How-to Approach a 37' RV detail?

LoiG37 · 03-25-09, 01:33

Good evening,

I'm here to ask for help, suggestions, recommendations, and head-ups because I have never detailed an RV before.

I have recently been requested to detail a 37' RV. The upper half is gel coated which is lightly oxidated, then lower half is painted surface.

The owner wants it wash, gel coat polished to remove oxidation and sealed to prevent future oxidation, wax, and chrome rims polished.

Some questions I ask answers for:

What's the good sealant/polish to do the job on the gel coat?
I was recommend Optimum Poli-Seal w/ LC Orange Pad via PC.

What handy tools would I need besides a 8' ladder, long handle brush and a PC?

What is your procedure to detail a RV to minimize time and maximize quality? so everything runs efficently?

How many hours you think it'll take?

How much would you charge?

Thank you in advance

Loi

Twista616 · 03-25-09, 02:08

Charge by the hour , but dont give a"set in stone" price before you start. Figure out what a good hourly rate is for you and give them a time range, like it will take 14-18 hours. Some people even charge by the square foot..just dont sell yourself short, thats all...

LoiG37 · 03-25-09, 02:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twista616

Charge by the hour , but dont give a"set in stone" price before you start. Figure out what a good hourly rate is for you and give them a time range, like it will take 14-18 hours. Some people even charge by the square foot..just dont sell yourself short, thats all...

Thanks Twista,

how about procedures and tools and such?

bufferbarry · 03-25-09, 02:43

an rv hmmmm you know gel coat is not ilike normal car paint! gel coat is very tough!!! you will need a rotary to do any serious oxidation removal! i know with boats i charge by the foot at 50$ per linear foot. so to say a boat is 27 feet thats 27*50 but listen i can't stress gel enough how hard gel coat is! your talking some ball busting work!! trust me and do not under estimate the price you will lose you *** off if you!!! good luck let us know how it comes out!!

LoiG37 · 03-25-09, 02:51

I was told that Poli-Seal w/ LC Orange Pad via PC is enough and Gel is easier to burn then paint. what polish/sealant/pad combo do you suggest then? how much good would a FLEX do then a PC?

Thanks in advance

weekendwarrior · 03-25-09, 03:24

One thing about Gel Coats...they are alot like paint, in that they really vary in hardness from boat to boat, or RV to RV. For instance, in the thread below, I cleaned up the oxidation last summer on this boat with a PC, speed 6, a burgundy Meguiar's cutting pad, and the Meguiar's marine cleaner wax. It's hard to know how the gel coat will respond until you do a test spot. By the way, this boat is still oxidation free, so my method worked.

24 foot Crownline deckboat

DuraGloss 501 is another awesome product for removing oxidation in conjunction with a PC and cutting pad, and leaving decent protection.

Twista616 · 03-25-09, 05:06

All of the above is correct, every gel coating is different. More than likely, its going to be tough. If you only have a PC, then what weekendwarrior said about the Megs burgundy pad. If you have a flex, which is more powerful than a PC, try your method of poli-seal and LC orange. top is with collinite 476...ive always had great protection with it. but everyones different!

LoiG37 · 03-25-09, 05:43

thanks for all the inputs guys!
any more would be appreciated!

PaintPolisher · 03-26-09, 11:27

I take care of my churches five buses [all 21′] that are exposed 24/7 to all airborne debris.

Equipment I use for large vehicles:
2 step ladders 10′
1 plank 2″ x 10″ x 8′ edges rounded [round over router bit] to reduce leg fatigue when sitting
2 C clamps to secure plank to step ladder steps creating a perch for upper level work
1 16″ x 16″ gardeners kneeling pad to use for kneeling and sitting on the ground
1 light weight, 2 step painters ladder with paint can shelf
1 mechanics seat/stool on rollers with adjustable seat height
1 Sonic brush for various tight nooks and crannies

You have a lot of surface to cover and my best advice is to pace yourself.

al

LoiG37 · 03-27-09, 06:25

thank you, should I tape of around the gel coated surface before polishing? or is it okay to hit the edge of the painted surfaces with gel coat compound via buffer?