polished skin

[talmage]

I have seen several pix posted that show the AS skin polished to a mirror finish. Am I correct to presume:

1 - this is an expensive, time consuming process
2 - there is several layers of clear coat to preserve the finish
3 - it probably would not be practical for someone like myself, who lives on the Gulf Coast, where the salt air might make upkeep of such a finish a full time job.
4 - folks who pull such rigs are cursed by other drivers on sunny days.

Thanks.

[swebster]

Welcome! I have yet to polish but have read numerous post on the subject and have learned the following:

1. It can be expensive if you outsource it to a company that polishes airstreams ($100 - $150 a foot). If you polish it yourself the material and equipment are not terrible expensive. Either way it is a lot of work.

2. I think most people just wax the finished polish rather than clearcoating. Apparently CC can "dull" the finish or give it a "milky" appearance.

3. Not sure about the salt air. Its the oxidation fo the aluminum that requires repolishing. The better the polish, the smoother the surface and the less oxidation to deal with.

4. Kind of like driving past a SS milk tanker on a sunny day.

If you are considering polishing then do a search in this forum for polish as it one of the most discussed topics on here. Also check out the Exterior Restoration section. Oodles and oodles of advice on the subject.

[markdoane]

5. You're more likely to lose those nice shiny things like your VCR, flat panel TV, computer and cameras; because nice shiny things live in nice shiny trailers?

[Davydd]

6. Isn't a vintage dream?

[Ken J]

I resemble these remarks

Having polished, repolished , repolished and repolished my trailers

1. It not cheap - kindofa zen thing

2. You can clear coat, most just use a sealer (which is what I do)

3. Wet air does accelerate the oxidation - remember zen

4. Look at it this way, we will be easier to locate from outer space - I've never been cursed - I have melted plastic with my trailer - a polish hazard

5. I store mine in a barn so you can't see it.

6. Its pretty cool..............

7. Its certainly does add to its value.

Ken J.