Polishing alu-tech panels

andron
andron Forum Participant Posts: 13
edited September 2016 in Caravans #1

Having washed the van after a previous trip i used some black streak remover on the rear panel,unfortunatley this has dulled parts of the panel,my question to anyone who can help is this,is it ok to t-cut alutech(eg using auto glym t-cut )and then polishing
it using auto glym resin bodywork polish?? or do i need some kind of alu-tech special polish?? any advice please?

Comments

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #2

    I thought Alu-tech was the construction method and the skin was normal aluminium sheet as in all other 'van/motorhomes.

    If it is don't use T Cut but a normal polish (as you suggest)....the 'paint' coat is extremely thin

  • andron
    andron Forum Participant Posts: 13
    edited September 2016 #3

    ok many thanks EJB so guess i"ll just polish the full panel but will try a small area first tho(,and never use black streak remover from aldi again!!)cheers

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
    100 Comments
    edited September 2016 #4

    Alu-tec -  main body panels are GRP not aluminium, cappings  are ABS plastic.

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #5

    Ditto for GRP.....the gel coat is very thin but will restore a gloss with a decent polish.

    PS. Black streak remover is OK but it must be washed off before it dries.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,690 ✭✭✭
    1,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited September 2016 #6

    I have given our Barcelona 3 or 4 coats of Auto Glym - finishing off with the resin hardener and only ever use Stardrops to wash it with.  There is no salt in Stardrops, unlike many detergents, so it doesn't take the polish off. If I get any black streaks,
    they are very slight and wash off easily with the Stardrops - no need for black streak remover. I have also been doing this on boats for years with the same excellent results.

  • AutoAddict
    AutoAddict Forum Participant Posts: 114
    edited September 2016 #7

    I have given our Barcelona 3 or 4 coats of Auto Glym - finishing off with the resin hardener and only ever use Stardrops to wash it with.  There is no salt in Stardrops, unlike many detergents, so it doesn't take the polish off. If I get any black streaks,
    they are very slight and wash off easily with the Stardrops - no need for black streak remover. I have also been doing this on boats for years with the same excellent results.

    My Dad always washed his cars with Stardrops.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,690 ✭✭✭
    1,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited September 2016 #8

    I have given our Barcelona 3 or 4 coats of Auto Glym - finishing off with the resin hardener and only ever use Stardrops to wash it with.  There is no salt in Stardrops, unlike many detergents, so it doesn't take the polish off. If I get any black streaks,
    they are very slight and wash off easily with the Stardrops - no need for black streak remover. I have also been doing this on boats for years with the same excellent results.

    My Dad always washed his cars with Stardrops.

    Only trouble is - it's quite difficult to find these days. I think our last lot came from B&M Bargains but whenever I come across any, I grab a load!

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #9

    I thought Alu-tech was the construction method and the skin was normal aluminium sheet as in all other 'van/motorhomes.

    If it is don't use T Cut but a normal polish (as you suggest)....the 'paint' coat is extremely thin

    ...Depends how old van is earlier alutec vans were alluminium skinned,they are now GRP

  • AutoAddict
    AutoAddict Forum Participant Posts: 114
    edited September 2016 #10

    I have given our Barcelona 3 or 4 coats of Auto Glym - finishing off with the resin hardener and only ever use Stardrops to wash it with.  There is no salt in Stardrops, unlike many detergents, so it doesn't take the polish off. If I get any black streaks,
    they are very slight and wash off easily with the Stardrops - no need for black streak remover. I have also been doing this on boats for years with the same excellent results.

    My Dad always washed his cars with Stardrops.

    Only trouble is - it's quite difficult to find these days. I think our last lot came from B&M Bargains but whenever I come across any, I grab a load!

    Try Amazon

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #11

    Now I have discovered Auto Glyms 'High Definition Wax' I wouldnt use anything else. Sheds the rain, resists black streaks which just wipe off and the finish it gives is superb. You can use it on all plastics, paintwork etc. £10 cheaper at the show and you
    can scrounge a microfibre cloth from them if you are charming like me!!! 

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