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09-30-2017, 01:18 PM
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#1
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Mike from Canmore
2018 27' Flying Cloud
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 233
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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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09-30-2017, 02:17 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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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.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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09-30-2017, 02:44 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
2017 25' International
Joliet
, Illinois
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 154
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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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09-30-2017, 03:16 PM
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#4
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Opinionated newb...
2018 25' Flying Cloud
League City
, TX
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 479
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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
__________________
Men are but men, and the greatest men are they who soonest learn the simpler things. ROBERT E. HOWARD
What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything! H. P. Lovecraft
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09-30-2017, 04:11 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2020 25' Globetrotter
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike G
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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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.
__________________
Mike
2020 25' Globetrotter Twin | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ult. 4x4 Duramax
400Ah Battle Born lithium battery string | 580W solar (400W roof 180W portable)
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10-01-2017, 11:22 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2017 30' Classic
Anna Maria
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeinca
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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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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10-01-2017, 01:04 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2020 25' Globetrotter
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by franklyfrank
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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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.
__________________
Mike
2020 25' Globetrotter Twin | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ult. 4x4 Duramax
400Ah Battle Born lithium battery string | 580W solar (400W roof 180W portable)
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10-01-2017, 04:25 PM
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#8
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:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
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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.
guskmg
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10-01-2017, 04:44 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2016 28' Flying Cloud
Brandenburg
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 275
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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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10-01-2017, 04:53 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 773
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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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10-01-2017, 05:12 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Great information. I use meguilars on my cars, and it seems to last a really long time.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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10-02-2017, 07:34 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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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.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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10-02-2017, 04:25 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
2017 25' International
Joliet
, Illinois
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 154
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wave man
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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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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10-03-2017, 10:42 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bel73
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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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.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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10-03-2017, 11:59 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
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I use my Cyclo with foam pads and my old tidy whiteys.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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10-04-2017, 04:41 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 773
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony
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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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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10-04-2017, 05:00 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Don’t have an orbital polisher-
Have a rag and my hands-
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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10-04-2017, 05:02 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 773
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No problem!
Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony
Don’t have an orbital polisher-
Have a rag and my hands-
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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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10-04-2017, 05:28 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,333
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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.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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10-04-2017, 07:42 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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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...
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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