I've posted this question in another forum and some of you belong to that one as well. I wanted to widen my pool of knowledge because although I received good responses, I haven't been able to get to the details of the why. So here is my question, with a little more added detail compared to the other post. Perhaps I could get Heartland's feedback on this.
Why do the full body paint? It is a significant expense and while it gives the rig a higher-end look, I can't understand what the protection/maintenance benefits are. The answers I received have mostly centered around ease of maintenance but I haven't been able to get a more specific reason why it is easier to maintain. Here is how I'm looking at this: Whether the rig is painted or has the vinyl decals, both require some type of application of a wax or fiberglass protectant. The amount of work required is the same in either case. So what is the difference if ease of maintenance is the primary reason?
Some things I wonder about:
Is the waxed paint less prone to degradation from the outside elements when compared to waxed gelcoated fiberglass? If both are waxed, why?
Does the paint make it easier in the application of the wax compared to waxing gelcoat e.g., less resistance when applying so the work involved is less?
Does the paint require less frequent applications of wax when compared to the gelcoat? If so, why?
I think I'm struggling with this because a buddy of mine has a rig with decals that is going on 12 years old. The gelcoat and decals are still pristine. However, he waxes his rig at least twice a year. He keeps a cover on the rig when not used and we live in the Pacific NW so sun isn't a major factor. He works pretty hard keeping his rig looking good and well protected. If it was painted, would there be less of this needed to achieve the same results?
If the answer is you're paying the extra $$ so you have a higher-end looking rig, so be it. For some this is enough justification but I'm personally on the fence. The look of the rig is important to me but I think I need that little nudge justifying it from the protection/maintenance perspective.
Thanks.
Why do the full body paint? It is a significant expense and while it gives the rig a higher-end look, I can't understand what the protection/maintenance benefits are. The answers I received have mostly centered around ease of maintenance but I haven't been able to get a more specific reason why it is easier to maintain. Here is how I'm looking at this: Whether the rig is painted or has the vinyl decals, both require some type of application of a wax or fiberglass protectant. The amount of work required is the same in either case. So what is the difference if ease of maintenance is the primary reason?
Some things I wonder about:
Is the waxed paint less prone to degradation from the outside elements when compared to waxed gelcoated fiberglass? If both are waxed, why?
Does the paint make it easier in the application of the wax compared to waxing gelcoat e.g., less resistance when applying so the work involved is less?
Does the paint require less frequent applications of wax when compared to the gelcoat? If so, why?
I think I'm struggling with this because a buddy of mine has a rig with decals that is going on 12 years old. The gelcoat and decals are still pristine. However, he waxes his rig at least twice a year. He keeps a cover on the rig when not used and we live in the Pacific NW so sun isn't a major factor. He works pretty hard keeping his rig looking good and well protected. If it was painted, would there be less of this needed to achieve the same results?
If the answer is you're paying the extra $$ so you have a higher-end looking rig, so be it. For some this is enough justification but I'm personally on the fence. The look of the rig is important to me but I think I need that little nudge justifying it from the protection/maintenance perspective.
Thanks.
