How to Restore Your Rv's Gel Coat

Restore the gel coat on an RV by cleaning thoroughly.

The gel coat protects the outer shell of fiberglass such as on a boat or recreation vehicle. The polyester resin in the gel coat covers fiberglass, giving it a shiny appearance. The coating also provides a layer of protection against stubborn stains. Over time, the gel coat erodes from weather and road conditions, leaving a dull appearance. Fortunately, restoring the gel coat can make the RV look new again.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Heavy-duty laundry detergent
• Large sponge
• Garden hose
• Clean rag
• Acetone
• Gel coat polish
• Soft cloths
• Gel coat wax
• Foam pad

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with 1 cup of heavy duty laundry detergent and warm water. Clean the RV with a large sponge and the soapy water. Rinse the soap from the RV with water from a garden hose. Allow the RV to air dry.

2. Soak a clean rag in acetone and run it over the gel coat on the RV, removing grease and oil. Allow the acetone to evaporate.

3. Pour 3 to 4 tbsp. of gel coat polish onto a soft cloth and wipe it over the RV surface using rotating motions. Rub the area until the gel coat appears shiny.

4. Scoop 2 tbsp. of wax onto a foam pad and apply it to the RV using circular motions. Allow the wax to dry to a cloudy haze.

5. Wipe the wax from the RV with a clean cloth. Turn the cloth often to expose a clean area as you buff the surface of the gel coat. Replace cloths with clean ones as they become saturated with the wax.

References

• RV Basics: How to Restore Gel Coat