A freshly cut apple turns brown, a copper penny turns green, a bicycle fender becomes rusty, and the paint on your RV becomes dull. What do all of these events have in common? Oxidation.
Oxidation is the interaction between oxygen molecules and all the different substances with which they come in contact. It is, for the most part, a destructive process.
Oxygen is one of the major elements of both water and air. Since the outermost layers of paint on an RV are constantly exposed to air and water, this becomes a serious problem. Over a relatively short period of time, the oxygen burns up the free radicals contained in the paint (oxidizes) and the finish becomes duller and duller.
Once we can see the effects of oxidation, the damage has been done. The only remedy is to remove the damaged material — the dull stuff— and slow down or prevent the continued loss of the paint.
The big secret of preventing oxidation is to provide a layer of protection between the paint and the air. Traditionally, this has been wax. Wax usually refers to a natural base product. Paint sealants are synthetic polymers created in a lab somewhere. Both will do the job.
Wax is usually applied by hand and produces a warm, deep look to a painted surface. It is a labor-intensive process, not your Sunday afternoon chore. The downside to wax is that it evaporates based upon temperature and humidity. In summer, it lasts about three to four weeks, and in winter, two to three months.
Synthetic polymers can be applied by hand or with a spray bottle and hose. It seals the surface of the paint and provides a shiny reflection. It protects for three to six months.
RV paints, with some sort of wax or paint sealant applied regularly, will last 12 to 14 years before repainting is needed. RVs that do not get some sort of protection will need repainting in seven to eight years.
The operative word here is regularly. If you use wax, use it once a month. If you use a synthetic, it’s every three months. If you see the surface of the RV start to turn dull, you’ve waited too long.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 or visit www.finaltouch-usa.com .