DIY Network

Polishing Exterior Aluminum The exterior of the Airstream is polished. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-210

In this segment Tom Numelin from Perfect Polish joins host Kevin Tetz to demonstrate how to polish the aluminum exterior using various polishers and aluminum polishing compounds.

A 27' trailer such as the project Airstream requires approximately 200 hours of polishing. The process also includes removing the protective clearcoat that was applied when the trailer was built in 1970.

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	The polished Airstream!

Polishing the RV's Exterior

1. If your coach has a clear coat, strip that before beginning the polishing process.

2. Use an industrial paint stripper that was brushed on.

3. To begin, spread the finishing polish compound over the area with polisher.

4. Slowly pull it down in one direction then move over and repeat the process and add more compound if necessary.

5. When the polishing pad gets caked with compound, use a spur tool to remove it by holding the spur tool against the pad and spinning the drill.

6. Add fresh compound, spread it over the surface and continue the slow pass stage of polishing. A micro fiber pad removes the residual compound.

7. Next use the random orbit polisher that is wrapped up in a soft cotton cloth with slits that fits over the motor housing. Medium grade polishing compound is applied to the cloth.

8. Move the polisher quickly over the entire surface to even out the finish. Make sure you wipe away residual compound before starting another stage.

9. For the final stage, wrap new cotton cloth around the polisher and apply fine-grade polishing compound.

10. The third stage requires quick and even movement. A final clean and buff with the micro-fiber towels finishes the polishing.

In the next segment a new awning is installed on the almost-complete project '70 Airstream.

RESOURCES :

Cyclo Polishers
Website: www.cyclotoolmakers.com

Nuvite
Nuvite Chemical Compounds Corp.
213 Freeman St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-383-0008

Perfect Polish
Website: www.perfectpolish.com

Soda Club
Website: www.sodaclubusa.com

Swift Association in Athens, TN
McMinn County Airport
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423-745-9547

Coleman Company
Website: www.coleman.com

Atwood Mobile
1120 N. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-264-2132

Zip Dee Inc.
Website: www.zipdeeinc.com

The Original Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch
Website: www.equalizerhitch.com

GUESTS :

Gary Bunzer
The RV Doctor
Bunzer Consulting
PO Box 2074
El Cajon, CA 92021
E-mail: gbunzer@cox.net
Website: www.rvdoctor.com

Ron Mullins
Awning Expert
56 Braemar Dr.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-690-1679

James G. Webb
Awning Expert
137 Kenmore
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: 630-279-7420

Robert Miller
Awning Expert
1645 Clover
Inverness, IL 60067
Phone: 847-359-7518

William Culp
RV Assistant
3721A Taliluna Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37919

Caleb Wilson
RV Assistant
1202 Clinch, #5
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-256-5290

Tom Numelin
Perfect Polish Representative
81 Pine Dr.
Fairfax, CA 94930
Phone: 707-775-2841