Trailer Repaint On the Cheap?

[KY Gun Geek]

Mmmmm look what google turns up.

Aerosol 2K Epoxy Primer, Gray, 13.2 Oz - Spray Primers - Paints - 3ZHX9 : Grainger Industrial Supply

It is $35/can here, might get it other places for about $28/can

 

[dusty3030]

You've got plenty of compressor to use a spray gun. Even if you had to stop and wait a minute every now and again for air to build up it would be better and cheaper than rattle cans.

Do you have a pressure washer? With an agressive tip it will do a pretty good job of taking off old paint / light rust.

 

[KY Gun Geek]

You've got plenty of compressor to use a spray gun. Even if you had to stop and wait a minute every now and again for air to build up it would be better and cheaper than rattle cans.

Do you have a pressure washer? With an agressive tip it will do a pretty good job of taking off old paint / light rust.

Do have a pressure washer - didn't think about that.

I have done a bunch of it with a needle scaler. It takes of the chunks, but leaves a lot of dust behind. Pressure washer may be faster...

 

[JESSE1]

About five years ago I removed the floor and had my flatbed gooseneck sandblasted inside and out. I primed with Rustoeum rusty metal primer and then painted with black Industrial Rustoleum. Bought the paint from Lowe's. It's held up very well and except for the expense of sandblasting didn't cost a lot to paint the trailer. Here's a recent picture of the trailer. I may repaint this spring but this time I'm going to paint it smoke grey.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would put epoxy primer under it though. Even if surface prep isn't perfect, epoxy will still provide better adhesion and protection than anything else. Make sure the surface is sanded in some way, not just wire wheeled (too smooth).

Agreed.

Chris

 

[KY Gun Geek]

Agreed.

Chris

Ok so process would be:

-scale/pressure wash
-light sand (I'm thinking 60grit on an orbital sander)
-epoxy primer from a can
-some kind of top coat

This means i'm applying the primer directly to the surface that is combo rusty steel and old sanded paint)?

 

[KY Gun Geek]

About five years ago I removed the floor and had my flatbed gooseneck sandblasted inside and out. I primed with Rustoeum rusty metal primer and then painted with black Industrial Rustoleum. Bought the paint from Lowe's. It's held up very well and except for the expense of sandblasting didn't cost a lot to paint the trailer. Here's a recent picture of the trailer. I may repaint this spring but this time I'm going to paint it smoke grey.

Was the paint from a spray gun or a can?

 

[JESSE1]

I bought the paint in gallon buckets and used a spray gun. The industrial rusoleum is thinned with acetone. I primed and painted inside and outside before I installed a new floor. The Rustoleum has held up well, no chips or flaking. It's weathered some but not as bad as I expected.

 

[newbury]

Slight thread hijack

For moderately small projects (example 48" box blade that only needs 1/4 of it rust/paint removed) which do y'all think would be a better tool - sandblasting or needle scaler?

 

[mbrule]

I have done a couple of trailers over. I also work on classic cars on the side. I have the equipment to sandblast / prep / paint anything from trailers to small parts to show cars.

You DO NOT have the equipment to sandblast it. You will kill that compressor!

If I were you, I would:

1. pressure wash
2. clean with prep solvent, lacquer thinner, or mineral spirits
3. DA as best you can with 180 or 220 (60 is way too course)
4. Use a course wire brush in a drill where DA won't fit
5. repeat 2 (I like lacquer thinner best). Use a WET rag followed immediately by dry.
6. prime
7. paint

I am a big fan of Rustoleum, sticks well, inexpensive, somewhat durable, AND EASY to TOUCH UP. You could use rusty metal primer and satin black paint (gloss will show more of the imperfections and sand lines). It could be brushed, sprayed with airless sprayer, thinned and sprayed with cheap automotive spray gun, or rattle canned. All have advantages and disadvantages.

You could also buy some Epoxy primer and the mixers, an automotive spray gun (your compressor will work hard, but should do it, (use disposable water filter at gun). Then use a decent Urethane paint or the paint mentioned above.

my .02

"on the cheap" I would use Rustoleum all the way....