Paint Prep

[kiwi]

Ok, I just finished my trailer and I need some painting advice.

1. How do I prep the steel? Is wire wheeling it sufficient or is sanding necessary?

2. Do I have to use a primer or is there a glossy non fading paint that does not require primer on steel? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

3. I want to use a sponge type roller to apply the finish because I do not have a place to spray.

Thanks,
Nick

[uhohjim]

Kiwi..if youre going to use a roller to appy id go with rustoleum by the gallon....it lays out awesome as long as the temp is at or above 70 deg....painted my pole building with it looks great with minimal prep.If you're using brand new steel id scuff it with some 180/220 grit on a DA dual action sander and paint away..as long as the steel is clean.If its got some grease or other stuff on it maybe wipe it down with cheap enamel reducer or prepsol.......the enamel reducer is usually cheaper.Hope this helps.
Jim uhohjim1@aol.com

[kiwi]

Kiwi..if youre going to use a roller to appy id go with rustoleum by the gallon....it lays out awesome as long as the temp is at or above 70 deg....painted my pole building with it looks great with minimal prep.If you're using brand new steel id scuff it with some 180/220 grit on a DA dual action sander and paint away..as long as the steel is clean.If its got some grease or other stuff on it maybe wipe it down with cheap enamel reducer or prepsol.......the enamel reducer is usually cheaper.Hope this helps.
Jim uhohjim1@aol.com

Thanks Jim. Is the Rustoleum fade resistant?
Thanks again,
Nick

[uhohjim]

Thanks Jim. Is the Rustoleum fade resistant?
Thanks again,
Nick

Kiwi.I've had it on my building.in the weather and it still shines pretty well........thats 3 years later.........when i redeck my car trailer this year I'll be usint it for the repaint....plus it comes in a good variety of custom colors they can mix up for you.By the way the only prep i did on my building was to sweep it off and hose it down a little....and the paint is stickin just fine. Short of doing autmotive type prep on your trailer.......scuff,prime,scuff paint.........I think you'll be happy with the rustoleum...you can lay it right on and it lasts..
Jim uhohjim1@aol.com

[uhohjim]

Kiwi.I've had it on my building.in the weather and it still shines pretty well........thats 3 years later.........when i redeck my car trailer this year I'll be usint it for the repaint....plus it comes in a good variety of custom colors they can mix up for you.By the way the only prep i did on my building was to sweep it off and hose it down a little....and the paint is stickin just fine. Short of doing autmotive type prep on your trailer.......scuff,prime,scuff paint.........I think you'll be happy with the rustoleum...you can lay it right on and it lasts..
Jim uhohjim1@aol.com

And most Menards stores have rustoleum mixing systems.

Jim

[Steeldriver]

Kiwi,
I just finished a cage to store Oxygen and a Liquid Oxygen machine. I painted it using a high pressure gun with Rustoleum cutting it with paint thinner. The only prep I did was wiping the entire structure with denatured alcohol. The finish shines very nicely.

As far as not having a place to paint, if you have a garage just line it with plastic and have a heat source and you should be fine.