What's sticky in my Scamp?

[courtney]

Beginning the makeover process on my '82 and finding that all of the ensolite and cabinet doors are sticky. The fiberglass isn't. Is this grease or dry rot or something else? Wasn't planning on painting the ensolite, but will if necessary. Was already planning on painting the cabinets, so that's not really as much of an issue.

What's the best way to clean the cabinet doors without delaminating them?

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by courtney

...all of the ensolite and cabinet doors are sticky. The fiberglass isn't. Is this grease or dry rot or something else?

Could it be nicotine? Was the PO a smoker? I have experienced nicotine making porous surfaces sticky. Fiberglass gelcoat isn't porous.

[courtney]

Doesn't smell like it, and it's not discolored.

[Donna D.]

Your trailer is 30 years old, it's entirely likely the walls, etc. have never been washed. You can use Tilex, Awesome, 409, etc. and clean the ensolite and fiberglass. Be sure to rinse well with water. The wood work, if it's wood, you can use Murphy's Oil Soap. IF it's just vinyl colored wood like finish, the above for the ensolite will work well there too.... just don't scrub hard.

[Kevin K]

I had a 1983 13' Scamp and had the same problem. I scrubbed the crap out of the walls and had no luck.(still sticky) I think the material is breaking down.

[courtney]

That's my guess, too, Kevin. Bought some primer and paint to go over it today. First up now, though, is the leak I just found

[Donna D.]

Fix the leak before you paint. Where's the leak?

[courtney]

Um, well definitely from the ceiling hatch. Not confident that it's not also coming in from the back window. How can I tell?!?! Stressing.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by courtney

Um, well definitely from the ceiling hatch. Not confident that it's not also coming in from the back window. How can I tell?!?! Stressing.

Start with one thing at a time. If it's definitely coming from the top vent, fix that. Then check other spots. Don't go through and pull everything out (windows, other vents) just yet.

Breathe...

[Mike Magee]

Remember not to use silicone caulk when re-sealing the vent.