Posted 2017-07-22 11:52 AM (#170313) Subject: Can white skin aluminum be painted
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Georgia
I'm looking at purchasing an older aluminum trailer that the white skin aluminum is clauky, faded, and wearing off on most of the trailer. Can the white skin be painted? If so, will it last and is it expensive to have it done? What the process to have it painted? Is it hard to find someone that can do this work?
Posted 2017-07-23 10:44 AM (#170318 - in reply to #170316) Subject: RE: Can white skin aluminum be painted
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
The finish can be repainted . The original metal was most likely purchased by the trailer manufacturer in bulk, and prepainted during roll coating. That paint apparenltly has suffered UV damage and failed. ?All the original paint will have to be removed if loose and powdered, and the metal's surfaces properly prepared before any respraying can be started. Insufficient metal prep is the main reason why recoating aluminum can result in failures. This is true of body paints or even floor covering issues. ?Today, because aluminum is readily used in automotive, marine and aircraft constructions, there are many commercially available products that can be used to recoat your trailer. In many cases they will be superior to the original coatings of older trailers in durability, gloss and UV protection. ?Properly respraying a trailer can beome an expensive proposition, because of the labour involved, the cost of materials and the pricing of professionals. It can be a DIY project for just the cost of materials..
Posted 2017-08-15 11:19 AM (#170384 - in reply to #170321) Subject: RE: Can white skin aluminum be painted
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Dacula, GA
?I am in GA as well and would like to know if you find someone local to paint a trailer. I would like to have my Sooner LQ painted. email is carla @ bigskyfarm.com - spaces removed.