Clear coat.. am I crazy? need help

[1023Steve]

I'm sorry if this has been posted before. I searched and could not find a clear answer.

I have a 93 Excella 29'

First, I started with my LP tank cover..I wanted to see what I was getting into with this polishing endeavor. That seemed like a reasonable place to practice and I could bring it into my garage.

So here is the issue, I have removed the clear coat about a dozen times (Aircraft Remover and Citrustrip) . I even polished with 2 grades of Nuvite Polish thinking that might help. I have followed every rule and read dozens of videos and watched every vlog. (hence, am I crazy)

There is still a haze. I do not think it's clear coat. Although it looks just like it. If I rub my fingers across it the texture is exactly the same.

Now I'm scared to death to start my entire trailer because I don't want it to look like this.. HeLp Thanks for any response or link to a response that has address this.

[Crackerman]

That is the mill brushed finish in the aluminum. To get a "mirror" shine, you need to be much more aggressive. Either sanding from 600-1000, or switch to a heavy cut compound on an airway wheel

[Foiled Again]

The newer.ones don't shine up the same way the 60s units do. Different grade of aluminum. Do you want to use it or polish it?

Or you could use Chrome spray paint, or a chrome wrap. (Repeat about every 3 years.)

Just kidding. It is YOUR Airstream, enjoy it.

[1023Steve]

It just has sun burn on it really bad on one side + I like a challenge.

I’m not sure the 3 nuvite products I used, I think the colors were green, blue, and purple.

Is their a courser product you would suggest? Nuvite??

Thanks for both responses.

Steve

[richard5933]

Is the aluminum used on the propane tank cover the same as what is used for the main body?

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by 1023Steve

It just has sun burn on it really bad on one side

The "sunburn" is where the clearcoat has failed previously and the aluminum has oxidized more than the area that was still clearcoat-protected before stripping. You will need to remove that oxidation with either compounding with something more aggressive or even the wet/dry sandpaper as previously suggested. You might try compounding with tripoli bars...then follow-up with the Nuvite products. We had great success with this method of compounding....

Shari

[1023Steve]

I think I saw a video with the Tripoli bars. It seems a lot of the experts use those. I’ll grab some..

I’m not sure about the grades of aluminum; cover Vs trailer. Maybe one of the more seasoned polishers could chime in on that.

I read in the one the forums somebody polishing “to hard”. That had me paranoid too.

Does anybody know if this is common? Should I expect the same condition on the trailer?

[InsideOut]

The “polishing too hard” issue pertains to older trailers with Alclad aluminum in the older trailers. The Alclad aluminum is a layered product with a purer/softer aluminum on the surface and a stronger aluminum alloy as the base. If you polish through the softer layer (or get it too hot& move it around) it it cannot be undone and that area will oxidize more quickly giving it a brownish-gray area. Your ‘93 does not have Alclad.

Regardless, polishing doesn’t require you to out a lot of pressure on the skins - let the tools & componding materials do the work.

Shari

[Ken J]

You don’t mention - what machine are you using to polish ?

[Crackerman]

I recommend menzerna 439t with a marpol green or purple airway buff (10" is the only way to go)

Follow up with a menzerna blue (it's a 5xx, I forget which) on a marpol 10" flannel.

Then finally, invite IIs (2s) with a cyclo or orbital with flannel for the finish

[1023Steve]

I used the Dewalt variable speed polisher with 7.5"(?) wool pad. I used two compounds with this polisher. Nuvite IIF7 then followed with Nuvite IIC.

After the photo was taken, I finished with the Cyclo dual orbital polisher with wool covers and the polish was Nuvite IIS. (again, just messing around) I knew there were a few spots that weren't polished perfect. BTW, The rest of the box looks great.

I used Vintage Trailer Supply as a reference for most of this..

I'm open to trying new polishes and a new equipment but kind of feel like I'm starting from scratch when folks have had good success with what I'm using.