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20 08 CONTESSA
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE — 3
Washing
Periodic cleaning will help to preserve the
paint nish. The motorhome is painted with a
“base coat, clear coat system.” Clear coat is a
polyurethane-based material which brings out
the shine and luster to the base coat paint. Care
should be used when washing the motorhome.
Use only mild detergents or (preferred)
specically designed automotive detergents.
Avoid abrasive cleansers or laundry detergents
that will scratch the clear coat and leave a soap
lm. Use a soft cloth to wash the paint nish.
Avoid brushes as they can scratch the surface
and damage the paint. Before washing the
motorhome, remove most of the accumulated
dirt and “road wash” behind wheel openings,
below the windshield and on the rear of the
motorhome. If build-up is excessive, run water
over a soft cotton cloth while gently wiping the
surface in one direction. This will help oat
away build-up from the clear coat. Avoid back
and forth or circular motions as this may act like
sandpaper, scratching the clear coat and leaving
a haze or swirl marks. After removing the heavy
build-up, use the mixed detergent solution to
wash the motorhome. Start washing at the top
of the motorhome working towards the bottom.
If possible, wash the motorhome in a shaded
area when the exterior is not hot to the touch. If
necessary, turn the motorhome around to keep
the area being washed in the shade. Try not to
allow the detergent to dry onto the clear coat
surface. Use plenty of water when rinsing the
surface to remove all detergent residue.
Drying
Chamois cloths come in natural and synthetic
materials. Either type is acceptable as long as
the surface is clean. Soak the chamois in clean
water and wring it dry. Remove the water from
the surface, starting at the top and working
towards the bottom, using a downward “S”
pattern. Wring out the chamois as needed. Using
a chamois cloth to remove the rinse water is not
necessary, but the effort can be worthwhile.
Waxing
It is recommended to wax the motorhome twice
a year (spring and fall). Many types of protective
barriers are available today that may be applied to
the clear coat: glazes, waxes, rubbing compounds
or combinations of these products.
NOTE:
Use a grease and wax remover before
applying another coat of wax. Chemicals
can become trapped between layers of
wax, possibly damaging the paint finish.
INFORMATION:
When selecting a product, follow the
product manufacturer’s recommended
application instructions.
Types of Products:
Glazes - Glazes are generally used to ll
very ne scratches in the clear coat. They
are applied either by hand or by using a
polisher with a special pad. Glazes are
temporary and will rinse out after a few
washes and/or heavy rains.
Waxes - Waxes come in many types
of chemical make-up. Most contain
cleaning agents, lubricants and wax.
Cleaning agents remove oxidation and
leave a high gloss, and wax leaves
a clear lm that protects the nish.
Full Molecular Jacket (FMJ) wax by
Menzerna is applied at the factory.
Polishes - Polishes combine wax based
substances with abrasives to clean and
polish at the same time. These products
can be too abrasive for clear coats and
are not recommended for use.
Rubbing Compounds - These
types of products are generally
applied by using a buffer. The use of
rubbing compounds should be left to
professionals as undesired results can
quickly occur. These types of products
are generally used to correct or atten
a surface by removing high spots or
small amounts of material.
When selecting a product, the container
should be marked, “safe for clear coats”
or “clear coat safe.” Carefully follow the
application instructions when using a product.
Upon rst use of a product, try it on a small
test spot in an inconspicuous area in case an
undesired reaction occurs.
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