With time, 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? They are victims of oxidation.
Over time, oxidation will have its way with everything. Oxidation is the interaction between oxygen molecules and all the different substances with which they come in contact. Oxidation, for the most part, is a destructive process. It does its work on the molecular level, leaching one or more electrons when oxygen comes into contact with a substance.
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, oxygen burns up the free radicals contained in the paint, and the finish becomes duller and duller. The only thing that can be done 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, a natural base product. Paint sealants – synthetic polymers created in a lab – will also do the job. Wax is usually applied by hand and produces a warm look to a painted surface. It is a labor intensive process; the other downside to wax is that it evaporates, depending on temperature and humidity. In the summer time it will last about three to four weeks, and in the winter, two to three months. Synthetic polymers (sealant) can be applied by hand, spray bottle and hose. It seals the surface of the paint and provides a shiny surface reflection. A sealant will protect your paint for three to six months.
RVs with wax or sealant applied regularly will last 12 to 14 years before they need repainting. RVs that do not get some sort of protection will need repainting in seven to eight years. If you wax, do it once a month. If you use a synthetic, then it’s every three months.
Keep it protected… and enjoy the RV life!
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and www.FinalTouchRV.com.