remove the black crud off of the bus

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:07 pm

short of using a buffer, any recommendations for removing the black grime off of the bus? It's really bad on the top shell. I've tried....

> heavy duty cleaners
> comet
> Mr Clean magic eraser sponge
> RV cleaner

I'm running out of ideas for home brewed stuff. On line recommends stuff like Bartenders Friend or SNO-BOL cleaner, which seems kinda harsh on the bus.

Suggestions?

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

If you've tried Comet, I doubt Barkeepers Friend would be any worse in terms of abrasiveness. Wikipedia says the active ingredient is oxalic acid. I don't know how that would react with the fiberglass on the roof. This sounds like a job for the club chemist. Scott!

The easier approach is to call it "patina" and let it go at that.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:11 pm

Arthur McDonald wrote:

If you've tried Comet, I doubt Barkeepers Friend would be any worse in terms of abrasiveness. Wikipedia says the active ingredient is oxalic acid. I don't know how that would react with the fiberglass on the roof. This sounds like a job for the club chemist. Scott!

The easier approach is to call it "patina" and let it go at that.

I like the patina idea, but it's only on half of the bus front right now and what I've cleaned still looks like crap. I guess it's buffer time....

RobLupella · **Posted:** Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:49 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Arthur McDonald wrote:

If you've tried Comet, I doubt Barkeepers Friend would be any worse in terms of abrasiveness. Wikipedia says the active ingredient is oxalic acid. I don't know how that would react with the fiberglass on the roof. This sounds like a job for the club chemist. Scott!

The easier approach is to call it "patina" and let it go at that.

I like the patina idea, but it's only on half of the bus front right now and what I've cleaned still looks like crap. I guess it's buffer time....

I think in exchange for making us wait for times a mini toothbrush and some spit. LOL J/k, Simple Green and Bleach and a pressure washer?

steve remchak · **Posted:** Tue Mar 05, 2013 12:39 am

I have a kick ass pressure washer but no real chemical connection.

Works on most of my crap.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Tue Mar 05, 2013 3:00 am

Why not wrap it and call it a day? Otherwise, I think a pretty stout cutting pad and compound are going to be necessary even after all the cleaning. Chemical cleaners are probably not going to help much.

What is it anyway? Sap? Insect residue? I couldn't really tell.

Matt McGrain · **Posted:** Tue Mar 05, 2013 9:05 am

If Majestic Solutions can't recommend something then no one can. :thumbsup:

Seriously though, they probably have something that will cut through the gunk.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Tue Mar 05, 2013 9:08 am

I have a orbital buffer, cutting pad and cutting liquid for paint that's mildly aggressive, so going to try that at lunch today.

Stephen Westerfield · **Posted:** Tue Mar 05, 2013 9:42 am

Steven Carter wrote:

What is it anyway? Sap? Insect residue? I couldn't really tell.

It's a Chia-awning. Just let it go long enough and it will eventually take form.

ChrisSuich · **Posted:** Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:27 pm

I asked the repair shop when it was in there. He suggested paint and clear coat. An RV owner he knows painted and Clear Coated and does not have anymore problems like ours.

I don't know how much that would cost.
I'm sure we have the talent and means within the club.

Charlie Guthrie · **Joined:** Thu Aug 28, 2003 8:14 pm **Posts:** 832

Why not kill some time reading what the folks with recreational "buses" use to clean their rigs: http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php?topic=19156.0
There were lots of suggestions and some "don't use" items.
I have some Protect All "Black Streak Cleaner" that doesn't do much for the black streaks on our camper trailer, but it really eats grease and some plastics. I keep it for things as a last resort before the trash can.
One poster recommended mineral spirits (which wouldn't hut the fiberglass, and one mentioned Dollar General "Mean Green". I would avoid any abrasives if possible with the possible exception of auto body polish followed by wax.
Charlie G

steve remchak · **Posted:** Wed Mar 06, 2013 10:14 pm

It has been my experience with the two trailers that I own which have fiberglass roof pieces that the first step is power washing. I use water and pressure only.

I have no advice for restoration once the crud has been removed but what I know is you probably have oxidation combined with environmental damage (dirt, tree related) which has to be removed.

If ya'll want me to pressure wash it let me know.

THSCC Forums

remove the black crud off of the bus

Who is online