Buffing out really obvious clearcoat scratches?

[Doug C]

We recently took our 1992 25' Excella out for only the second time. I misjudged a corner in a campground and sideswiped a bush that thoroughly scratched the clearcoat down the whole right side of the trailer. The damage doesn't seem to have reached the actual aluminum, but the whole side is marked with many dozens of scratches in the clearcoat from knee high to about seven feet high. I guess the good news is that my mistake did not dent the trailer at all.

Can I buff the clearcoat using the same compounds I would use to detail a car? I have a DA buffer and a rotary buffer with various buffing pads. Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated. I plan to eventually have the clearcoat redone by a professional. ( I live in Oregon, and I understand there is a man near Eugene who specializes in this type of work.) For now, I want to buff out as many scratches as possible so the damage I caused isn't so obvious. Right now it sticks out like a sore thumb. It's embarrassing to explain how I messed up a beautiful Airstream!

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[strshpntrprz]

Super ouch

[RUMSHIP]

I was told using a buffer would generate to much heat unless it was really slow. A good wash and wax would likely help a lot. I've got a few beauty lines on mine as well.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I did the same thing on our first time out with our Classic.

Was able to get most of them out using a Porter Cable Orbital Variable Speed, foam pads, and three stage 3M Compound. Polishing with the "grain", back/forth not up/down.

If you can't feel the scratch with your finger nail you should be able to get most of it out.

Good Luck...

Bob

[JBinKC]

Airstream's technicians recommend Glare Spider. And they say to polish with it with the grain.

[Haugen]

The "guy in Oregon "

His name is Dick and he has been spraying Airstreams since before they ever applied clear coats. I would seek his advice for sure! I have talked with him for a couple hours and he is very very experienced in this work. Call the dealer in Wa state and ask for his number

[outofcontrol]

Aluminum Motorhomes, Trailer Refinishing | Monroe, OR
Dick McIntyre
Anyone in the airstream industry knows this man. He's a legend.

-Kevin