The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Painting a mural on an aluminum trailer

I paint murals in homes and have been approached about the possibility of painting one on the side of an aluminum trailer. Before I agree to this, I'm searching for information pertaining to the type of paint I would have to use and preparation that may be involved to make the new painting as long lasting as possible. The trailer is currently painted a blue allover that the customer prefers to keep as the main background color. Can I paint over this without peeling? Do I need to remove it in the areas I am painting? What type of primer would I need? What type of sealant should I use when finished to make it weatherproof? What type of paint do I use? a lacquer or epoxy of some sort or is latex viable? Thanks for any information you can provide me.

Brina Snyder
muralist - Irving, Texas
June 23, 2008

Hi, Brina. Don't remove the existing paint: it is affording corrosion protection, and good adhesion has already been achieved. Wiping with acetone ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! , then scrubbing with detergent, followed by very light sanding would probably work. You would not use an epoxy because they are not UV resistant. Beyond that I can't advise you but maybe another muralist will.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey