Paint on Thor is abominable.

[dianizon]

We purchased a Thor Chateau 2014 Class C and have loved it. After travelling and putting 35,000m on it it looks like it's 20 years old from the outside. It was a beautiful gray/beige and we washed and waxed regularly. Had it done professionally in 2019 as it looked chalky all over but the rear. Now that has turned. We have been told it's the paint color they used. We have loved using it but regrettably we are thinking of getting rid of it. Attached are pics of it.

Diane V

[blw2]

mine is the exact same color...and pretty much the same condition, maybe worse.
It's not paint though...it's some sort of gelcoat finish, like a boat.

Painting is the real solution.
The rear wall on mine had been replaced under warranty and painted (Camping World's body shop), not long after we bought it. That paint looks pretty much brand new and it has been neglected too.

Much earlier on I went through all sorts of trials using rubbing compounds, different waxes and polishes. The best look I ever got was using acrylic floor polish...but it didn't last long and I seriously doubt it would work with mine as far gone as it is. I've been toying with the idea of trying a DIY paint job...maybe using marine paint...it can be done to look pretty good, but I'm not sure that's in my wheelhouse of skills. The other consideration is wrapping. I got a verbal rough ballpark based on a cellphone photo of about $8k for that option...also something I'm tempted to try but I recon I'd need more hands.

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by dianizon

We purchased a Thor Chateau 2014 Class C and have loved it. After travelling and putting 35,000m on it it looks like it's 20 years old from the outside. It was a beautiful gray/beige and we washed and waxed regularly. Had it done professionally in 2019 as it looked chalky all over but the rear. Now that has turned. We have been told it's the paint color they used. We have loved using it but regrettably we are thinking of getting rid of it. Attached are pics of it.

Diane V

If it had a chalkly appearance and gelcoat like a boat my guess it is from years of UV exposure. We would have it on our boat. Try a compound( 3M Marine) or polish. Wax protects but compound followed by polish removes the chalk and brings out the shine.

Might be worth finding a boat detailer and have them take a look give you a bid.

[dianizon]

Thanks for the input, it's the same as we figured. Was hoping someone found a way to make it look newer. Think we'll trade it in for a updated better painted newer model. Still liking to get on the road and see the USA, but it's crowded out there.
Stay safe,
Dianizon

[chunker21]

Originally Posted by dianizon

Thanks for the input, it's the same as we figured. Was hoping someone found a way to make it look newer. Think we'll trade it in for a updated better painted newer model. Still liking to get on the road and see the USA, but it's crowded out there.
Stay safe,
Dianizon

It's not paint at all, it's fiberglass exterior, gelcoat or similar. NO paint. You have to get a better RV to get paint. If you use abrasive polishing compounds you take the top surface of the gelcoat off allowing further chalking.

[ducksface]

Some automotive colors do the same.
I'm sure you've all seen 7 year old dodge trucks of various colors.
The roofs on many GM products.

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by chunker21

It's not paint at all, it's fiberglass exterior, gelcoat or similar. NO paint. You have to get a better RV to get paint. If you use abrasive polishing compounds you take the top surface of the gelcoat off allowing further chalking.

Detailing a boat they: cut, polish and wax.. ISE 3M marine products or hire some one. There are other marine products as well. If it is chalky you need to remove it or it will never be better.

[chunker21]

Originally Posted by HMCSW

Detailing a boat they: cut, polish and wax.. ISE 3M marine products or hire some one. There are other marine products as well. If it is chalky you need to remove it or it will never be better.

Understand, but a boat and RV exterior very different animals. Boats are laid up fiberglass and the fiberglass outer surface of a RV laminated or vacuum bonded wall VERY thin and any gelcoat also very thin. Bottom line for the OP, it's not paint and conventional paint treatments don't work.

[Travelin' Texans]

The manufacturers had lots of issues in those few years, 2012-2015, with the beige colors, browns & grays.
The only "paint" on that rv is the Ford cab, the rest is either gel coat or embedded fiberglass (Filon) & stick on decals, the marine products will work just don't get real aggressive, especially around the decals.
Your next coach will be of the same materials unless you pay for "full body paint", automotive paints with clear coat, which can then be cared for just like any of your other vehicles.

[ducksface]

Key words above.
UNLESS YOU PAY.

Truthfully, no bull, no pomp,
Would any of you have paid $6,000 more for auto paint when it was new and you're stuck with colors they chose?

If you say yes, you all still have a chance to pay it, and make it the colors you choose.

[Pete'sMH]

Nothing is free. For us full body paint was near the top of our “must have” list when we were shopping for our current coach. Totally worth it.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Key words above.
UNLESS YOU PAY.

Truthfully, no bull, no pomp,
Would any of you have paid $6,000 more for auto paint when it was new and you're stuck with colors they chose?

If you say yes, you all still have a chance to pay it, and make it the colors you choose.

The paint on my rig was included in the base price. Based on the invoice Jayco payed 20k to the paint shop for the paint on the coach. Mine is four color and not the standard 3 color.

[ducksface]

Wraps get better every year.
I'll wrap it if chaulking or decals become an issue.

That $20,000 drives the point far deeper than the $6,000 I exampled.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Wraps get better every year.

I'll wrap it if chaulking or decals become an issue.



That $20,000 drives the point far deeper than the $6,000 I exampled.

Does a wrap last longer than decals?

[ducksface]

I think so.
7 years sitting outside for some Wraps.
You uv and ceramic coat them just like paint.

Plastidip also.

See
Dipmycar on YouTube.
They're advancing nicely.

I had some red plastidip on a sandbuggy for years and it did just fine.

[boggsy64]

Im glad my thor chateau 28z has gelcoat fiberglass walls. Of course if it oxidizes like a boat you have to buff it. Of course also this is a lot of work to get right. But also the color is there thru the wall, don't have to worry about is chipping or flaking.

[lwmcguire]

Tuscany came with full body 4 color Sikkens paint, no decals

To lump Thor as having bad paint is a bit misleading

Price point as already pointed out determines the level of finish in most itrms you purchase

The paint is like new after 6 years and has been both waxed and ceramic coated just as my other vehicles and toys

We started years back using coatings on outside equipment due to the huge payback when selling or trading

You apply protective coatings prior to visible seeing degradation

[petef]

You are lucky, my black decals turned brown also

[Ejohn2317]

My 2012 Thor sprinter chateau 24 SA came with full body black and silver paint my understanding is new, the paint job is an additional $10,000 option after all this time sitting in the Florida Sun the paint still looks fantastic and I only wax it once a year. So I guess if your planning to keep the coach a long time the full body paint might be a good option.

[EA37TS]

If FBP is an option and not taken at purchase you will take a large hit at trade in or resale. Same applies to the leveling jack option on some Class C models. I am speaking from my experience with a SunSeeker here.