Painting a trailer

[Zad]

We have an '07 DVM Trailer that has some rust on the fenders and is a gawd awful yellow so we are going to paint it. Couple things, any advice on whether or not we should remove the running lights or just tape them off? Also, how long should the paint cure before we put it in the water? Any specific paint we should use? As you can tell by the questions, we are not paint savvy, just handy enough to get ourselves into trouble without some extra help.

[Surf406]

If it were me I'd pop the lights out and sand it down with a DA Palm sander clean it up and spay it then shoot the clear coat and after a day it be back in the water

[Dandy]

If you have a local sandblast/powder coat shop I would consider taking it there or at least get an estimate. Generally speaking, properly applied and cured powder will hold up better than paint. Downside is that it will cost more as it is not a DIY process.

[Trays22]

I too have a DHM trailer that came with my perfect 08 Rz2 but the trailer suffered the weather from not being stored while the boat was on a lift. Anyhow I have the same problem with mine and I think I'm going to buzz it down then do one coat of POR-15 then a coat of ppg black and maybe a couple coats of clear. I think I'm just going to cover the lights. Trying to find a place to lift the boat and store it for a couple days is my issue.

[Ewok]

When my trailer needs paint I plan to get it sanded/media blasted and then painted with bedliner. It'll hold up to road rash better than paint and powder coat. Just have to make sure the drain holes are left open so water doesn't sit in the frame rails.

[ChrisSnow]

Just had mine shot blasted and galvanised, a lot of work but it should now last forever. actually would have cost a similar amount for paint as the galvanising (in the UK). beware nothing will fit afterwards without adjustment though! It's used in salt water so was not going to have a happy life rotting from the inside out!

[Trays22]

@Ewok, got a quote to have it LineXed, was not fees able, around $2800 apparently they charge by the material used and the spray gun they use has about a 4" spray pattern so your wasting a lot of material. Hell to each there own though sure beats $5-6000 for a new one

[Zad]

I talked to a fellow at Napa and he suggested a paint called Metal Pro with a thinner and hardener. Anyone have experience with this? We live in a dry climate and our boat is fresh water only, not sure if either make a difference or not.

[Zad]

Anyone use Rustoleum or Tremclad? Or should we just splurge and go with an automotive epoxy?

[Ewok]

I've used Rustoleum on a few rust spots that were just getting started. sanded them with a wire brush and hit it with rustoleum. It won't win at Concours but in a parking lot under the boat you can't tell where it touched it up.