Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: FtRoadTrip on August 27, 2022, 04:09:45 pm

Title: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: FtRoadTrip on August 27, 2022, 04:09:45 pm
Has anyone used the two product combination to buff the gel coat?

If so, any comments?

Aqua-Buff Compounds (http://fiberglasssupplydepot.com/Aqua-Buff-Compounds.html)

-FT
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on August 27, 2022, 05:34:44 pm
I've not used this brand but the price looks really right. Depends how oxidized your coach is. The sides are much harder than the end caps and while taking more work to polish, they stay nice and shiny much longer. I used a water mist while using a jitterbug with 800 then 1500 ending with 2500 w/d and then buffed with 3M compound at 1250 RPM. Following their directions, you can't leave the buffer in one place for very long at high speed. End caps polish out much faster but as I said, it does not last as long.

It's a LOT of work and ours is not done yet. If you live close to the border, I would have the Mexicans do the work as they know exactly how to do it plus they are very reasonable. They do all the other work you need done also.

Pierce
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: Michaelhayley on August 27, 2022, 07:22:00 pm
I use Chemical Guys compound (if needed) and RejeX.
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: craneman on August 27, 2022, 08:01:25 pm
Malware Bytes won't let me use your link but I used Aqua Buff 2000 recommended by Xtreme to polish up my coach. and RejeX to protect it.
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: FtRoadTrip on August 27, 2022, 08:17:22 pm
Thanks Craneman.

My coach is a 2001 with the exterior neglected for probably five years.  I bought it two years ago.

Do you think the Aqua-Buff 2000 would be adequate to remove normal oxidation?  The Aqua-Buff video shows 1000 being used and followed up with the 2000.  It seems to me that the 1000 is to remove scratches from sanding after a repair- not really what I am doing.

I most likely will follow your lead and use the AB 2000 and follow-up with the RejeX.

Thanks for your time.

-FT
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: craneman on August 27, 2022, 08:26:57 pm
Mine still had decal ghosts so I used 600 grit wet sand then 1200 grit wet sand and then the Aqua Buff 1000 followed by the 2000 then Rejex. I think you can get away with either the 1000 or 2000 followed by RejeX

Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: FtRoadTrip on August 27, 2022, 08:38:36 pm
Craneman-I really appreciate your help.

I just want to clean up the coach for a cross country trip.  I would hate to have people see a Foretravel owner without a clean shiny ride.

I have been planning on getting into Xtreme for the "painted decal upgrade" but life has gotten in the way for now.

Looking into the RejeX now.  It looks like there is only one product so that is good and simple.

Great pictures.  Your coach looks just the way I want mine.

Best to you and your family.

-FT
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: craneman on August 27, 2022, 08:45:38 pm
The RejeX doesn't remove anything it just covers with a lasting shine. You have to get the finish you want first.
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: FtRoadTrip on August 27, 2022, 09:05:54 pm
Do you think 1 gallon of 1000W and 2000 is enough to do the job?  34' coach.

I got the 1000W instead of the 1000F.  The manufacturer's info said something like- 1000F for sanded surfaces and 1000W for heavy oxidation (less aggressive).

Thanks

-FT
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: craneman on August 27, 2022, 09:50:50 pm
More than enough.
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: Woody & Sitka on August 28, 2022, 05:53:25 pm
Mine still had decal ghosts so I used 600 grit wet sand then 1200 grit wet sand and then the Aqua Buff 1000 followed by the 2000 then Rejex. I think you can get away with either the 1000 or 2000 followed by RejeX



Beautimous Chuck!!!  Did you do it yourself?  If so, what tools and how long to do the 2000 & Rejex?  Woody.
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: Nigel0434 on August 28, 2022, 07:01:52 pm
Saw this from a boat gel coat repairman

https://youtu.be/6SzZ5RRRh7A
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: FtRoadTrip on August 28, 2022, 08:47:49 pm
Nigel- I watched that video yesterday before I made the original post.

Having read that Xtreme was using the Aqua-Buff was really all I needed to know.  People have really given them much credibility on this forum.

Interesting to see his results.
Title: Re: Gel Coat Maintenance- Aqua -Buff Compound?
Post by: craneman on August 29, 2022, 12:42:50 am
Beautimous Chuck!!!  Did you do it yourself?  If so, what tools and how long to do the 2000 & Rejex?  Woody.

Did it myself, bought a scaffold and did 8' sections in two heights. Hand sanded with the wet sand and used two different buffers, one orbital and one straight Milwaukee buffer. Took six or seven days but don't  recall how many hours each day.