What's the quickest way to get the rust off my trailer?

[ZmOz]

I think I'm going to put a coat of bedliner on my trailer, but it's a little rusty. What would be the quickest/easiest way for me to get all the rust off?

[bubbakat]

Sand blasting, but if that is not an option then get you a wire wheel for your drill and go to work.

[Lark40]

Agree with bubbakat, sandblasting is the way to go.But, if that is not an option for you, the best of the "paint over rust" products is one called "rust encapsulator" from Eastwood Company www.eastwoodco.com

[Bco128]

hmmmm just MHO here but wouldnt want to encapsulate any rust.at least i wouldnt.those paints do cover well but do not stop the rust from spreading too well.i currently have a trailer that i tried this sort of paint on.guess what the rust is still there and is worse.nearly cancerous.dont try to cheat just get out there and do the work needed.sandblast is great a wire wheel good option too.if all else fails get the sandpaper.think that was 3 cents worth.oh well keep the change.edit: i checked out the link thats a cool sight.come in very handy

[MrBill]

Prepping rust for paint is most easily done with a chemical rust tranformer. 'Rust Transformer' is one brand, I think it's made by 3M or carries the Rustoleum brand. These liquids, that are sprayed or brushed on chemically react with rust, hardening and neutralizing it, turning to a shiny black well bonded metal. It can then be sanded (not necessary) and primed or painted. Even if you decide to sand or blast first, pros always neutralize bare metal before painting, with a chemical agent or neutralizer, first. For speed and great rust prep use a chemical transformer (not rust looseners, or other similar stuff). Dries in about 30 minutes, non-chemically reacted liquid remains white, reacted liquid turns black, an indicator enough material was used to neutralize all the rust.

[Lark40]

I would not recommend a chemical rust transformer product on any stuctural, load-bearing part due to hydrogen embrittlement.Since a boat trailer is almost all load-bearing, these phosphoric acid-based products are to be avoided.

[imported_Warren]

When I purchased my boat the trailer was in very bad shape. I took the boat (12 foot aluminum), put it on the grass and went to work. Couldn't afford sand blasting so 3 days of wire wheeling(went through 5 wheels), then a day of grinding the heavy stuff. Gave up, went and purchased myself an air powered needle gun that my buddy used on the missouri, a day and a half of that.....Gave up and painted it with car undercoating. It still looks good but you just can't get inside the trailer with these tools....Next time i'm gonna spend the $$$ and get it sandblasted or just buy a new trailer. I came home everyday soooo dirty, wasen't worth the ruined clothes and cars I had to wash because of the rust dust and chips (about 40lbs worth) everywhere.....JMO...Warren