Hello Everyone! My boyfriend and I recently got a new horse trailer.. well, actually, it is an old one, but it is new to us. Anyway, it is built for living quarters but it is completely stripped. It needs new windows & a new door. The frame(actually the trailer) is steel and in great shape.. surface rust only, now spots rusted through & the floor is in great shape.. It does need sandblasted & painted.I am needing a good place to start!! I don't know if I should find the windows & door first or if I should get it sandblasted 1st?? Any ideas/advice at all would be very much appreciated!! Thanks!
Posted 2014-04-04 1:52 PM (#158451 - in reply to #158434) Subject: RE: Redoing living quarters horse trailer!
Veteran
Posts: 175 Location: Florida
I would suggest stripping and sand blasting it first as it's always easier to see the physical characteristics of the body when it is clean. You also don't want new door and windows exposed to the blasting process. After cleaned/stripped, make the cut ins for your new windows's and doors, but have it painted before installing them. It will look more professional when finished.
Have fun ! - and post pics.
Posted 2014-04-04 11:35 PM (#158471 - in reply to #158434) Subject: RE: Redoing living quarters horse trailer!
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Sand blasting steel leaves a rough surface that has to be sanded or coated with a high build primer, before it is painted with a final colour coating. In addition, the metal will start to oxidise within a few hours after blasting, lightly coating all the surfaces with a rust coating. In addition, if the applicator concentrates on one difficult spot, he can over heat a panel enough to cause warping.
Soda blasting is less aggressive and leaves a smoother finish. It also somewhat seals the surface from oxidation, until it is cleaned for repairs or paint applications. Walnut media also works well, but is more difficult to clean off the metal, and can contaminate seams and areas that are difficult to access with a prepping cleaner.
Redoing living quarters horse trailer!
