Recreational vehicles give you the freedom to camp out and experience nature while still enjoying the comforts of home. When it comes to their exteriors, the options for auto painting are practically endless and include a broad spectrum of color and multi-dimensional graphics to choose from. Keep your RV’s paint job vibrant and attractive throughout the years with the following maintenance tips.
How to Protect Your RV’s Paint Job
1. Don’t Park Beneath Trees
Though you might feel tempted to park beneath trees for their shade, doing so often leaves RVs covered in leafy debris. Fallen twigs and branches can scratch your paint job. Sap also leaves sticky impressions on the finish that are difficult to remove.
If you need shade, try pulling under a covered garage or structure. Otherwise, consider parking in an open area or covering the top of your RV with a tarp if there are trees nearby.
2. Use Gentle Cleaning Products
Detergents sometimes contain abrasive chemicals, such as phosphates, sulfates, and chlorine bleach. If you use these to wash your RV, they may strip the paint, causing fading and blotchiness. When washing the vehicle, use an all-natural dish soap diluted in water to prevent the cleaner from eating away at the paint and finish.
3. Buff By Hand
Waxing your RV twice a year will improve the look of the paint while preventing stains and chipping. While power buffers can get the job done quickly, they also apply excessive pressure to the auto body, which risks scuffing or even denting the finish. After applying wax to the exterior, buff it out by hand with a gentle cloth, using quick, circular motions.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight will fade an RV’s paint color and dull the glossy finish. Protect your investment from harmful ultraviolet rays by putting it in storage when it’s not in use. Consider keeping it in a custom-built garage on your property.
You could also install a sun shade to protect the vehicle’s exterior. These oversized awnings block the sun from shining directly onto the auto body when it’s parked outdoors.
When you need auto painting to improve the appearance of your RV, turn to Consolidated Bodyshop in Crossville, TN. This auto body shop provides paint and ceramic coatings for cars, trucks, and RVs. They also offer paintless dent repair. Call (931) 456-4090 to get an estimate on auto painting, and visit them online to learn more about how they can keep your vehicle looking beautiful on the road.