Trailer Paint Prep help needed

[ShadTaxi]

I am planning on repainting my trailer with a bed liner type of paint. Any tips that you guys could give me on sandblasting and sanding would be greatly appreciated.

[went522]

A couple buds have done their trailers in "bed liner". The one that did his first turned out "OK". The second one...learn from mistakes...turned out great!! One was a utility trailer, other boat trailer.

The first one was, sanded/grinder, loose paint, rust removed, etc. In the beginning it looked really nice, after 2 or so years the liner began to loosen, kind of bubble and chipped. Still looks good but if you get close and know it's there, you can tell. He's touched it up, easy, but still I wouldn't recommend herculiner.

The second one was a complete sand blasting, 100% bare metal. All removable parts were removed and painted. It was brushed/dabbed on in a thin coat first. Once completely dried they did a second thicker coat. Once dried a third even thicker coat. The adhesion is better on this trailer, looks better and tougher, not flakey, it's a little softer product. He used some other brand, not sure what brand but he bought it off the net, came in a 5 gallon pail. It was also not "gritty" like herculiner, it was on the smooth side, just kind of bumpy, and red to match his boat color. Looks great and holding up really well. Obviously more time intensive, but that extra time spent shows.

I'll email him and ask if he remembers what brand liner he bought.

Once my 6x12 trailer starts rusting I'll be renting a blaster and doing a complete job rather than a light sanding, loose paint removal like the directions "recommend".

BIRDDOG

[rebs]

preperation is 90%, the actual painting is 10% of the work. if you prep it right it will come out alot better than if you short cut on the prep.

[drbrand]

If you are not going to sandblast the entire trailer, you will need to rough up the paint. That way the new paint won't pop or flake off. Generally you use 400 grit wet sandpaper and/or a 3M scotch brite pad when prepping a car to paint. If you are going to use a bedliner type product, I would possibly go a little courser, 240-320 grit, then go over it thoroughly with the scotch brite to make sure there are no missed spots.

Also, make sure and read the bedliner can to see if they recommend anything different. If you can't apply the bedliner to bare metal, use a good etching primer on bare metal.

Did you pick up a sandblaster?

[ShadTaxi]

If you are not going to sandblast the entire trailer, you will need to rough up the paint. That way the new paint won't pop or flake off. Generally you use 400 grit wet sandpaper and/or a 3M scotch brite pad when prepping a car to paint. If you are going to use a bedliner type product, I would possibly go a little courser, 240-320 grit, then go over it thoroughly with the scotch brite to make sure there are no missed spots.

Also, make sure and read the bedliner can to see if they recommend anything different. If you can't apply the bedliner to bare metal, use a good etching primer on bare metal.

Did you pick up a sandblaster?

Maybe I will just sandblast the whole trailer.

I have not picked up a sandblaster yet, but I have your link. I should pull my trailer back home in two weeks and I will start on the project then.

When I sandblast it, I pull the bunks and tires off? What else do I need to pull off?

[Morton]

Maybe lights, keel rollers, safety chains, winch, spare tire carrier, etc.
Basically anything you don't want blasted or painted should be removed or protected.
You may also consider removing the winch stand and paint that seperate for reinstall after. That way you get the mounting position refurbed also.

[went522]

My bud used a brand called "What a liner". Said he had them send out samples before he ordered it and liked it. I know he likes the finish on the trailer and it looks good. Said it wasn't cheap $400+ shipping for the 5 gallon. Total to redo the trailer was $650+/-, that was paying a guy to media blast and cost for new wire/lights and hardware.

Anyway..."what a liner" is the brand if you want to look into it.

BIRDDOG

[drbrand]

http://www.chirienterprise.com/WhataLiner/WhataLiner.html


My bud used a brand called "What a liner". Said he had them send out samples before he ordered it and liked it. I know he likes the finish on the trailer and it looks good. Said it wasn't cheap $400+ shipping for the 5 gallon. Total to redo the trailer was $650+/-, that was paying a guy to media blast and cost for new wire/lights and hardware.

Anyway..."what a liner" is the brand if you want to look into it.

BIRDDOG