Pretty, sparkly things have a way of getting our attention.  That’s exactly why a woman will gaze at the sparkling diamond on her finger or someone will stoop to pick up the quarter off the sidewalk as it glistens in the sun.  And that’s also why some people will fall silent when a shiny Airstream RV passes by.

Airstreams have a unique look.  Their full-bodied aluminum siding cannot be missed as they cruise down the road.  An Airstream is recognized by its unique shape and exterior, so for that reason alone it is nice to keep up a pretty appearance!  And even more importantly, just like any other investment, it pays to take care of your RV.  Proper maintenance will help guarantee many years of enjoyment ahead.  With regular upkeep, you will also have a better idea of the condition of your vehicle.  You will become familiar of what dings and dents are new, any parts that need replacing, or how often you need to polish it to keep it looking its best.

Be forewarned:  Polishing your Airstream is a time consuming and arm tiring endeavor!  It is recommended that you invest in a random orbital buffer to help get the job done. 

The other materials necessary for this task are fairly simple:  You will need a basic automotive wash, masking or painter’s tape, approximately half a dozen buffing pads (“polishing” pads are optional, depending on your preference), polishing compound and a ladder. 

The first thing you want to do is give your Airstream a good wash as you normally would and then let it dry completely.  You want to start with a squeaky clean RV because if you have any dirt or sand on your vehicle you could get scratches when buffing. 

After your Airstream is dry, use the tape to prevent polish from getting anywhere you don’t want it to go, such as onto windows, any plastic or wood object affixed to the RV and any other fine detailing that would be dulled by polish.  Accidentally getting polish on objects is easy…and a lot more difficult to get off!  Take the tape and either directly cover these off-limits areas or put the tape just in front of them so you don’t cross over.

Now you are ready to start using the polish itself.  Apply the polishing compound directly onto the buffing pad (using a putty knife to scoop it onto the pad helps keep this messy job a little tidier!)  Depending on your strategy and your efficiency, you may find it more rewarding to do one small section at a time. Now that the polish is on the pad, hold the buffer against the Airstream, turn it on and let it do its work!  After a couple passes with the buffer, change out the pad for a clean one (or a polishing pad), put that on the buffer and shine’er up!    

Ideally you will have amble room to move around and easily reach all parts of your Airstream.  Before climbing on top of your vehicle be sure to check with a dealership to find out what the load baring capabilities are for your particular model.  If you are able to stand on the roof take precautions to avoid scratching or denting the top (and of course, don’t fall off!)

If you find that after polishing an area the results aren’t satisfactory, you may need to use a rubbing compound before the polishing compound.  There is also the possibility that your aluminum has a clear coating over the top (if you purchased your Airstream secondhand you may not know if there is one.)  If your RV does have a topcoat, your polishing efforts will be for naught as this coat will prevent the ability to polish what is underneath.  In this situation, rather than waste your time and energy, you will need to seek professional help to spiff up your Airstream with its clear coating. 

If you don’t know if you have a clear coat on your exterior one of the easiest ways to find out is by taking a clean, soft rag, dab some polish on it and buff - in quick back and forth motions – onto a small, hidden spot on the Airstream.  Just like polishing silver jewelry or silverware, the rag will turn black as the tarnish comes off.  If this is the case then you do not have a clear coat.

Polishing your Airstream is a little bit of work, but the results are worth it!  Afterwards you will have a beautiful RV that will catch the attention of people as you pass by! 

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