Ceramic Coating?

[Unit # 1]

I am considering having my trailer ceramic coated. I was wondering if anyone had tried this on their units and what the outcome was. I was discussing with the guy who does the detailing on my autos (very honest and trusted guy) and he seems convinced it is the way to go. He said he was sorry he hadn't done it to his fiberglass boat when he bought it and now will probably have to have it re-gel coated to get it back to it's original glory. I have no desire to wax once or twice a year and want to keep the gel coat bright and shinny and hope it would protect the gel coat longer.

Any thoughts?


Thanks

[HABBERDABBER]

One thought is to keep your rig out of the elements and direct sunlight. Garage it, cover it, keep it under wraps. It will continue to shine.
Gel coat is not paint, and is a moderately thick film coating.
I never heard of anyone having their item fully re-gel coated. Painted, sure, or restored with mild abrasive, buffing and re-waxing or other protective film coatings.

So get yours ceramic waxed. But keep it out of the direct, exposed weather.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

I never heard of anyone having their item fully re-gel coated. Painted, sure, or restored with mild abrasive, buffing and re-waxing or other protective film coatings.

You beat me to it.

Yes, I've seen old gelcoat brought back to life. It would have to be damaged far more than you can imagine to be abandoned as a gelcoated tailer. Gel coat can be sprayed for spot repairs but wouldn't likely ever be done for a whole boat or trailer.

By the time gel coat reaches a stage where it's considered a basket case by far the most common next step is painting with a polyurethane type paint. Some boat owners do it long before it's required. In some ways the paint is so much better than gelcoat. Much easier to keep it shiny and easy to clean, less tendency to stain. At least that's my experience.

Ron

[BritCanuck]

I just cereamic coated our brand new 5.0 s couple of weeks ago.

I used Glidecoat Marine ceramic coating. Designed for gel coat.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B088F2PGYS?...roduct_details

Took me about 7 hours to do one coat. Not physically hard to do just takes a while. If it’s an older trailer the prep will probably take longer.

Its super slick and shiny now. As for longevity the manufacturer claims upto 2 years, and that”s for boats in sea water and harsh Florida sun.

So we’ll see, I’ll report back in a year.

I did debate getting a custom 5.0 cover but those are stupid expensive, a pita to put on, and only protect the trailer when it’s on. A ceramic coat protects year round. My main concern would be the UV during summer, so hopefully the ceramic coat provides the necessary protection. I also put some 303 Marine UV protectant on the exposed awning vinyl.

[Rossue]

Hey Chris- did you order & use most of the 250 ml bottle?

[BritCanuck]

Yes, got the 250ml when it was on sale. Used maybe 60-70% for one coat. It goes a long way.

[mresseguie]

Originally Posted by BritCanuck

I just cereamic coated our brand new 5.0 s couple of weeks ago.

I used Glidecoat Marine ceramic coating. Designed for gel coat.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B088F2PGYS?...roduct_details

Took me about 7 hours to do one coat. Not physically hard to do just takes a while. If it’s an older trailer the prep will probably take longer.

Its super slick and shiny now. As for longevity the manufacturer claims upto 2 years, and that”s for boats in sea water and harsh Florida sun.

So we’ll see, I’ll report back in a year.

I did debate getting a custom 5.0 cover but those are stupid expensive, a pita to put on, and only protect the trailer when it’s on. A ceramic coat protects year round. My main concern would be the UV during summer, so hopefully the ceramic coat provides the necessary protection. I also put some 303 Marine UV protectant on the exposed awning vinyl.

Attachment 72042

Good to know. Thank you for trying this idea. I'm about to have my new TV ceramic coated. Could I persuade you to post an update toward the end of 2024 or even in September or October?

Michael

[MoreQuestionsThanAnswers]

Originally Posted by BritCanuck

I just cereamic coated our brand new 5.0 s couple of weeks ago.

I used Glidecoat Marine ceramic coating. Designed for gel coat.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B088F2PGYS?...roduct_details

Took me about 7 hours to do one coat. Not physically hard to do just takes a while. If it’s an older trailer the prep will probably take longer.

Its super slick and shiny now. As for longevity the manufacturer claims upto 2 years, and that”s for boats in sea water and harsh Florida sun.

So we’ll see, I’ll report back in a year.

I did debate getting a custom 5.0 cover but those are stupid expensive, a pita to put on, and only protect the trailer when it’s on. A ceramic coat protects year round. My main concern would be the UV during summer, so hopefully the ceramic coat provides the necessary protection. I also put some 303 Marine UV protectant on the exposed awning vinyl.

Attachment 72042

Assuming you used some type of powered buffer for the job. What do you use and would you recommend it?

[BritCanuck]

Nope, just microfiber cloths as per the instructions. Basically put it on with a special applicator sponge and immediately wipe it off. Then buff to shine with another microfiber cloth.

[canada]

Originally Posted by Unit # 1

I am considering having my trailer ceramic coated. I was wondering if anyone had tried this on their units and what the outcome was. I was discussing with the guy who does the detailing on my autos (very honest and trusted guy) and he seems convinced it is the way to go. He said he was sorry he hadn't done it to his fiberglass boat when he bought it and now will probably have to have it re-gel coated to get it back to it's original glory. I have no desire to wax once or twice a year and want to keep the gel coat bright and shinny and hope it would protect the gel coat longer.

Any thoughts?


Thanks

Hi,
We did our Casita with Ceramic coating a few years ago...Loved it! Go on a trip and just wash it when you get back. We just bought a 2015 21C and we will have the ceramic coat this spring!

[Perry Butler]

Zep floor polish lasts as long, just as shiny, goes on as easy or easier, is cheaper and easier to remove if needed. Like ceramic, it's not wax and can last 3-5 years before reapplication.

Food for thought,

Perry

[LRL]

Originally Posted by Perry Butler

Zep floor polish lasts as long, just as shiny, goes on as easy or easier, is cheaper and easier to remove if needed. Like ceramic, it's not wax and can last 3-5 years before reapplication.

Food for thought,

Perry

Perry,

I trust you’ve used this floor polish on your fiberglass trailer in the past? It’s not listed as being appropriate for fiberglass, which is why I ask. Thanks!

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by LRL

Perry,

I trust you’ve used this floor polish on your fiberglass trailer in the past? It’s not listed as being appropriate for fiberglass, which is why I ask. Thanks!

Yes I have and so have others. There is a huge thead on the Fiberglass RV sister forum. I've used it on two trailers with great results.

Perry

[John in Santa Cruz]

Zep is undoubtedly a poly coating.

[MN Traveler]

LRL --- did your 23 enter production yet?

[LRL]

Originally Posted by MN Traveler

LRL --- did your 23 enter production yet?

Yeah… about 3 weeks or so ago. No photos yet, though!

[MN Traveler]

Originally Posted by LRL

Yeah… about 3 weeks or so ago. No photos yet, though!

that is exciting. we are supposed to pick ours up around 4/15, but haven't heard it has started prod yet. can't wait!

[LRL]

Originally Posted by MN Traveler

that is exciting. we are supposed to pick ours up around 4/15, but haven't heard it has started prod yet. can't wait!

Our tentative pick up date is March 1… yes, very exciting!! Best of luck.

[Unit # 1]

I pulled the trigger and had the trailer ceramic coated. It has a lifetime (10 year in their mind) warranty. It looks great but looked great before I brought it in. Pricey, but if it keeps me from having to wax it and last it will be worth it. Time will tell.