Many trailer manufacturers purchase their metal siding products prepainted from roll coating companies. During this process, the paint is applied and baked at high temperatures, which strongly bonds it to the base metal.

There are many types of strippers that will remove paint from the metal. Depending on the type of paint that was applied, certain types will work better than others in the removal process. Any over lapping seams and edges are particularly difficult to completely clean. The initial stripped surface will be quite rough, and will need several stages of being smoothed, before a high gloss finish can be obtained.

Polishing of non polished aluminum takes several steps, progressing from a rough to a smooth surface. Most professionals use an air powered dual action, dual head, random orbit sander/polisher. Wool bonnets are initially used with aggressive compounds, working to smoother compounds with anti corrosion and wax ingredients.

Commercial aircraft not painted, are constantly polished to lower parasitic drag. A dirty and corroded surface increases the skin friction, and increases the fuel burn on each flight. This can cost many extra gallons of fuel over every flight. This constant maintenance is costly to the carriers.

The final finish is not maintenance free, and takes constant attention to maintain a high deep gloss. The aluminum has a constant oxidation when exposed to air. This protects the metal, but ends up with a dull finish. The only way to lower this maintenance, is to apply a clear coating over the finished aluminum. A common product is the spray application of an automotive clear urethane paint. It is more durable than the lacquers commonly used in the past.

You are considering a project that will involve many hours of difficult work. If it is not clear coated, you will have a life time of monthly maintenance to continue its luster. Before you start, you should consider if this is an undertaking you're willing to endure.

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The polish will reduce the affects of oxidation, as will a clear coating. Anodizing will produce a dull finish.

You definitely don't want to follow behind a polished trailer on a sunny day.

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