Applying Griots Sealer - How?

[PharmGeek]

So I will be using this product annually on the AS after reading reviews on this website and a couple others.

My question is: how do you go about applying it?

I see per some reading that you can do it all by hand, but a machine of some sort will work in the sealer better? and quicker?

Which one:

PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher - Amazon.com

or

PORTER-CABLE 7346SP 6-Inch Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad - Amazon.com

or something else?

Or just do it all by hand and save the 100 bucks?

If you use the machine, you buy the orange pads? How many to do a 30' bunkhouse? How much griots will I use as well? I have already 6 or so microfiber towels for removing the griots after application and wait time....can you use the machine to remove it as well?

I want to be sure I do this right and not damage the clear coat as well.

Thanks for advice in advance!

[Aviator]

One orange applicator pad is sufficient, just rinse it if it picks up anything. Microfiber for removal. It can just as effectively be done by hand. I used the Porter Cable from Griot's to apply as well as remove, but the microfiber on removal had to be switched out fairly often. I now do it by hand. I used 2/3 of a 16oz bottle on our 34'. It is available by the gallon if you call them.

[JDS]

I would recommend the random orbit polisher, remove by hand with micro fiber towels, easy peasy. Machine application is far superior and you can use the random orbit on your cars as well.

Good luck,

John S.

[ROBERT CROSS]

PG,

Get the one that includes the velcro pad. All Griot's foam pads are velcro backed, easy on and off. The wax, sealer and polish removal bonnets will all fit over the white foam pad you see in the picture. (7346SP).

One 16oz bottle of the sealer will do our 25' Classic at least three times.
Use sparingly, (very). Three nickel sized drops will do 5' square panel. I use the rivet lines as an aid. Once on it can be difficult to see, a slight overlap makes sure you haven't missed any thing. I do two panels, wipe with MF cloth.
When done I go over the entire trailer with the polishing bonnet on the orbital.
The spray on wax and detailing spray comes in handy for quick touch-ups between sealer applications.

Here's a link on their website that gives some good tips.

The green and blue MF cloths are the best I've found. This is also well worth the 12 bucks.

All their products are first class, excellent CS. Give them a call they will help with all your questions.

I would get two each of the red and orange pads.

This is a must have for washing.

The car wash soap is sooper slick and won't damage the Clear.
NEVER use Dawn or any dish soap.

Bob

[BAB]

I use all three of the sealant products: Paint Sealant, One-step Sealant, and Paint Glaze. I use the Paint Sealant on the Airstream, and while I do have the 6" orbital, I actually prefer to do the trailer by hand. The Paint Sealant is super on the trailer. I use the other two products on my cars. A 16 oz bottle of these products go a VERY long way. As an added testament to Griot's products, I have a Lamborghini that gets a lot of TLC from using their car care line. There are none better, IMHO.

[PharmGeek]

Great detail! Thanks!!

[PharmGeek]

I have like 150 bucks worth of amazon points...Im going to unload on stuff for cleaning and the sealant

[PharmGeek]

i read on their site...kinda foggy to me the orange vs. red pads? I guess Ill call them up next week and get details...

[PharmGeek]

I'll def buy that mop stick to wash with

I guess I'll be needing a ladder to do some of this

What do you all do to the roof as far as cleaning and after?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

I'll def buy that mop stick to wash with

I guess I'll be needing a ladder to do some of this

What do you all do to the roof as far as cleaning and after?

I just wash it once at Spring get-ready.(good time to check for leaks).
Rinse real well. The white coating gets chalky over time and will leave white streaks down the sides. no big deal just looks funky.

Bob

[PharmGeek]

on SALE for 50 bucks on amazon...dewault random orbital 5 inch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...e_epc__1p_0_ti

this is 5 vs. 6 inch...would this work great for the job or should I hold out for a deal on the griots or porter-cable 6 inch random orbital variety?

[ROBERT CROSS]

PG,

I would stick with the PC unit.

That looks to be more a sander than polisher. DW is into wood stuff and has gone thru several of the cheepies.

Better off with the more robust unit.

Bob

[BAB]

I've had the Porter-Cable polisher for about 8 years. A very well made piece of equipment, also easy to use. Bought it from Griot's -- and it comes in a great metal case to store/carry it.

[PharmGeek]

yeah, ill hold out for the PC unit....any idea on how low the price tag can go as far as a sale?

[ROBERT CROSS]

I recall seeing them for about $128.00 on Amazon.

On edit....$117.00

Bob

[lewster]

I too bought my Porter Cable random orbital from Griot's when they used to sell them.....before they started making their own unit. It has lasted over 25 years and is still going strong; loads of cars, vans and motor homes polished, not to mention the thousands of board feet of wood sanded. Great machine!!!!

Go big or go home!

[andreasduess]

Question - is this product just for new trailers or can it be used to freshen up older units?

[Silver Otter]

Andy,
I use it on our 1999 after reading the good details you see on this thread in times past. Been using it for two years and the Paint Sealer really makes a difference. Great protection for your Airstream.

[PharmGeek]

thanks everyone for the wonderful detail, advice, wisdom, etc....you all always come through....I think it is 117 bucks for the porter cable model on amazon right now...its not on sale...Ill keep watching it and see if it perhaps goes on a sale in the coming 2 months...pickup date at dealer for me is "set" for 11/1/13

I guess the Griot's and porter cable model are really the same thing at this point?

I bought some microfiber cloths (6 of them) from advance auto parts a couple weeks ago...these will not damage my AS.....how much better are the griot's microfiber towels anyway? About nearly double the price as the ones I bought...may be a big difference though in practice

[ROBERT CROSS]

.....to feel a photo. (Although I'm sure many guy's have tried.)

The left side a Pep Boys offering, the right Griot's.
About the same age and number of washes.

BTW....Griot's used to sell the PC orbital but recently stopped and now offer there "own" brand. Can't comment on the quality.

Bob