How to Repaint a Steel Trailer

Trailers are used to haul and transport many different types of materials and objects such as lumber, mining equipment, vehicles, boats, tractors and heavy excavating equipment. Trailer finishes wear off with time and use, which often leads to rusting and further degradation of the trailer. Trailer owners can repaint the finish on their steel trailers themselves to avoid costly auto-finishing shops. Many quality paint manufacturers and suppliers are available to choose from, and whether you choose to change colors or match the original finish, you can also choose from a great variety of steel paint colors.

Instructions

1

Position the trailer on a flat, level working surface such as a concrete pad, driveway or garage floor if available.

2

Jack up each of the four corners of the trailer with a floor jack and support the trailer with heavy-duty jack stands. This prevents the trailer from falling and allows access to the underside of the trailer.

3

Remove the trailer lights, tires and wheels, fiberglass fenders and wooden floorboards, if equipped. This makes repainting the trailer less difficult by allowing access to hard-to-reach places and prevents paint from sticking to items that you don't want painted.

4

Brush away the old paint and rust with a wire brush or a wire brush attachment and an angle grinder. Use a scraper to remove rust from hard-to-reach areas.

5

Blow the remaining paint, rust debris and dust off the trailer with compressed air.

6

Lay out plastic sheeting under and around the trailer to prevent paint from getting on the floor or driveway.

7

Tape off with painter's tape any areas and items that you don't want painted.

8

Spray the trailer with rust-inhibiting primer. Spray at least two coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions. If an ultra-smooth finish is desired, wet-sand in between coats using fine-grit sandpaper and water.

9

Spray the trailer with automotive or metal paint, using a sweeping motion to provide even coverage with no drips. Spray as many coats as required for the desired finish, allowing the paint to thoroughly dry between coats. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.

10

Reinstall the trailer lights, tires and wheels, fiberglass fenders and wooden floorboards.

11

Jack up each of the four corners of the trailer, one at a time, with a floor jack and remove the jack stand supports.