normc replied:

I'd use an enamel paint if you are looking for durability and protection. I've used White Knight Rust Guard to paint the steel tray on my 1Ton ute. Did it by hand and it came up pretty well. Although it is enamel, it dries fast.

http://www.whiteknightpaints.com.au

You will find details of their metal protection paints here. Select 'products' then 'metal protection'.

Solarguard is a good paint, but is not designed for the rough handling your trailer will get.

Norm C

Truckster (Vic) replied:

Like most new trailers today they come with the cheapest and pourest quality paint jobs. Mine looks like they waved a spary gun over it, hopeing some paint would land on it!

that would go for most new cars too! had a look at a few while walkin past a car yard on weekend, Im not a spray painters asshole, but I'd be ashamed to let a job like that out the door!

I've used that Rust Guard type stuff on a bike trailer.. the pressure pack cans, makes life so easy...

Drew - Karratha replied:

Get the trailer hot-dipped galvanised. You might find that it ends up being a similar price to the cost of paint - and it will last forever...

Shaker replied:

Old farmers trick ....... use paving paint, sticks like the proverbial to a blanket & is actually quite a good polyurethane coating.

Alan S (WA) replied:

Bazza

I have recently finished repainting mine. I used some industrial paint that i got from a previous job ( free paint but lousy color, but hey its a trailer). When i last painted it about 4 years ago i used a spray gun, this time i tried it by hand. As long as you load the brush properly and take your time it comes up as almost as good as spraying.

Alan

Member - Duncs replied:

I'd go with Norm C on this. I have used the white knight stuff in anumber of applications over the years and have always been happy.

I used to keep a couple of cans around for quick touch-ups around the place. The matt black was great for those little scrapes on the bull bar you pick up when out for a weekend playing "Who can get up the meanest hill."

I also found it made a good base to put other colours over. I had a metal gate post that the solaguard kept flaking off. A quick coat of the white knight and the solarguard stuck to that just fine.

Duncs

Member - Chrispy (NSW) replied:

I've always used the good old hammertone brush-on paint. Brushes easily (or sprays), flattens itself out to an even finish. Tough, practical, and comes in both dark green and grey - which suit my trailer.

Capt. Wrongway replied:

Thanks guys, for all your advice. I think I'll go for the brush applied, White Knight enamel finish.
Regards,
Bazza.

Member - 'Lucy' replied:

Morning Capt'n.

Before you do what ever you choose to do paint wise, invest in a small tin of PENETROL.

All reasonable paint shops have it, and buy adding a tad of that to the paint, stiring in well, you will be amazed at the finish.

It makes the paint flow on like nothing you have seen before, stick worse that baby S H I T to a blanket, resist chipping (note doesn't prevent it just RESISTS) and looks like a 'two pack' finish.

Its cheap and if you are using a litre tin you remove the top half inch of paint and replace it with pentrol. Thats the only mixing guide I know and it works well.

Regards

Ken Robinson.

Member - iMusty (VIC) replied:

I have nothing to ad I dont even know why Im writting. I'll just go now