Light scratches in clear coat on 2007 AS

[altamont]

I backed into some low hanging branches on our trip last month and acquired some superficial scratches in the clearcoat. I can feel them with my finger but they did not gouge out the metal. I tried to polish them out with a bit of success but no cigar. Any suggestions?

John

[jcanavera]

Not really. I've seen our local dealer use the Walbernize Super Seal product to minimize these scratches on trailers that folks have brought in with this problem....but that is a cosmetic temporary fix.

Jack

[Foiled Again]

Keep your unit for 20 years - you'll get more. It's called "patina" when you've got enough.

Same thing happened to me.

I've seen those obnoxious TV commercials with Billy May for a clearcoat scratch cover that looks something like a clear magic marker. Supposed to dissolve the clearcoat and permanently fill in the scratch. I'm not sure aluminum clear coat is the same as what is used for cars, but I might try it on an inconspicuous place, then if it works and holds up for a couple of weeks - treat the rest of the scratch.

Paula

[Don McKelvay]

I have had exactly the same problem as well as when I rubbed a wood post. I was able to get rid of most of the marks using a two step auto polish - in my case the First Step Pre Polish by Krown and then finishing with the Second Step Polish. However, I believe it is only available in Canada - perhaps you can find a two step polish from a local car polishing company.
Good Luck - I know it hurts when something like that happens.

Don
_______________
Don McKelvay
WBCCI #205
AIR #42
1994 Classic 34
2004 GMC 2500 HD

[CanoeStream]

Light scratches may not be through the clearcoat. Close inspection and magnification may confirm this. Micro-rough tags of plastic can probably be polished down with a bit of automotive clay under water -- I personally use Meguiars. (thanks J) I've read with newer clearcoats that Walbernize is not the silver bullet like it was 15-25 years ago. I'll clay off stubborn bug marks until the skin is smooth to my hand, rinse well, and apply Meguiars Cleaner Wax or whatever is current -- their line seems to morph gradually.

Automotive clearcoats seem harder but the clearcoat-paint combination is probably easier to bond to than bare aluminum. Mulling out loud here -- specialists probably know these facts better.

[moosetags]

We have gotten the same kind of scratches on Lucy several times. I have been able to polish some of them out with light polishing compound followed with Dri Wash 'n Guard. Some I was not able to remove completely, but was able to reduce their visibility.

We have pulled our Lucy over 50,000 miles and have spent 430 nights in her. She has suffered a number of scratches from trees and bushes, and several rock dings in her nose. I have decided that she looks good with these battle scars, and continue our adventures.

I have also decided that the only way to prevent these scratches and dings is to never take your Airstream out on the road.

Brian

[altamont]

Well Brian, not taking her out is NOT an option. I guess after 15,000 miles in 2 1/2 years and only getting some scratches on the roof is not a bad trade-off. My wife (this is her baby) is still not too happy and I will NEVER hear the end of my errors but accidents do happen. As Paula said above, it creates the "patina" that is sooooo attractive.

Thanks to all