As I contemplate the "Spring Cleaning" of our Airstream, I remembered that Ben wrote a very thorough article about washing and waxing a trailer.  So here it is, from our archives. We hope it helps keeping your Airstream looking good as new!    -ML


    “Tin Can”, “Shiny Submarine”, “Silver Twinkie”, “The Aluminum Falcon!”

There are a lot of different ways people describe an Airstream travel trailer, and of course these names are derived from Airstream’s trademark aluminum skin. However, the process of keeping the skin looking its best can be daunting to some. “We don’t want to ruin the shine!” is a phrase I’ve heard many times over the years I’ve worked for Can-Am. So, to help you keep your Airstream looking it’s finest, here’s a few tips about how it’s done! 

***It’s important to point out for vintage Airstream’s with the clear coat removed, skin maintenance is COMPLETELY different. If your Airstream has been polished to a mirror shine, has had the clear coat removed, or was manufactured before clear coat was standard, then disregard the following!***  

 Looking closely at an Airstream’s skin, you’ll notice a fine grain in the aluminum, closely resembling brushed stainless. The direction of the grain is the most important aspect of washing and waxing your Airstream. I’ve heard and read many times that because there’s a clear coat covering the aluminum, it doesn’t matter what way your wash and wax. THIS IS NOT TRUE! It matters very much, and as the Airstream ages, the result of incorrect washing will show!

The reason for going with the grain of aluminum is simple. Over time light scratches can start to occur, similar to the light swirls on the paint of your car. Scratches going with the aluminum grain are far less noticeable than those that go against it. 

Of course, no one likes the idea of scratches on their Airstream. The word alone is cringe-worthy to any Airstream owner! To combat the development of these scratches, it’s important to use proper equipment to wash it. The softer the wash applicator, the better! A microfiber wash mitt or an extra soft wash brush is what we recommend when washing an Airstream. Paired with basic car wash soap, this will give you the best chance at keeping the clear coat in good condition. 

To wash, I have found it was best to do it in 4 sections: front, back, roadside & curbside. Thoroughly wet the section down, removing any loose dirt or debris. Grab your bucket of soapy water and preferred wash tool and start from the top and work your way down! Remember: Always scrub with the grain! 

             - A tip while washing: Rinse off the soap starting from the top, working your way down. While the soapy water runs down it will remove any leftover dirt from the trailer. 

The final step to keeping your Airstream looking its best is a good coat of wax. This protects the skin from UV exposure and can help keep the aluminum from producing filiform corrosion; the white, spider web-looking spots that can form under the clear coat when the aluminum is exposed to impurities in the air. The wax also helps prevent and reduce scratches; in some cases, it will make those light scratches disappear! The difference between an Airstream that’s been waxed vs. not waxed can be rather shocking!  


The above picture on the left shows the scratches produced by improperly washing an Airstream. Luckily, a coat of wax was able to remove the worst of it (right). 

To achieve that eye-catching shine, it’s very important you use the proper wax product. There are two different products that are safe to use on your Airstream, and it’s important to know the difference, and when to use each one. 

 Walbernize:

Walbernize is a product that’s been associated with Airstream for many years and is most commonly recommended in the Airstream community. However, Walbernize is meant for older Airstreams. As an Airstream age, after years of sun and UV exposure, the clear coat can start to oxidize and get dull looking. Walbernize has a very mild compound in it which removes that oxidization and brings the clear coat back to life. The downside to Walbernize is while it brings aged clear coat back to life, it isn’t the best protectant. So, after you apply and remove your coat of Walbernize you want to then apply a coat of the next wax, Socar. 

 Socar Sealant:

Socar is the wax we apply to every Airstream sold at Can-Am, new or pre-owned. It’s safe to be applied to the clear coat of any year Airstream. The important part about Socar is unlike Walbernize, Socar Sealant is non-abrasive. This makes it the ideal wax for new Airstreams since they don’t require the oxidization removal compound in Walbernize. Socar also has superior protective agents, which is why we recommend a coat of Socar after Walbernize on older Airstreams. 

Application:

To apply the wax, a microfiber wax applicator pad is best. Other applicators will work, so long as they’re soft. The softer the applicator, the better. Try to apply the wax out of direct sunlight, a shady area, or better yet in a garage. If you are waxing in direct sunlight, make sure to apply and remove the wax in small sections. Leaving wax in direct sun for an extended amount of time could damage the clear coat.

When you start applying the required product, you’ll notice both products, unlike wax for your car, are very watery. If it’s your first time waxing your Airstream, it may take a bit to get used to the wax’s watery consistency, and how much to apply to the applicator. As a reference, depending on the Airstream length, a bottle of Socar should provide 3-5 waxes.

Both waxes are very easy to apply but, like washing, the wax must be applied with the grain. When applying Socar, it doesn’t require any excess pressure, rubbing, or polishing as you wax. Simply run the applicator with the grain of the skin leaving a thin coat covering the entire surface. Walbernize is applied the same way, with the grain. Walbernize may require some light pressure and polishing in spots where the clear coat is oxidized but be sure not to rub too hard. An older clear coat can become thin in spots and it is possible to rub through exposing the aluminum. After Walbernize, a coat of Socar is recommended for optimal protection to the clear coat.   

Quick tip #1: While waxing, avoid plastic pieces, particularly black plastic. The wax can leave a cloudy residue and can be very difficult to remove once dry. If you do get wax on some plastic, wipe it off as quickly as possible.

Quick tip #2: Do not apply either wax product to the lower stainless-steel rock guards, this will make them appear dull and cloudy. To shine and protect them, use either WD-40 or Weiman’s Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish.

Quick tip #3: A coat of Socar on the front Lexan window stone guards is a great way to help protect them and make cleaning bugs off easier. Never use window cleaners on the Lexan, the ammonia will severely scratch them. Always use soap, water, and microfiber.
 

To remove the wax, a microfiber towel/rag is best, but a soft non-abrasive cloth/rag will work as well. Again, the softer, the better. Simply wipe the wax off the same way it was applied, with the grain. Removal of Socar and Walbernize doesn’t require any excess pressure, rubbing, or polishing. Once you’ve gone around removing all the wax, take a quick walk around to check for any spots you may have missed.

And that’s how to keep your Airstream looking top-notch!  I would recommend you wash and wax your Airstream a minimum of twice a year. Once when you open it in spring, and once when you put it away in the fall. It will keep your Airstream bright, shiny, and turning heads for years to come.