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Old 09-30-2017, 01:18 PM   #1
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Microfiber Cloths, Orbital Polishers

I read a while back to NEVER use microfiber cloths on the aluminum exterior- to only use lambswool mitts or lambswool scrub covers. Lately, all I am reading is people using microfiber. Which is it? I'm planning on applying Meguiar's #20 Polymer over the winter. And, although I've read to only clean/polish along the grain, I'm reading about people using orbital polishers? Which is it? Thanks.
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Old 09-30-2017, 02:17 PM   #2
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O’well I guess I am guilty of a cardinal sin. The only cloths I use on my Airstream are micro fiber. 6 years and no noticeable harm done.
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Old 09-30-2017, 02:44 PM   #3
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Microfiber is ok to use. With the clearcoat over the aluminum there is no grain to polish along. Do everything just like you would do on a car/truck.
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Old 09-30-2017, 03:16 PM   #4
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That sounds good, now to decide on a simple fast & easy to apply product that will keep it looking good.... too many products these days.... grr
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Old 09-30-2017, 04:11 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Mike G View Post
I read a while back to NEVER use microfiber cloths on the aluminum exterior- to only use lambswool mitts or lambswool scrub covers. Lately, all I am reading is people using microfiber. Which is it? I'm planning on applying Meguiar's #20 Polymer over the winter. And, although I've read to only clean/polish along the grain, I'm reading about people using orbital polishers? Which is it? Thanks.
I'd be interested to know why microfiber cloths would be bad to use. I've used them on fine car finishes for years and have also had good results wiping down the AS with them.

I've used Meguiars #20 as well and it's a great choice; better and longer lasting protection than wax. According to the Meguiars tech person I contacted their #21 Synthetic Sealant is a similar product and lasts even longer but I haven't personally tried it.

You probably know this already, but if you use an electric polisher to apply the sealant make sure it's a random orbital polisher not a rotary buffer. With a rotary it's possible to "burn" the finish or leave swirl marks if you're not very careful. With a random orbital you get a dual action motion which makes it almost impossible to damage the surface unless you really work hard at it.
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Old 10-01-2017, 11:22 AM   #6
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I'd be interested to know why microfiber cloths would be bad to use. I've used them on fine car finishes for years and have also had good results wiping down the AS with them.

I've used Meguiars #20 as well and it's a great choice; better and longer lasting protection than wax. According to the Meguiars tech person I contacted their #21 Synthetic Sealant is a similar product and lasts even longer but I haven't personally tried it.

You probably know this already, but if you use an electric polisher to apply the sealant make sure it's a random orbital polisher not a rotary buffer. With a rotary it's possible to "burn" the finish or leave swirl marks if you're not very careful. With a random orbital you get a dual action motion which makes it almost impossible to damage the surface unless you really work hard at it.
A timely thread for me. I am planing to wax ours using the factory recommended walberizing polish. Is the Meguires product better ? I use the their Wash and Wax product on the AS now.
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Old 10-01-2017, 01:04 PM   #7
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A timely thread for me. I am planing to wax ours using the factory recommended walberizing polish. Is the Meguires product better ? I use the their Wash and Wax product on the AS now.
I haven't used the Walbernize polish so I can't make a comparison, but I've had good experience with Meguiars products in general and the #20 Polymer sealant in particular.

I usually use a high quality wax on my vehicles but my truck is parked outside so I wanted something that doesn't need to be applied as often as wax yet still gives maximum protection. The Meguiars sealant is super easy to apply and remove and it has held up extremely well to the elements; it still beads like crazy after 6 months.

Full disclosure: I didn't use the #20 on my Flying Cloud since it had the nano coating sealant from the dealer and didn't require additional treatments; at least during the time I owned it.

