Expert: Gary - 7/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a white fiberglass trailer.
It has streaks on the finish.
I washed it, but did not remove all of the streaks.
What is best to remove these streaks?
What is the best way to protect the finsh?

Thank you.

Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

A cleaner wax should do the job for you. It will give it some protection plus it should take care of the streaks. If it doesn't you may need to step down to a rubbing compound. I hope this helps.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I tried the cleaner-wax and it helped some, but there is a white build up happening on the rags.
Is this some of the finish coming off?
Should I go to a polishing compound or just keep at it with the cleaner-wax?

Is the color IN the fiberglass or is it sprayed on?

Thanks.

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

The fiberglass should have a gel-coat finish applied over the fiberglass. However, I have seen some mfgs. use paint instead of gel-coat. Either way it's probably going to transfer color when you polish it onto the rag. You just want to be careful not to remove too much of the finish and break through into the fiberglass itself because the only way to repair it then would be repainting.

Go ahead a step down to a medium cut rubbing compound. This should help remove the streaks a little quicker without harming the finish. Afterward, you will need to follow up with cleaner wax again to bring back out the shine. I hope this helps.