How big of a boo boo?

[AlaskaElaine]

I posted this under my “Lenora” thread but thought I’d try here as well. I was attempting to give my 72 a much needed bath but I didn’t think and used a scotch bright on it. Only one small panel but it is definitely scratched. Is it just surface scratches in clear coat? Or have I totally bungled it?

[Foiled Again]

Oh boy, wax it and pray.

That will at least prevent filiform from starting while other, better minds respond and you figure out what is next

[A W Warn]

I hope you get some response that tells how to repair this without polishing. My 34' has scratches just like that.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by AlaskaElaine

So I thought I would give the old girl (and I mean the airstream not me. Lol) a bath. She is definitely mossy and hadn’t been washed in years. BUT without thinking I used a scotch bright and ended up with this. I only did the one panel by the front window but it is definitely scratched. Will it polish out? Is it just in the clear coat? I know she isn’t beautiful by any means but I don’t want to cause more damage.

Quoted from "other thread"...

It's hard to tell from the photo if the scratches are in the clearcoat or in the aluminum, that looks like a pretty aggressive Scotch Brite pad...

If it's in the clearcoat, the scratches will go away when you strip the clearcoat - which has to be done before polishing. If it's through partially failed clearcoat and partially into the aluminum, it will be "better" after clearcoat removal - but some scratches will still be there. If it's in the aluminum, it will take a couple extra passes at polishing.

Regardless, if you are planning on compounding & polishing 'Lenora', this should polish out. "Polishing" a 31-footer is a big task, not to be taken lightly...

Good luck!~

Shari

[InsideOut]

This may be the beginnings of a unique piece of artwork like this trailer that was at a RMVAC Rally a couple of years ago.





It's actually a very cool nautical scene (Kraken tentacles) - both inside & out - that was a perfect expression of the boat-loving owners.

Shari

[AlaskaElaine]

I did throw some wax on it...it turned black ...grrrr...lol. Oh well, I’m not going to stress out about it. When I actually get around to the exterior I guess I’ll be stripping it and polishing it. Better get some cortisone treatments in my shoulders first.

[AFTER TAXES]

Originally Posted by AlaskaElaine

I posted this under my “Lenora” thread but thought I’d try here as well. I was attempting to give my 72 a much needed bath but I didn’t think and used a scotch bright on it. Only one small panel but it is definitely scratched. Is it just surface scratches in clear coat? Or have I totally bungled it?

acid wash low % at first......then polish urself or have
it done. any questions feel free to ask.
starbright has alu. cleaner, purchase at boat supply house
used on pontoons

[AlaskaElaine]

Thanks all! I appreciate all of your advice.

[Bob Peahl]

Just an FYI. An Airstream rep told us that aluminum has a grain. All cleaning should be done parallel with the ground, not up and down (which can breakdown the clear coat).

[Mollysdad]

I've removed a pretty good scratch by using Simichrome and a clean cloth. + a lot of time and elbow grease.
A tiny dab on the cloth, work the scratch, clean and repeat.
No power tools.