Airstreams have a unique look. Their full-bodied aluminum siding cannot be missed as they cruise down the road. An Airstream is recognized by its different shape and exterior, so for that explanation alone it is good to retain up a quite look!! And even extra importantly, just like any other expense, it pays to take care of your RV. Correct maintenance will aid guarantee many many years of enjoyment ahead. With typical upkeep, you will also have a far better concept of the condition of your automobile. You will grow to be familiar of what dings and dents are new, any elements that have to have replacing, or how typically you have to have to polish it to keep it looking its finest.
Be forewarned: Polishing your Airstream is a time consuming and arm tiring endeavor! It is proposed that you invest in a random orbital buffer to assist get the task done.
The other materials necessary for this job are pretty easy: You will need to have a basic automotive wash, masking or painter's tape, approximately half a dozen buffing pads ("polishing" pads are optional, based on your preference), polishing compound and a ladder.
The very first factor you want to do is give your Airstream a very good wash as you usually would and then allow it dry absolutely. You want to start with a squeaky thoroughly clean RV since if you have any dirt or sand on your vehicle you could get scratches when buffing.
Just after your Airstream is dry, use the tape to hinder polish from acquiring anywhere you don't want it to go, such as onto windows, any plastic or wood object affixed to the RV and any other fine detailing that would be dulled by polish. Accidentally finding polish on objects is easy…and a good deal much more hard to get off!! Take the tape and either straight cover these away-limits areas or set the tape just in front of them so you don't cross through.
Now you are prepared to get started utilizing the polish itself. Apply the polishing compound straight onto the buffing pad (using a putty knife to scoop it on to the pad assists preserve this messy job a small tidier!) Based on your method and your efficiency, you may perhaps discover it much more rewarding to do just one little section at a time. Now that the polish is on the pad, hold the buffer against the Airstream, turn it on and allow it do its perform! Soon after a couple passes with the buffer, alter out the pad for a thoroughly clean just one (or a polishing pad), put that on the buffer and shine'er up!!
Ideally you will have amble room to move around and easily reach all parts of your Airstream. Ahead of climbing on prime of your car or truck be certain to check with a dealership to come across out what the load baring capabilities are for your special design. If you are capable to stand on the roof take on precautions to prevent scratching or denting the prime (and of course, don't fall away!)
If you come across that immediately after polishing an area the success aren't satisfactory, you might need to have to use a rubbing compound in advance of the polishing compound. There is also the possibility that your aluminum has a very clear coating above the best (if you bought your Airstream secondhand you could possibly not know if there is one.) If your RV does have a topcoat, your polishing efforts will be for naught as this coat will avoid the power to polish what is underneath. In this situation, rather than waste your time and energy, you will demand to look for professional support to spiff up your Airstream with its crystal clear coating.
If you don't know if you have a very clear coat on your exterior 1 of the easiest means to uncover out is by taking a clean, soft rag, dab some polish on it and buff - in fast back and forth motions - on to a compact, hidden spot on the Airstream. Just like polishing silver jewelry or silverware, the rag will turn black as the tarnish comes off of. If this is the case then you do not have a obvious coat.
Polishing your Airstream is a small bit of do the job, but the outcomes are worth it!! Afterwards you will have a gorgeous RV that will catch the attention of people today as you pass by!?!