Waxed The Cat.

Just wanted to give a big thanks to who came up with the ingenious idea of mixing turtle wax, water and dawn dish soap.
Super easy and the results were terrific.

Recipe for those who do not have it.
spray bottle
1 cup liquid turtle wax
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dawn dish soap

Thanks. I don't know what Scruffy uses.

Tater

I've used this recipe for about 3 years now and I'm also impressed with the ease of application and the end result

I was always told not to use dish soap as it cuts the wax. Is that an old myth??

Earl

Mopar_Earl wrote:I was always told not to use dish soap as it cuts the wax. Is that an old myth?

No, from what I've read, I think this is true. In this "recipe", the small amount of dish soap is used to help break down the wax a little bit to make the mixture easier to spray and not clog the nozzle. At least that was the way it was explained in earlier discussions.

Not sure of the chemistry aspect of using the tiny amount of soap, but one thing that impressed me the most was I was able to wax the entire camper with only mixing up one spray bottle. I even had enough left over to help the DW wax her car.

Thanks for the info! Makes sense to me and its obvious that it works. With the dish soap added it would be kinda like a cleaner wax but not as abrasive.


Earl

does it dry to a haze? then do you wipe it off?

Thanks, Tom

mga60tw wrote:does it dry to a haze? then do you wipe it off?

Thanks, Tom

That's what I wanna know.

Actually, what i found was that there is no need to let it dry and then buff off. You spray on and wipe (polish) off. You will need a dozen or so of those soft towels. When the towel gets too wet you'll be left with a haze, then it's time for a new towel. It took me a couple of hours to do the whole camper. The top side took the longest, due to having to move the ladder. A good pair of stilts wood have been handy.

Thanks c04687 Good info.

I asked Scruffy if he uses this formula, he said no, but he has thought of trying it sometime.

Tater

My list of things to do in the spring is getting longer!!

John

Got another one for U.

I received an email from Trailer Life today and an article in it caught my attention. This is an except from their RV Handbook, 4th Edition;

"Although fiberglass manufacturers do recommend waxing the surface in their care and maintenance guides, it is critical to NOT wax over vinyl decals. Sharpline Converting, Inc., a leader in RV graphics and decals, states that today’s decals are designed with an ultraviolet-resistant coating, and waxing prevents the natural breathing and will enhance cracking, peeling and fading.

With today’s technology, waxing does very little for the longevity of fiberglass other than provide a protective coating for surface scratching and a shine.

Some owners wax the front fascia, making it easier to remove pesky bugs. Several aftermarket products are available that will help enhance the shine and add UV protection, such as Protect All’s Fiberglass and Oxidation Remover & Color Restorer, or 303 Protectant, both available at Camping World."

What are your thoughts as far as the "waxing does very little for the longevity of fiberglass" statement? I've read that wax isn't good for the decals but I always thought it helped protect the fiberglass. I've used 303 protectant on the decals to help protect them from peeling and fading but will it help make the fiberglass shine also?

If this quote is true, are we spending a lot of time and elbow grease waxing the RV for little return? Just wondering what others think.

I've heard/read not to wax the decals before.


Earl

So no wax cat then?

Well, I wax the front nose because it does make bug removal easier and it was starting to turn a slight yellowish colour so I thought it needed more protection. I have never waxed any other part of my trailer and it still looks brand new. I just wash it and it shines quite well. I wish the front nose was as easy to take care of as the rest of the trailer. (My trailer is an 06)

I have read several places about not waxing decals. for that reason I only use 303 protectant. It's easy enough to apply but I don't think it holds up like a good wax job does. I apply it several times a year. Everything is holding up fine. Try a wet dryer sheet for removing those bugs from the front cap. You'll be amazed.
KH

I'll back up the advice about not waxing the decals. They're screen printed with a UV clear coat protectant, so there shouldn't be any reason to "shine them up" using a wax.

I'll see what our fiberglass supplier thinks about this "recipe" for 'cat waxing. I've always been told (by customers and dealers) dish soap and warm water works better than just about anything available on the market.

I use a car soap that has wax in it supposedly. Well no more buffing and waxing the coach I see.

I waxed mine for the first time because the manual said I should. I called Rod at FR and ask him about waxing the decals because I also read not to and he said it wouldn't hurt anything.

So what is a person to do?

I have read the same thing (not to wax them). I haven't waxed them yet, although it is tough to go around them since they are quite large. I guess if the rep from the factory says it is ok then go for it.
Jim

I believe it's what is in the wax, of course, makes the difference between using it on the graphics or not. If the wax or polish has any distilliates in it then I wouldn't touch the graphics. Just a warning for those considering just replacing them, the graphics are alot more expensive than I assumed.