Anyone refinished a boat trailer?

[catman529]

Mine has a lot of surface rust and I plan to strip it down, prime and re paint it this winter. I have one of those round bristle cups that you put in your drill. Seems like its going to be a tedious kind of job. Rustoleum makes a rusty metal primer so I might sand it just enough to remove loose paint and rust and then clean it off good and prime it. Then I have to decide.... Flat olive, or shiny black... Right now it's rusty white paint and I don't want to repaint it white again.

 

[JandSCattleCo]

Cup brush is good or a flap wheel on a grinder too. That primer is ok but comes off over time. We did a cattle trailer last year and it takes time but do it right the first time and it lasts awhile.

 

[catman529]

So I should get all the rust off and use regular primer? Definitely don't want something that comes off after a while.

 

[KubotaM4900]

Use a 4.5" wheel on grinder it will eat it off quickly. Also course grit paper is an option many trailers are tube so few crevices allows near complete paint removal. Don't go cheap on primer use a sandable type. I used non sandable once an it was disaster. If rattle can is only option go with rust-oleum type I've used self-etching several times. Also a good paint I use on the utility trailers I build is the majic brand implement paint from tractor supply. Let's see some progress pics along the way.

 

[catman529]

Use a 4.5" wheel on grinder it will eat it off quickly. Also course grit paper is an option many trailers are tube so few crevices allows near complete paint removal. Don't go cheap on primer use a sandable type. I used non sandable once an it was disaster. If rattle can is only option go with rust-oleum type I've used self-etching several times. Also a good paint I use on the utility trailers I build is the majic brand implement paint from tractor supply. Let's see some progress pics along the way.

thanks for the tip, I used self etching primer on my last boat and will use it on the trailer. Implement paint sounds good, how much does it cost?

 

[JandSCattleCo]

If using the magic paint and primer from TSC and running it through a sprayer make sure to use the thinner like it suggests. If your doing it this winter with it cooler I'd advise using their hardener also.

 

[catman529]

I don't have a sprayer or nothing, whatever I do will be rattle can or brush-on.

 

[Inkstainz]

I'd get the rust off if you want it to last any time. Grinder with wire wheel or maybe flapper disk or the cup brush should be fine but get rust off first.

 

[catman529]

Will get everything off with the cup brush and then try to touch up the crevices and stuff with sandpaper or whatever I can. If I top coat it with rustoleum rattle cans, will I want to put on some kind of clear coat? If so what kind should I use?

 

[doubledownranch]

Have you considered getting the rust off and using a "truck bed liner" application? I saw a trailer that had line x on it and thought it was a good idea.

Its durable and looks good but possibly more expensive alternative than a rattle can.

 

[Mnfishingbum]

Catman I have done it come over and I will show you

 

[Mudbone]

Duck tape the whole dang thing Johnny boy

 

[Anonymous]

Sandblasting would be the easiest. Go to a place that makes gravestones and enquire. Getting it to bare metal is going to give you the best results.

 

[Rob R.]

Sandblasting would be the easiest. Go to a place that makes gravestones and enquire. Getting it to bare metal is going to give you the best results.

I sand blasted a trailer back in 1986 or 87 in my back yard. The sand blaster was borrowed. I used play sand in bags like you get at Lowes or Home Depot. I ran the sand through a window screen before putting it in the blaster. Used a good spray can primer and good spray can paint. Rust has only started showing up on the trailer in the last couple of years. Trailer has been out in the weather since painting it in the mid 80's.

 

[KubotaM4900]

Use a 4.5" wheel on grinder it will eat it off quickly. Also course grit paper is an option many trailers are tube so few crevices allows near complete paint removal. Don't go cheap on primer use a sandable type. I used non sandable once an it was disaster. If rattle can is only option go with rust-oleum type I've used self-etching several times. Also a good paint I use on the utility trailers I build is the majic brand implement paint from tractor supply. Let's see some progress pics along the way.

thanks for the tip, I used self etching primer on my last boat and will use it on the trailer. Implement paint sounds good, how much does it cost?

Implement paint majic brand at TSC $25 gallon plus reducer abt $10 and hardner $12. Haven't had good results with the rust-oleum paints really.