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Old 09-26-2016, 01:06 AM   #1
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My Experience with Fibreglass Cleaning and Restoration

We picked up our new to us 8 year old trailer earlier this summer. When I got home I realized what I had thought was dirt on the roof was actually a mold or mildew... I figured I would enjoy the trailer over the summer rather than worry about it. Now after spending 20 nights in it I now have some maintenance to do before the bad weather hits!

The problem:


After reading some great posts on this forum as well as over on SOI and FGRV I came up with an action plan.

I decided to use ZEP Mold and Mildew Stain Removal on the stains.


In action:



After that I gave it a good rinse to remove the cleaner. Then I washed with hot water and blue dawn to remove any remaining residue.

The results blew me away:




I was left with a clean fibreglass gelcoat that needed to have the oxidation removed. See the difference between the original finish (protected by the MAXX fan) and the exposed gelcoat.


My plan is to tackle the oxidation with 3M Maine Restorer and Wax. I finished about three quarters of the roof before it was dark. I didn't get any photos so I will follow-up the progress with another post.


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Old 09-26-2016, 01:08 AM   #2
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Reserved for part 2


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Old 09-26-2016, 01:08 AM   #3
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Reserved for part 3 if needed


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Old 09-26-2016, 01:37 AM   #4
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Looks like excellent progress.
You deserve a Coke.
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Old 09-26-2016, 04:04 AM   #5
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Good job, haven't had the mold on the roof yet.

I do run into similar on the awning, but not as bad. Picked up a gallon of the mold and mildew spray along with a cheap garden sprayer.
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Old 09-26-2016, 08:06 AM   #6
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Over on FGRV they use Barkeepers Friend to clean and then floor wax to bring back the shine.
See here Check this out NOT Poliglow...Time will tell.. - Fiberglass RV
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Old 09-26-2016, 10:26 AM   #7
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Can't beat the price, either. Zep gets my vote, though have not yet had any need to use it on ET-19. Before selling my old Scamp I applied Zep's Wet-look Floor Finish on the exterior. Made that old biddie look amazingly good.
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:07 PM   #8
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Can't beat the price, either. Zep gets my vote, though have not yet had any need to use it on ET-19. Before selling my old Scamp I applied Zep's Wet-look Floor Finish on the exterior. Made that old biddie look amazingly good.
It was under $6 for a 1L spray bottle of the Zep and I used about three-quarters of it. The 0.5L bottle of 3M Marine Restorer and Wax is $20!
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:16 PM   #9
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Good job, haven't had the mold on the roof yet.

I do run into similar on the awning, but not as bad. Picked up a gallon of the mold and mildew spray along with a cheap garden sprayer.
Cleaning instructions for the awning say to use soap, warm water and a soft brush.
If you do spray with a product containing bleach, make sure you rinse it quickly and thoroughly.
And, wear old clothes and a hat you don't care about. Speaking from experience.
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Old 09-26-2016, 07:53 PM   #10
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....... and a hat you don't care about. Speaking from experience.
You mean the hat that looks like a holstein hide?
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Old 09-26-2016, 08:07 PM   #11
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Here's the shirt.
Sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of the open awning.
Attached Thumbnails
shirt.jpg  
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Old 09-26-2016, 08:57 PM   #12
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Here's the shirt.
Sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of the open awning.
I like it... looks like the dark sky!
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Old 09-26-2016, 10:16 PM   #13
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Here's the shirt.
Sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of the open awning.
Perfect attire for a trailer rally!
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Old 09-27-2016, 07:52 AM   #14
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Here's the shirt.
Sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of the open awning.
And how did your hair look afterwards?
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Old 09-27-2016, 11:38 AM   #15
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Wore a cap, like always.
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Old 09-27-2016, 11:55 AM   #16
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Bleach

It will ruin your Tilly
And make you look silly
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Old 09-27-2016, 11:56 AM   #17
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Here's the shirt.
Sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of the open awning.
Hi: gbaglo... The bubbles worked on your shirt... but did they work on the awning? I use LA's Awesome cleaner from the dollar $tore, but then I'm the last of the big time spenders!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 09-27-2016, 12:14 PM   #18
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Hi: gbaglo... The bubbles worked on your shirt... but did they work on the awning?
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
I only used Scrubbing Bubbles once. Didn't leave it on long and rinsed it thoroughly. I now just follow instructions for soap and water and a soft brush. I'd worry about the stitching.
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