Clearcoat problems

[ipso_facto]

I am in the process of getting an A/S which has typical clearcoat problems on top. Would it be possible for a non-pro to reapply it, if so how much would it cost?

[Inland RV Center, In]

How would you paint just the top?
Plasticoating is not complicated, but, if not done exactly correct, it can and will fail in a few months.
Most owners choose to have a dealer do it, or the Airstream factory.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

[Seon]

So what would it cost for a dealer to paint a '72 23'Safari?

[Inland RV Center, In]

"IF" the trailer does not have silicone sealer all over the place, or other sealers that become rock hard, then a price for a "complete" replasticoat will be in the vicinity of $115.00 per foot. Again, that's a round number, sight unseen.
Metallic silver runs about $160.00 per foot..
Plasticoat lasts 3-4 years with routine waxing. Metallic silver lasts 20 years, with routine waxing. These are averages.


Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

[Seon]

Andy, Thanks for your reply. When you say Metallic Silver, I take it as being painted. It seems like a no brainer to go with a 20 yr life oppose to 3-4 yrs.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Seon.
You can see a photo of a silver metallic paint job on our web site. http://inlandrv.com
Click on "projects."


Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

[mauriceman]

So if plasticoat lasts 3-4 years, then i need to spend $144 (factory price) a square foot every four years to keep my trailer nice?

i have an 89 Excella with a few spots of missing plasticoat. I'd like to patch them and, maybe, someday, spring for a full re-coating.

generally, I'm still confused about what to do.

[Inland RV Center, In]

mauriceman.

That price is per "running foot" not per square foot.

Andy

[fbaileysr]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

"IF" the trailer does not have silicone sealer all over the place, or other sealers that become rock hard, then a price for a "complete" replasticoat will be in the vicinity of $115.00 per foot. Again, that's a round number, sight unseen.
Metallic silver runs about $160.00 per foot..
Plasticoat lasts 3-4 years with routine waxing. Metallic silver lasts 20 years, with routine waxing. These are averages.


Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

Is the Metallic Silver paint available from your company?

[ALANSD]

Originally Posted by mauriceman

So if plasticoat lasts 3-4 years, then i need to spend $144 (factory price) a square foot every four years to keep my trailer nice?

i have an 89 Excella with a few spots of missing plasticoat. I'd like to patch them and, maybe, someday, spring for a full re-coating.

generally, I'm still confused about what to do.

if there are small areas needing recoating, you can buy the spray plasticoat ( clearcoat) and apply it to those areas. It is possible that the edge of the peeled area will be noticeable, unless you do some prep work. There are posts here concerning that , do a search for those.
Also while you are waiting to do that clearcoat, you might want to use a quality sealant on the rest of the unit, and over the areas you will later clearcoat to stop the progression of the problem. I used Liquid Glass last summer, and it has held u very well over the last 6 months or so. Others use Walbernize, and various polymers or waxes. I can tell on my Motorhome that the clear coat spotting has not enlargened since I sealed those areas with the LG. and the shine was really retained on the whole coach.

[dmac]

Keeping your trailer outdoors ruins the clear, the tires, drapes, exterior plastic parts, the sealants... Store the trailer indoors and the finish will last a long time. Inside storage isn't that expensive, if you get creative. Find a farmer with available pole barn space.

[ALANSD]

Or put up a vinyl or metal canopy it will sure help.