Forum Discussion

Templbi's avatar
Templbi
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013

Paint Travel Trailer?

I have a 2002 Coachman TT. Its in great shape but the paint is fading really bad. Ive looked online and different wax options to bring back the shine but I cant seem to find someone thats giving an unbiased opinion.

So I am asking you guys your thoughts.

Should I repaint my TT? I seen a video on Youtube using Rustoleum. It looked a lot better than it started. I know this isnt professional by any standards but if I could get it to look a lot better than it currently does I would chalk it up as a win.

Anyone have any experience doing this? The decals are peeling off and sun faded.. So maybe paint and new decals (if I can find them).

Here is the link to one of the videos I am refering to. http://youtu.be/wXC01JHjOFIhttp://youtu.be/wXC01JHjOFI

I think buying the product in a can would be better in my situation my TT is 26 ft, spray cans would cost to much.

Maybe even get a gravity paint gun a cheap one to apply it?

Thanks in advance guys!!
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Jul 18, 2013
    Most of the work, if you want a result that looks good, will be preparing the surface, getting down past the oxidized original paint, and quite likely priming over exposed metal. I'm assuming original is aluminum, which would have had a baked on finish. There was a market for this, repainting aluminum siding, but now the trend is to pull it off and replace with vinyl (residential market).

    With good prep, and skilled use of modern paints, you can probably get something that looks better than the original, but it won't be cheap. Go for cheap, you might not like the result.
  • Templbi's avatar
    Templbi
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    Tatest, do you have any links on the vinyl you are talking about.. Im not looking for the cheapest route but dont want to put more in the paint than the trailer is worth..

    Thanks for the quick reply!
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    If the paint is not pealing off, it may only need the oxidation removed to restore the finish. I would try a polishing compound first. Polishing compound is cheap and you will find out quickly if the finish can be restored.
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    We are on the road right now, but winter in Surprise.
    I have never used that product, and dont know anything about it.
    Polishing compound is available at most auto parts stores. Just be sure its not rubbing compound, its too coarse.
  • Dtaylor's avatar
    Dtaylor
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    If you have fiberglass sides, there are a couple of options. 1)Use a really good rubbing compound and have it buffed followed with a really good wax. Rubbing compound comes in different "cuts" so depending on how bad the oxidation is, will determine what cut to use. The danger here is taking too much of the surface off and bearing the underneath surface. 2)Wet sand with a 600/800 grit sandpaper, a light buff followed by a good wax. To do it right, you need one of these: These
    What I would suggest is to tow it to one of the local body shops and have their painter look at it and tell which would be your best option. He can tell you what compound to use.
    I tell you this based on experience from having owned a paint and body shop. If you decide to paint it yourself, especially using cans, it will not be consistent. In the end, you will be more disappointed in the looks of it than you are now.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    Did you consider Red Max Pro/Zep?
    It does a great job on faded fiberglass. I don't know if it will work on painted aluminium.
    I would at least try a small spot and see if it works or if you like the results.
  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    Honest truth is, my bet is you could make a decent looking example with paint brushed or rolled on ! Come on....it's a freakin "house" ( on wheels, but a house nonetheless ). We're not looking to win a car show here.......
  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    Wash it with TSP, mask, prime any bare metal and paint. You can get multiple colors some painters tape and paint on any graphic design you want. Place plastic wrap over unused paint for future touch up.

    Now to pick out the colors. Oh, I forgot I'm color blind.
  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2013
    Peg Leg wrote:
    Wash it with TSP, mask, prime any bare metal and paint. You can get multiple colors some painters tape and paint on any graphic design you want. Place plastic wrap over unused paint for future touch up.

    Now to pick out the colors. Oh, I forgot I'm color blind.


    My suggestion is if you are going to use any product that is alkaline ( like Tri Sodium Phosphate ) make sure you rinse it off "completely" after you use it, as it can leave streaks and be corrosive to metals such as aluminum. It's an effective cleaner, but you do need to get it all off of the surfaces when it's done doing it's job.

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