Exterior; Stains - Fleetwood 1999 American Tradition Parts And Service Manual

MAiNTENANCE
Some exterior parts of your motor home are made of fiber-
glass. The finish on these parts is durable, but not indestruc-
tible. Any material and finish will deteriorate in time.
Exposure to sunlight, moisture and airborne pollutants can
cause dulling and fading of the finish. Generally, changes in
the finish due to weathering are cosmetic - they are on the
surface of the part and do not affect its strength. Weathering
can take the form of chalking, fading and yellowing.
The best insurance against these effects is routine mainte-
nance. If the finish is not washed and waxed thoroughly, the
surface can deteriorate very rapidly. The following mainte-
nance guidelines can help you reduce these weathering
effects:
1. Wash the exterior with a mild soap monthly, at least. Avoid
strong alkaline cleaners and abrasives.
2. Wax the exterior at least once a year - twice, if possible -
with a wax formulated for fiberglass. When waxing, always
read and follow the instructions and precautions on the
container. Some cleaners and waxes are recommended for
use on only certain types of surfaces.
3. In some cases, a light rubbing compound may be required.
Always follow rubbing compound with a high-quality wax.
Stains are generally caused by two types of substances -
water soluble and non-water soluble. Water soluble stains
can usually be washed away with water and mild detergent.
Follow the washing with wax.
Non-water soluble stains are usually oil-based. Removal of
this type of stain may require the use of highly flammable or
poisonous solvents. Refer this type of service to your dealer
or an authorized Fleetwood Service Center. Never use strong
solvents or abrasives to clean plastic surfaces.
09,2
EXTERIOR
STAINS