Started the Clean and Wax routine today.

[Bruce B]

Wow, this thing has a lot of surface area and it is the smallest Airstream made! Today is the one week anniversary of our new 16’ International Airstream. I love to maintain things and I have learned that it is far easier to keep something nice than to restore it. For me this means that whatever comes my way gets a thorough cleaning followed by a careful application of Collenite 885 Paste wax. This wax is simply a high carnauba content based wax with no polish or cleaner at all. You need to begin with a clean surface or you will wax the dirt in.
I began by washing the entire trailer (including the roof) with a boat wash made by West Marine. After chamoising everything dry I began to apply wax. Wow, this is going to take some time! I began with all the aluminum pieces from the windows up. A step ladder and a whole pile of microfiber towels later I have everything but the roof done (above the windows). Tomorrow I’ll get up on the top and get the white painted surfaces, then I’ll finish the lower surfaces.
This is a lot of work! The results are worth it though and you cannot believe how smooth the surface is after you finish! This is a good exercise in any case as I am becoming familiar with every rivet, every extra bit of caulk and in fact every little defect in the finish of the trailer. We intend to keep her for quite a while and I know that the wax only helps…..
Time for a beer!
Bruce

[rumrunner]

Wax on, Wax off Mr Miyagi
think I saw this in a movie about 30 years ago
Just be glad its not a 34 footer
keep up on the maintainance it will pay off in the long run.
tim

[Lily&Me]

You know, we feel the same way.

Doug does a hand wash and wax several times a year, and we give it a good wash once a week or so when we are on the road.

Whyever not?


Maggie

[c_lewis77]

Try using a cyclo for the wax job. I use it for my 34' with nuvite and with meguires wax on the vehicles. Amazimg job on both!

[c_lewis77]

...and if you want to try a 34' for comparison, I will happily volunteer my rig! Lol!

[Dorsal]

Hi. Dorsey here. Bruce's wife.

I caught him in action. Watch the video here!

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by Dorsal

Hi. Dorsey here. Bruce's wife.

I caught him in action. Watch the video here!

What? Nobody liked my starring role? My big chance for break in the entertainment industry???? ! back to my waxing I guess.
Bruce

[c_lewis77]

One square inch at a time!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Great work!!

Gets done every Spring get-ready around here.

One of these can speed the process and improve results considerably!!

Also a does a GREAT job washing.....microfiber on a pole

Watch out though..their stuff is addictive!!

Bob

[Bruce B]

Bob,
I have never used my random orbital sander to polish wax but our detailer swears by that tool! He claims you can not get into trouble the way you can with a rotary polisher.
I figure that I am atoning for sins of some kind by doing it all by hand....
Bruce

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Rifboy

Bob,
I have never used my random orbital sander to polish wax but our detailer swears by that tool! He claims you can not get into trouble the way you can with a rotary polisher.
I figure that I am atoning for sins of some kind by doing it all by hand....
Bruce

Well it sure is a good work out!!

I've been using this instead of wax, lasts longer, shines up well, and you need very little do do the job. Very easy on/off also.

The orbital works real well with the foam applicator and microfiber removal pad.
Just don't get too far ahead of yourself, one 4'x4' panel at a time.

Five months after sealing....



Bob

[TouringDan]

Bruce

Looks great! I missed out on the polishing gene.

Dan

[mefly2]

Keepin' your little Bambi nice!