It may or may not be "better" than Walbernize but the Meguiars sealant is a good product.
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Old 10-01-2017, 04:25 PM   #8
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I have used the recommended Walbernize for 12 years. I spray it on then hand buff it off using micro fiber cloths. Looks like new and takes care of scratches. So far no corrosion.
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Old 10-01-2017, 04:44 PM   #9
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Have been using Mothers Wax and Detailer Spray for over 11 years on both of my Airstreams. I apply wax with patches of soft clean T-shirts or foam pad and then use high quality Micro-fiber clothes to remove the excess wax and to polish. I've had zero problems and love the shine and ease of removing bugs and tar without scratching the clear coat. Makes giving the Airstream a bath easier because the dirt comes off easier.
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Old 10-01-2017, 04:53 PM   #10
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Flex orbital polisher

Funny you should ask. I just spent the day washing and sealing our brand new FC 27FB. I used a foam gun and a brush to wash the trailer and then used my flex orbital polisher to seal the clear coat. You should have no trouble with an orbital polisher as it is designed not to scratch the finish. I used the orbital polisher to apply the sealant and then used a microfiber cloth to remove it. The trailer looks fabulous and the sealant should last 6 months.
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Old 10-01-2017, 05:12 PM   #11
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Great information. I use meguilars on my cars, and it seems to last a really long time.
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Old 10-02-2017, 07:34 AM   #12
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Hmm...
Guilty as charged...
I use microfiber all the time.
It is the clear coat we are rubbing with the microfiber towels.
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Old 10-02-2017, 04:25 PM   #13
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That sounds good, now to decide on a simple fast & easy to apply product that will keep it looking good.... too many products these days.... grr
Check out this website.

https://www.autogeek.net/

Filled with a lot of great info and products that are far better than the stuff you find on your local parts store shelf.
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Old 10-03-2017, 10:42 AM   #14
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Check out this website.

https://www.autogeek.net/

Filled with a lot of great info and products that are far better than the stuff you find on your local parts store shelf.
Also in larger bulk quantity- more bang for your buck- more value- more for less per unit...
When waxing an Airstream you need quarts of wax, not ounces.
It takes several containers of Turtle Wax from Walmart to git-r-dun.
The stuff you buy in bulk from the interweb waxes on/waxes off easier with less white chalky residue...
The tire shine bought in bulk from the interweb does not sling off and keeps the tires shiny for months. You need quarts of tire shine, not ounces when shining 8 tires...
Now to find a gallon of Meguiar's Instant Detailer (or similar) on the interweb...
Retail is just that- to mark up and make profit.
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Old 10-03-2017, 11:59 AM   #15
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Old 10-04-2017, 04:41 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by m.hony View Post
Also in larger bulk quantity- more bang for your buck- more value- more for less per unit...
When waxing an Airstream you need quarts of wax, not ounces.
It takes several containers of Turtle Wax from Walmart to git-r-dun.
The stuff you buy in bulk from the interweb waxes on/waxes off easier with less white chalky residue...
The tire shine bought in bulk from the interweb does not sling off and keeps the tires shiny for months. You need quarts of tire shine, not ounces when shining 8 tires...
Now to find a gallon of Meguiar's Instant Detailer (or similar) on the interweb...
Retail is just that- to mark up and make profit.
I did my entire AS Flying Cloud 27 with just a few ounces of Wolfgang paint sealant. Once you get the orbital polisher pad saturated, it just takes a few drops to do a very large panel. Let it dry and just wipe it off with a clean clooth (I use microfiber). I don't wax anymore because it takes too long and doesn't last as long as sealant.
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Old 10-04-2017, 05:00 AM   #17
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Don’t have an orbital polisher-
Have a rag and my hands-
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Old 10-04-2017, 05:02 AM   #18
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No problem!

Quote:
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Don’t have an orbital polisher-
Have a rag and my hands-
You can actually put the sealer on by hand. I use a microfiber towel to get near the edges of things like windows. No issues other than it takes longer and you will use a lot more sealant.
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Old 10-04-2017, 05:28 AM   #19
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Everyone has their own favorite polish/sealer. I like Walbernize, goes on and off easily by hand. I use alcohol for pine sap, btw.

The best product is the one you will actually use- the brand doesn’t matter.
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Old 10-04-2017, 07:42 AM   #20
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What is actually the difference between wax and sealer?
Wax seems to act as a sealer- for about a year or so anyway...
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