Posted 2016-04-21 9:39 AM (#166839) Subject: Polished Aluminum Siding
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Reno, NV
Does anyone have any suggestions or experience on how to paint over or dull the polished aluminum siding on a horse trailer? My trailer has it half way up and all the way down the side of the trailer. It is a Sundowner 727 Sunlite. It is beautiful, but I had a patio mat melt due to the sun hitting it just right and reflecting onto the mat. I have also heard rumors of trailers like these starting fires in grassy areas. Has anyone actually had that happen or know of someone who has? I don't think dulling the siding is truly an option as it would have to be done very well so it doesn't look awful. Just hoping there are other options out there.
Posted 2016-04-21 5:36 PM (#166843 - in reply to #166839) Subject: RE: Polished Aluminum Siding
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Decatur, Texas
That's a first for me. I just traded off a 2004 Sundowner with the polished lower section and NEVER had any melting issues. We live in North Texas and always used rubber floor mats outside of the trailer when camping. Bought the trailer in 2008 and traded it in 3 weeks ago.
Posted 2016-04-21 7:02 PM (#166844 - in reply to #166839) Subject: RE: Polished Aluminum Siding
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Reno, NV
Yes, I guess it does happen. I have a friend that has the polished nose that reflected the sun into the cab of their truck and the back of the seat started smoking.
Posted 2016-04-21 8:05 PM (#166845 - in reply to #166839) Subject: RE: Polished Aluminum Siding
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
If you use a product called StreakMaster Aluminum Brightener, it will clean all aluminum surfaces and take the shine off of polished aluminum, leaving it uniform with a matte finish. The next owner can polish it back to shiny if they desire.
Posted 2016-04-22 12:38 AM (#166846 - in reply to #166839) Subject: RE: Polished Aluminum Siding
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Aluminum can be painted, but it is labor and material intensive with the required initial prep that is necessary. Purposely dulling the metal is much easier, and cost effective. A random orbit sander utilised with a green Scotch Brite pad, will reduce a gloss aluminum surface to a satin finish. Various metal conditioners can also be used, which will clean the metal at the same time.
Posted 2016-04-23 8:14 AM (#166869 - in reply to #166839) Subject: RE: Polished Aluminum Siding
Elite Veteran
Posts: 787 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Unfortunately, in all liklihood your 727 has polished stainless steel on the sides, rather than polished aluminum. So you don't have the aluminum brightener options mentioned above.
I'm not sure what path to suggest, as any polishing makes it shinier.
And yes, have heard a reliable story about reflected and focused sunlight from stainless skin causing issues with a hay bale at a trade show. Have also seen a light colored horse's face sunburned by being tied to a trailer like that.
Posted 2016-04-24 3:42 AM (#166878 - in reply to #166839) Subject: RE: Polished Aluminum Siding
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Agree, this sounds like stainless sheets on the trailer sides and not the polished aluminum that is popular today. You could find a tint/wrap shop that might be able to wrap the panels in clear, it should dull the shine enough that any of these problems can be avoided. If you want it shiny (when selling) or after the wrap gets worn and needs to be redone you just peel it off.
Polished Aluminum Siding
