Does Galvanized paint work?

[Begester]

I'm doing some TLC on my EZ loader trailer while my boat is in the water. I have a few rust spots and I'm curious if the "do nothing option" is the best option or if I should remove the surface rust with a wire wheel and apply the galvanized spray paint. While I recognize that removing rust is good, I also realize that I'll be removing some of the galvanized portion that's still good.

Anyone have any insight into the long term effects of galvanized spray paint? How does it hold up over time and did it prevent more rust on the trailer?

 

[dingbat]

The commercial stuff works half way decent. The big box store stuff, not so good.

By the time you get to the touch up stage, a good percentage of the original sacrificial (galv) coating has been lost.

At that point your better off going to a protection scheme, ie paint.

I’ve used flat grey Rustoleum on my trailers for years with good results. Make sure the metal is still solid and use a power (Wire) brush if possible

 

[Scott Danforth]

the spray galvanizing is essentially zinc laden primer. as dingbat stated, the commercial stuff is pretty good.

 

[Begester]

Thanks guys! I got some good stuff from my trailer shop. Do you wire brush and use Rust oleam first or just apply directly to the cleaned surface?

 

[dingbat]

Thanks guys! I got some good stuff from my trailer shop. Do you wire brush and use Rust oleam first or just apply directly to the cleaned surface?

One or the other. You can’t use both.

The zinc has to be in contact with the steel to work. Wire brush to bear metal before application. Wipe down with lacquer thinner or equal to clean bare metal before application.

Some types require you to heat the base metal prior to application of the zinc

 

[mike_i]

I've used this in the past which worked OK. You want more zinc than what is in rustoleum.
https://www.zrcworldwide.com/products/zrc-cold-galvanizing-compound/specifications
Then I found this and have had better luck with it. It's like coating your trailer in liquid metal. It's the only thing I'll use on my trailer.
https://nomorerust.com/store/rust-stop-paints/8-mastercoat-pemanent-rust-sealer.html