Trailer paint recommendation

[Sarge338]

Time to overhaul my 16’ equipment trailer, and while I have the floor torn off of it, I have been thinking about painting it. Does anyone out there have a recommendation for paint for the metal on my trailer? I’m sure some people just shoot Rust oleum on there, but I’m wondering if there is a better/longer-lasting option that I can shoot from a pneumatic sprayer.

Thanks!

 

[George2615]

I've never sprayed with it but I have brushed on POR-15 on many items (trailer frame included) that has held up well for many years. It is expensive though. I have also sprayed rustoleum but hasn't lasted as long as POR.

 

[KennyG]

I think priming and painting with Rust-Oleum is the most cost appropriate way to go for a trailer. Remember that POR isn't UV stable and needs to be top coated.

 

[CliffordK]

Review the Project Farm website. He has had some of the better product reviews, and I believe there was one about spray paints, and durability.

https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectFarm/search?query=paint

However, I would encourage you to use automotive paint. Go to your favorite auto paint shop. Get a can mixed up in your favorite color. Prime with a good epoxy primer, and then do a couple of layers of top coat.

The stuff isn't cheap, but it should give you the best overall finish.

 

[airbiscuit]

The best paint I have ever used is Vaspar Implement paint. Among other things, I painted the bucket on my skidsteer. Even gravel didn't take it off!

edited ; Sadly, Valspar no longer sells implement paint.

 

[Sarge338]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into all of them. I have to make some modifications to the trailer first, anyway, so I have a little time for research.

 

[ultrarunner]

I painted a trailer decades ago with Dupont Imron and looks like new...

A friend was moving and gave me the paint...

 

[ray66v]

A single stage urethane is the best way to go, as far as durability. But, that gets real expensive, depending on the color, the level of quality you chose, and what you use under it. You need to find out what is available locally. Ask what they can mix in a lower end, single stage urethane. AIC from Sherwin Williams automotive is a good choice for a project like this, if you can get it.
AIC™ 2.8 and 3.5 VOC Acrylic Urethane | Sherwin-Williams

As a more cost effective option you can go with the industrial enamel, (Rustoleum).

A big part of the longevity is the prep, and the undercoats, (primers), you use. You can use high end products under industrial enamel, and get good corrosion protection, without spending a small fortune. Even though the paint will fade, or lose it's gloss, the metal is still be protected. You can always clean it, and blow another coat of paint on it down the road to bring back the gloss.

 

[700R]

Rustoleum is durable, lasts extremely well, and it is very easy to do touch-ups as needed.

And it's cheap!

I painted the headache rack on my truck 4 years ago with their gloss black spraypaint, and it still looks new.

 

[Tractorable]

I had the frame of my old Land Cruiser media blasted to bare metal then applied three coats of two-part black epoxy primer with UV inhibitor.

Automotive Refinishing | United States | Southern Polyurethanes

Southern Polyurethanes is a manufacturer of automotive coatings for the restoration, repair and custom markets. Epoxy Primers, Clear coats, Primers, Basecoat, single stage and more.

www.southernpolyurethanes.com