to Walbernize or not to Walbernize

[Lumatic]

My new to me 93 has a clear coat that is wearing thin in parts. What polish would you recommend for preserving what I have left and making it look a little better?
Walbernize or something from the auto store?

[RAH]

At Alumapalooza last year during the "how to care for your AS" session they said with modern AS you have 2 choices: Walbernize, or Glare. They said once you pick one or the other, you should stick with it. I.e. don't go back and forth between the two products. I don't remember the "why" on that. I don't know if a 93 would have different considerations.

I picked the Glare route and I am happy with that. But it costs! the Glare wash is not bad - $12 or so. The Glare Polish is $35 a bottle. One bottle gets the whole AS done.

As for other items available from the auto parts store, what types are you thinking of? Car waxes like Turtle wax, Meguiars, etc.? I don't know about using those on an AS. Probably safer not to use those. If you decide that's what you want to do, test it on a small section just to be on the safe side.

[Tincampers]

Is Glare a brand name? First I've heard of it.

[RAH]

yes. GLARE® OFFICIAL SITE | Car Polish & Car Wax | Auto Polish | Auto Wax | Aluminum , Motorcycle , Aircraft and Marine Polish.
I use the Glare Auto Wash, and then follow with Glare Professional Polish. Once a year is my frequency. They also sell it at Jackson Center if you're ever up there.

In looking at the Glare website they also have a special formula for Aircraft. Wonder how that would do on an AS?

AIR-GLARE PROFESSIONAL AIRCRAFT POLISH will reduce the Air-Drag Coefficient of the aircraft which in turn increases maximum air-speed and fuel economy. AIR-GLARE will allow for a much easier de-icing of the aircraft as well as. AIR-GLARE has been tested and approved by BOEING for all PPG Aircraft Paint, and can be used on a wide variety of aircraft paints and materials. AIR-GLARE is also excellent for polycarbonate (maintains optical clarity), glass (including instrumentation glass), Carbon Graphite (including helicopter blades), fiberglass, aircraft aluminum, and all metal alloys.

[Ron A]

I use the Glare brand & like it.
http://www.glare.com



Ron
2015 Sport 16'
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[polarlyse]

From this I gather Glare polish is a benefit for those times that I exceed Mach I.

[Jaxon]

Found this product through a friends referral who used it on his plane & motorhome. I’ve used it on a motorhome, my Airstream, and cars - easily applied and polished off. Really work as a multi-cleaner & wax. Good for spot polishing, too.
Aircraft RV Cleaner Waterless Wash Wax Detailing Products Supplies

[paiceman]

I've used Walbernize on three newer AS and like it. Wash first, dry, they put the stuff on. in sections and wipe off. One bottle does a 30' about two times. I do it twice a year.

[Doc Foster]

I hate waxing my truck, not that eager to "wax" my 30 footer.

[dznf0g]

I called Glare last year to ask about the aircraft one. They told me that they are the same as automotive formula. ...just different label for different market.

[graysailor]

I typically Walbernise once a year just prior to taking off for another season.

[ckottum]

We use Glare on the shell, front window rock guards, and shower walls. Good product. They claim it has UV protection; if it actually does that would be an additional benefit.

cheryl

[dfschultz]

I have used the Walbernize and found it easy to apply and wipe off, seems to leave a nice finish.

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I called Glare last year to ask about the aircraft one. They told me that they are the same as automotive formula. ...just different label for different market.

And $10 more for the aircraft label.

[wlanford]

I found Glare under the Honda brand name on the internet a while back and it was much less expensive. Just google 'Glare" or 'Honda Glare' and you should be able to find several sources.

[Wingeezer]

Can't compare with other products as I have only used walbernize - I typically wax the trailer at least once, but often twice a year. Since we keep the trailer in a storage yard, I usually do it when we are way camping with the trailer - although my wife isn't thrilled abut me doing that!

I generally do it over a few days, taking an hour or two at it after breakfast before we go out someplace for the day, so she doesn't get too ticked off t me "wasting a day" as she puts it!!

Walbernize seems to work well IMHO. I try do do out out of direct sun, but what I particularly like is that even when I do it is the sun, it is easy to buff it to a nice shine - No big struggle to remove baked on white residue. I just use microfibre towels.

Brian.

[Britbat]

Is there a difference between the two regarding the age of the AS, as we haven't got round to waxing '75 Shiny Beast yet. We will be ready next week and while will not be mirror polishing we would like it to look good for the max time between coats, after all we want to camp and not constantly maintaining.

[guskmg]

I have used Walbernize for many years. I have found that if is sprayed on a small area from a generic spray bottle, then buffed with microfiber rags, it will shine up very nicely. It only takes about a quarter of a bottle to do my 34' Classic. The rags wash up in a washing machine just like new. Be sure and keep the Walbernize shaken up because it settles out fast. I accidentally spilled some on an outdoor black iron table and it took two years to wear off. I never could get it to scrub off. I imagine the Airstream stays well protected too.

[m.hony]

Have I already ruined my trailer by using Meguiar's Instant Detailer on it? I got started using Meguiar's on my car and motorcycle. I have never really officially applied a hard past wax to the trailer like Turtle Wax like I put on the truck, but I have used a soft wax like Formula 2000. Have I made a major blunder? I was just using what I had on hand at a campsite on a just right (not too hot, not too cold) day in September. I also had a little free time- a rare and precious commodity. The campground was too far from anywhere to go exploring. Most of the car detailing supplies I use either come in the form of gifts from the wife and kids at Christmas or Father's Day or I buy them as needed (car or bike show in a couple of hours) at Advance or Walmart. I have ordered tire shine in bulk from Amazon because of the price at retail stores.

[featherbedder]

I washed tincan yesrerday using concentrated turtle wax lig. soap. yes I mixed with water. I have did this way for yrs. also using another brand combo soap And wax. I some times a wax using liq. turtle wax, or if have another brand on hand will use it. My AS is 39 yrs. old still nice and shiny except where sun burned. Many people remark about shine and age Of trailer. No these products have ever hurt or degraded clear coat. I apply wax out of sun wipe soon as dries, leave to long bugger to wipe off. The roof to far gone with sun burn, so it does not get polished.