What happens if you don't buff off the wax?

Rather unusual question but I have my reason for asking. This is about protecting the fiberglass roof of a travel trailer from stains etc. Since most TT roofs aren't anywhere close to being clean having a buffed out gloss isn't my priority but protection from the elements is.
So, can I just do a good cleaning, put on a good thick coat of wax and leave it as is?

Asking of a lazy friend.

 

Interesting

it would just stay in the haze / cloudy state?
Would the access wax harden to a rough surface?

 

I assume the first point to be a given but since who looks up there I don't much care. Just trying to figure out any real negative points to doing such.

 

Disclaimer* I'm no chemical engineer.

I don't see how it could hurt anything. All you're really doing is removing excess when you buff it off. I've missed spots after applying paste wax and not caught on to it for weeks and I've never noticed any adverse affects.

 

No chemical engineer here either, but wax is just another layer of protection for the paint. Clear coat is a layer, wax is a layer, ceramic coating is a layer. What does it matter if one layer is a little thicker and not smoothed out?

 

I disagree, ive seen this happen and it damages the finish. Over time that stuff will etch the finish.

It hardens and if left a while can be really hard/impossibe to remove, to the point where you will need to cut/polish to try and get it off. Having that sit on the paint will also attract contaminants, leave streaks. You are NOT getting additional protection leaving it on thick and unbuffed.

Follow the instructions for the product you are using. For additional protection and longer lasting results, top coat with your favorite product like Bead Maker or something similar. A good coat of wax and top of beadmaker keeps my black truck looking good and protected for 4 months. So do it right 2-3 times a year and you will be happy you did.

 

If it is just for a fiberglass roof youre fine. I wouldnt make this a practice on painted or clearcoated surfaces though. The longer it sits, the more dust it is going to collect. No real good way to remove dust from wax like that so you would inevitably end up having to wipe or buff it into the paint to remove it, leading to scratches.

 

It bakes on and becomes 3x as much of a pain to remove.


Edit: it probably collects dirt as well.

 

Why not use some of this?

Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating - Solar Reflective Sealant, Trailer and Camper Roof Repair, Waterproof, Easy to Apply, Brilliant White, 5 Gallon

$300 Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating - Solar Reflective Sealant, Trailer and Camper Roof Repair, Waterproof, Easy to Apply, Brilliant White, 5 Gallon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EV4EXG2

 

Very good point about holding dirt in. As it is now I'm up a ladder at least 2x a year with Dawn and a long handled microfiber head scrubbing all the mother nature stain/debris off. After that fiasco the sides, front and back get waxed. Taking a break from doing that right now, as a matter of fact.

I'm trying to avoid getting up on the roof if at all possible. Plus after being up there for an hour scooting around on my bum gives me concern about being able to get back up and down the ladder.

 

As a roofer, albeit nothing to do with RV roofs, I would recommend a silicone coating. After prepping, cleaning, and pressure washing the surface, it can be rolled / brushed on and will last you years. If it gets to needing an additional coat 8 or 10 years from now, simply clean and prep the existing surface and roll on another layer (silicone sticks to silicone even though nothing else will).
It will likely cost you more than anything else, maybe upwards of $1000 in material depending on the size of your RV, but will save you tons of time. I used some leftover GACO roof on sections of my 5th wheel. I never rinsed it off after but occasionally took it through the Blue Beacon 18wheeler/ Truck wash and had them spray it off.

 

Would I have a problem getting any type of roof sealer to stick? There's currently a flowing type of sealant liberally applied around everything up there. After seeing how thick it is I can imagine it will expand and contract causing leaks. That's an expense I'm not looking forward too. Get this, the manufacturer recommends all sealant being replaced once a year. From clearance lights to roof vents. You'll never see that on their sales brochures.

 

I would take that thing to line-x and have it sprayed. Never have another leak and don’t have to worry about cleaning it. You could even have it done in white or silver or something to reflect the heat.

 

Without seeing what it is I cant say. Generally when we apply it on a standard flat roof, mod-bit/ granulated asphalt substrate, we apply a brush grade silicone with a fabric wrap around all penetrations like vents, AC platforms, skylights, etc.

 

That all makes sense. Don't pay attention to what I said.

 

Yep - and no more waxing.

 

NuFinish

I wax every memorial day.

I miss spot....they wipe right off weeks later.

I bead water all year.