Trailer Painting Advice needed

[BassOrBlast]

Read Champ203dcx's post/ replies below, doing same thing, didn't want to hijack and maybe we can both learn something new

Have a co-werker with an automotive bodyshop/spray set-up, etc. Gonna spray my C-channel trailer w/ gloss black(over old faded black) for cost of paint only. I'm doing the prep myself, no loose/flaking paint, surface rust in a few places. He recommends NOT sandblasting to bare metal as current paint is decent but faded(tried compounding, just not enuf pigment left).

What grits, start to final prep, should i use? Do you wetsand in between coats or does this depend on the paint?

What paint(brand/type) do you recommend? Willing to use metallic if good idea(or not??). Gloss/semi-gloss/flat enamels---pros/cons? I'd like gloss if a good idea.

How much paint to buy for a Stratos Trail single axle for 19 1/2' boat and how many coats(over existing paint)? Highway travel over good roads, freshwater only.

Pinstripes? Buddy recommends leaving on pinstripes and painting over them IF I want to put on new pinstripes so I can just follow over top, says putting 'em on straight is a PITA. I may not want pins anymore, any comments/tips/alternatives/bling factors?

How long should paint dry/cure b/f getting it wet briefly to reload boat? He called a few paint mfg's, answers ranged from 8-60 hrs. Any experiences?

He's good on cars, hasn't done a trailer, open to any tips from BBC'ers as trailers may provide a new source of local bidness for him.

I don't need it showroom, but want it close! Any advice/suggestions welcome Thanks, B-O-B

[522Ed]

I had recommeded to a friend of mine to paint his trailer with line X. It looks good and last longer from chips. Did you think of trying that?

[BassOrBlast]

Thanks 522Ed for the response. I thought about the Line-X, it's practical, but I think I really want the shiny bling factor of the gloss paint.
Thanks again

Anybody else offer any answers?, esp. as to mfg/specific paint to use?

[BassOrBlast]

BTT-- 'bout ready to do this project! Sure would appreciate any tips/suggestions, esp. as to specific paints (Imron, epoxy, enamel?? and gloss v. semi-gloss??)

Want to make it relatively easy on my buddy by choosing an appropriate, easy-to-spray paint that is durable but holds its color.

Help is appreciated

[basshole45]

metallic looks good ,but the regular gloss black is nice enough for a trailer with some decals,,hell i painted mine along with many others with spray cans,the prep work is key in that of course,but i sprayed mine the metallic black and i love how it turned out with the decals on it ,,if you want bling factor def go metallic or gloss black though,,hell if hes got some around my cousin sprayed his gloss black then sprayed pearl over it looks outstanding

[BassOrBlast]

Sounds interesting w/ the pearl over the gloss, i been thinking metallic black too.
thanks

[basshole45]

i can try to get a few pics later on after work,but he used silver pearl which blends perfect with the silver and black fiberglass fenders so you could prob match a color of pearl to your boat and would look wayy better in the light.

[BassOrBlast]

thanks, i would like to see the pics

[flubyu]

2 on the pics...wanting to tackle this project as well. Lets see the goods!