[VAC] Satin polish and clear coating

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Does anyone have experience or thoughts on how to refinish the exterior of
an Airstream to duplicate (more or less) the satin aluminum finish of a new
trailer? [Instead of the mirror finish of the buffed and polished techniques
discussed on this site].  Would a phosphoric acid etch work (such as Aluma
Prep, and the clear conversion treatment Alodine)?

Also, are there any clearcoats that hold up.  The Plasticote Airstream uses
(or used to use) is a lacquer base product.  I have heard of Airstreams
being coated with Ditzler (PPG Automotive finish) clear urethane, also the
comparable DuPont product.  I have no idea exactly which products were used
nor how well they adhere (and the proper surface preparation) or  hold up
(especially in  the sunny Southwest) vs. the Plasticoat product.  I live in
southern California.

Or is it better to simply wash the trailer and periodically apply some sort
of antioxidant coating with a rag?

Oliver Filippi
'76 Tradewind