Rust on a galvanized trailer (repainting?)

[Josh]

I'm working on tidying up some of the stuff on my little EZ Loader trailer, and the fenders have some rust on them. What's the easiest way to get rid of it? I was hoping that I could just hit it with a wire brush or sander and then a couple coats of Rust-Oleum or something. But then I read somewhere that paint won't stick to galvanized metal? But then other places say that by the age this trailer is now, that won't be an issue?

 

[SurfnFish]

Wire brush it, light sanding, apply a coat of Rust Convertor, then a finish coat of Rustoleum..done.

 

[nwbobber]

The best rust converter I have found is Ospho,theres a couple places to get it here... Wilco, and Cost Less Auto parts. Another alternative might be to check at a trailer specialist like Potter Webster for a like size fender and bolt a new one on.

 

[Merle]

The best rust converter I have found is Ospho,theres a couple places to get it here... Wilco, and Cost Less Auto parts. Another alternative might be to check at a trailer specialist like Potter Webster for a like size fender and bolt a new one on.

Yes, when I was pricing out parts for a trailer build I was surprised at how affordable the different parts were at places like e-trailer.com or even Amazon. I bet you could find some nice plastic or aluminum diamond tread ones for not too much $$$.

 

[Stoneflywelding]

I'm working on tidying up some of the stuff on my little EZ Loader trailer, and the fenders have some rust on them. What's the easiest way to get rid of it? I was hoping that I could just hit it with a wire brush or sander and then a couple coats of Rust-Oleum or something. But then I read somewhere that paint won't stick to galvanized metal? But then other places say that by the age this trailer is now, that won't be an issue?

View attachment 63155

looks like you can unbolt the fender pretty easy so that’s nice. Quick sanding with an orbital sander and prime/ rust oleum color of your choice, bobs yer uncle.

 

[Buzzy]

@Josh - A few years before I retired, a group of architects came down to where I worked. My employer had a large galvanized corrugated steel structure that had been built as a temporary warehouse in 1960 to support constuction of the concrete structure I worked in. The visiting architects were looking around the workplace for anything architecturally significant; they oohed amd aahhed over the patina of the old corrugated steel warehouse. Personally, I think your boat trailer fenders offer a lovely patina; visually delightful and worthy of preservation.

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

Josh, ospho is good stuff.

A thought: you could coat with cold galv after prepping if you want to keep the galv look.

 

[BriGuy]

Another option would be to unbolt them and take them to a powder coater for blasting and powder coating. It probably wont be cheap, but it will look good and last. Plus, you get a choice of colors that way.

 

[Josh]

Another option would be to unbolt them and take them to a powder coater for blasting and powder coating. It probably wont be cheap, but it will look good and last. Plus, you get a choice of colors that way.

Yeah, that would look good. But not worth the money to me I don't think.

 

[PhilR]

Seems to be trailer painting season. Anyone know a place to get a trailer sandblasted in Portland?

 

[Wetswinger]

Research, Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer, and then paint...

 

[Scottcat]

Does anybody pickle their galvanized metal before painting anymore?

 

[5 Weight]

I'm working on tidying up some of the stuff on my little EZ Loader trailer, and the fenders have some rust on them. What's the easiest way to get rid of it? I was hoping that I could just hit it with a wire brush or sander and then a couple coats of Rust-Oleum or something. But then I read somewhere that paint won't stick to galvanized metal? But then other places say that by the age this trailer is now, that won't be an issue?

View attachment 63155

Clear coat it for that “rat rod” look.