lights. I figure installing LED lights is no different than installing regualr lights. I've installed LED lights on my truck before, so I should be able to do the same on the Airstream.

From what I have found out, the polishing is never complete... it is just beginning. I'm constantly finding areas that need touched up.
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