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Old 04-06-2022, 03:47 PM   #1
simoesxp
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Default External Paint Job

Any experiences painting the exterior of your TM? How, which materials please. Looking at a TM that really needs a paint job. Thanks.
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Old 04-06-2022, 06:41 PM   #2
Wavery
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Originally Posted by simoesxp View Post
Any experiences painting the exterior of your TM? How, which materials please. Looking at a TM that really needs a paint job. Thanks.
It's really not hard. Prep & paint the roofs first. Let sit for 5-days (or more), then open and paint the lift arms. Then paint the body.

1. Scrub it down good with "Spic & Span" floor soap. It's strong enough to get all the dirt, oil and wax off the body without damaging the existing paint. (don't sand 1st).

2. Remove as many items as you can (like front/rear window covers, A/C cover, TV antenna, etc). Mask windows, trailer tongue, tires, frame and anything that you don't want white paint on.

3. Sand with wet & dry sand paper 150G > 180G > 220G. Do step 1-3 outside.

4. Use a HVLP spray gun (search on youtube). I'd recommend using Rustoleum high gloss white paint and mix with acetone for a thinner.


Wipe the area to be painted with a rag wrung out in mineral spirits. Then wipe down with a tac rag to remove any dust particles.

The acetone for thinner helps make the paint "Flash" (air dry) faster and helps resist running. Using hardener will help resist scratching the sides when opening and closing. Be sure to use a water separator in the air line.

Use a very light (adhesion) coat 1st. Then another 1 or 2 light coats before applying the "color coat" (that's a little thicker coat to achieve a gloss finish). Do the top-top first (all coats) then the front and rear, then the sides. If you try to paint the entire roof section at once, it may dry too much to achieve a "wet on wet" job. If the paint dries too much between coats, you will have to wait 24 hours and sand before applying additional coats. I recommend spraying a 2-layer clear coat after the color coat. Best to use 2 spray guns (they're cheap at Harbor Freight). If you can paint it under a carport or garage (which is best) you may be able to paint the entire roof shells before recoating. If you paint outside there must be "0" wind. The slightest breeze will make it nearly impossible to lay down a clean, uniform coat. DO NOT spray in the Sun. It would be worth the $ to build a temporary spray booth out of 5 or 6 hooped 30' pieces of 1" PVC pipe (3x10' pieces connected) and plastic sheeting (see illustration). Close both ends except for 18" at the top for air flow. This will give you a semi-circle about 13' wide x 13' tall. Spray the roofs with trailer closed. Then open to complete. I'd wait as long as possible after spraying the roof before opening (to avoid scratching the new paint). Allow about 2 week (or more) before closing to avoid scratching the lower sides.

Wear appropriate spray paint coveralls and a VERY GOOD respirator (an outside air apparatus would be better).
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Old 04-06-2022, 08:41 PM   #3
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Amazingly detailed information , thank you Wavery.
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