How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

[Waterrazor]

I have a 1995 galvanized trailer which is rusty from salt water use. I am going to replace the axle, springs and rollers but would like to know if anyone has painted a galvanized trailer and with what? The frame is mostly surface rust but it has brought off the galvanized finish. It kind of looks like it has white chalk in some places.<br />Any advise?

 

[jwhite]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

If you are going to paint the whole thing you might as well do it right the first time. Get the trailer sandblasted and then prime and paint or you could get it re-galvanized.

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

Won't that cost alot of money? I was hoping for something that I could do at home on the weekend!

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

Back in my student days, I used to do holliday work in a galvanising plant. We didn't do any used trailers - only new ones, but I recall that before they were dipped into the galvanising tank, they were dipped into a tank of hydrochloric acid to clean off any rust & dirt etc. They came out of that VERY clean. So what I'm saying is, if you sent your trailer in to be re-galvanised, part of the process (the acid dip) will probably get the rust off anyway.<br /><br />Another option seems to be a product called Hammerite which is both a rust fixer and paint all in one. I've seen a few guys on this board recommend it - search on Hammerite on this board and Google. This would be the easiest and cheapest option I think, although it would pay to check out the cost of re-galv - that would be the best solution for my 2 cents.

 

[marcmccain]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

Kiwi is right-on. Regalvanizing is the best way to go. But should you want to do a weekend project at home Hammerite paint is the way to go. <br /><br />I've used it for several projects including wrought iron fences, grape arbors, and the security bars for my house windows here in Spain. You don't have to pretreat the rust prior to painting other than brushing it off with a wire-brush. You can brush, roll, or spray it on using it with a paint gun/compressor. Here in Spain it comes in 1 kilogram (approx. 1 quart) or 5 kg. (approx. one-gallon) cans. Comes in a variety of colors. Even has a variety with iron filings mixed in the paint to give the paint finish a rough texture. Normal life expectancy is between 5-8 years for normal use. Can't say how long it'll last on a boat trailer dunked in-and-out of salt water. It's a top-of-the-line rust-free paint here in Europe. <br /><br />The only unique characteristic I found about hammerite is: you can apply the second coat within one hour of the first application; however, if you can't apply the second coat within one hour your MUST wait eight hours before applying the second coat. <br /><br />take a look at:<br />www.hammerite.com <br /><br />or check the following for helpful information on how to find it in the U.S.<br /><br />http://groups.google.com/groups?q=hammerite+ paint&hl=en&selm=ApgC6.21670%24RF1.1752088%40bgtnsc06-news.ops.worldnet.att.net&rnum=1<br /><br />Good luck and let us know the results of your project.

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

Thanks, I'm going to look into it now!

 

[chemistbill]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

A product called phospho will convert active iron oxide (rust) into an adherent and stable iron prosphate. It's easy to use just brush on and wait over night. Also galvamized surfaces aren't all that receptive to holding paint. Some places where iron phosphate is showing is better than an entire trailor with peeling paint.

 

[chumbucket]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

Waterrazor, you can borrow my sandblasting rig if you want to drive to Jersey,lot of fun!!!!!

 

[mellocj]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

I am also a Hammerite user. I've never painted a galvanized steel before, but this is from their website:<br /><br />Galvanized Surfaces and Aluminum: These surfaces require an<br /> application of Hammerite RustCap Galvanized and Aluminum<br /> Primer. Instructions should be followed carefully.<br /><br />Check with your True Value store. They should be able to order it for you if they don't stock it. I also have ordered Hammerite from Hamilton Marine before, www.hamiltonmarine.com or 800-639-2715

 

[mikeblare]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

Im surprized paintermn didnt answer this one, I learned this from an old school house painter who taught me this to paint galvanized gutter. First use some kinda solvent to remove all the grease then wash down the whole thing with dish soap and water rinse really well. Then put white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the heck out of the trailer do this twice (the vinegar part) letting it sit roughly an hour each time you spray it. rinse with water let dry and then paint Im not sure how it works or why, but it does.

 

[metalmanzr2]

Re: How to a paint rusty galvanized traler?

vinegar is just like the acid they use when the galvanice is applied, cleans the metal up. We usu it all the time at work to pain galvinized sheet metal