I sent gard a PM but it seems some of my private messages get stuck in my Outbox and never appear in Sent Items?

I'm purchasing a new Hart 2H BP and would like to coat the floor as has been suggested. I'm likely going to use Herculiner since it seems to be available locally and has gotten better reviews from users on Amazon. In addition to the acid wash do you think there is any merit in roughening the surface or washing with Xylene or priming as per Herculiner's instructions?

From Herculiner:

Use Xylene (Xylol) if available, otherwise use Acetone or MEK cleaning solvent only for surface preparation.

ALUMINUM
Roughen surface and use primer compatible with aluminum and one part polyurethane. If needed, use a primer specifically made for aluminum. If in doubt make a small test application first.

The flooring of your new trailer has many contaminates that will prevent a good bonding of the bed liner material. Aluminum in general is difficult to overcoat without a good surfacing preparation. In general, the best directions are those supplied by the manufacturer's product, of which you are installing.

An acid scrubbing accomplishes three functions; it etches the metal with micro pits that enhances a bond; it cleans the metal of all the manufacturing chemicals that would prevent a good adhesion, as well as the resulting oxidation formed by the aluminumm; and it stops any corrosion that may have already started.

Xylene and MEK are strong solvents that can cause particular harm if they are inhaled or in any contact with skin. Our airline stopped using MEK and switched to other chemicals, when several employees were injured using the product. Both are commonly available and not all all well regulated. They are dangerous.

Herculiner is a good product and has been used in many applications. It is quite similar to the original Dupli Color materials, that have also been well used.

I have painted many commercial aircraft, fiberglass and aluminum boats, automobiles and various trailers. Each was accomplished with extensive preparation and using particular primers.

Having said that, I have not used a primer on our trailers' floorings before the bed liner was installed. The acid's multiple abilities were put to task, and so far has worked well.

If you feel a need for following the Herculiner's instructions concerning a primer, I can supply a source of several brands that are made expressly for this purpose. I can only relate what I and others have done, which may or may not be the best advice for your circumstances. There have been several people who have accomplished this coating process without a primer, and have had the same positive results as I have. You will have to decide what is best for you.

In about two weeks, I and and another trailer owner are going to install a liner material on his trailer's flooring. We will be using the newer Dupli Color "Bed Armor", a water based product that is even more durable and has Kevlar materials included. We will not be including a primer, and the flooring will be preped as I have previously discussed in many threads.

Hope you enjoy your new trailer.