Getting a high gloss shine - a discovery!

I have been working hard to clean and polish my 2006 Eton. Cleaning and polishing the gel coat has been hard work but straightforward - I have used the 3M product that cuts and polishes and the results are excellent. But as for the sides - ugh. The 3M product did a fair job of gently cutting back the the oxidation but as for a shine - it wasn't to be. So them I tried all types of polish from acrylics to ceramics and most of the well known brands of polish and none gave the gloss I was looking for. Frustrating and expensive. 

I thought what this needs is a really good wax but I was reluctant to spend more money for more unsatisfactory results. Then the idea struck. I am a hobbyist woodworker. Using mainly hard woods I craft items which I sell on-line or at craft shows. I got to thinking about the waxes in my workshop and one in particular - Microcrystalline Restoration Wax. It is used widely in the antique trades and museums for polishing wood, lacquer, varnishes, brass, copper and steel. It repels moisture and prevents fingermarks and oxidisation. It's the final finish I often use of small pieces of furniture. But what about the side of a motorhome? RESULT!!! Brilliant shine and not to difficult to achieve.  Wax about a 45 - 60 cm square at a time with a little on a dry cloth. I have heard experts say if you put this wax on so thick that you can see it you have put too much on.  So 2 thin coats are better than one thick one, if you're not satisfied with the result first time around.  Leave for a bit less than a minute and buff with a microfibre cloth. Easy! The only thing I have yet to discover is how long the shine will last. But for the moment I'm a happy camper, or should I say motorhomer!

The wax I used is sold by Axminister Tools £12.88 for 400gms plus delivery.

I can see your van shining from here Mike.  
Boaby

If only Boaby!!! I'm getting there but slowly. Struggling to find a safe way to get up over the cab to polish the front of the roof.  I've seen enough of Scarborough and Brid hospitals recently. I'm hoping that at some point in the next couple of weeks we will use the vehicle for our first night away in it.  Your welcome to come and share a tea or coffee in Nafferton.

Woodenhead Mike wrote:If only Boaby!!! I'm getting there but slowly. Struggling to find a safe way to get up over the cab to polish the front of the roof.  I've seen enough of Scarborough and Brid hospitals recently. I'm hoping that at some point in the next couple of weeks we will use the vehicle for our first night away in it.  Your welcome to come and share a tea or coffee in Nafferton.

Thanks Mike. 

I have been using " Owatrol gel coat restorer"  I was very unsure if it would work as it claimed to work on plastic and steel boats plus paving stones, the list went on, sounded to good to be true.

I did a test area on the chalky paint on my Narrow boat last year, it was an amazing finish and looks just the same after the winter, so have just finished both cabin sides of boat and it looks great and less the 250ml did the job. Use a new best quality paint brush and brush out well.

I am now about to treat our motor home, it is so easy and quick to apply, saved a lot of hard work..

I see this is your first post, despite being a member for  years,  so welcome.  Why not say hello here..

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Thanks for the welcome, I am not great with this way of communication, but felt on this occasion I had somthing good to share and put my mind to it. !

It was not as difficult as I thought so watch this space, I may well be back as this morning for advice as I am going to try and stop the odometer flashing on our Broadway.
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Very interesting Mike, over the years I have restored loads of different classic cars, boats and even an aeroplane and tried just about method of waxing and polishing but never come across anything like this. You must let us know how long it lasts!

Many people ask the best way to clean and polish vans on here and will get a variety of replies but in my experience and no doubt that of many others it is not a problem achieving that glossy shine it is how on earth to keep it that way and without constant attention I have never found a way yet that doesn't require an amount of elbow grease.

Maybe you have found a winner here!

Gerald Rager wrote:I have been using " Owatrol gel coat restorer"  I was very unsure if it would work as it claimed to work on plastic and steel boats plus paving stones, the list went on, sounded to good to be true.

I did a test area on the chalky paint on my Narrow boat last year, it was an amazing finish and looks just the same after the winter, so have just finished both cabin sides of boat and it looks great and less the 250ml did the job. Use a new best quality paint brush and brush out well.

I am now about to treat our motor home, it is so easy and quick to apply, saved a lot of hard work..

I see on the website that it says "do not use on white paint"

Be careful.
Micky

Well spotted Micky, I was thinking of giving it a try but have a few area where the Gel is covered by white paint from when AS did warranty work.

Gerald Rager wrote:Thanks for the welcome, I am not great with this way of communication, but felt on this occasion I had somthing good to share and put my mind to it. !

It was not as difficult as I thought so watch this space, I may well be back as this morning for advice as I am going to try and stop the odometer flashing on our Broadway.
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Welcome to the forum Gerald. 
Boaby