Posted 2016-04-04 5:00 PM (#166648) Subject: White paint coming off trailer
Member
Posts: 5
I bought a new to me 1998 Elite aluminum trailer. Had decals previous owner and removed at some point. Part of trailer is white painted aluminum. So I went to wash it beacause of streaking in the white, - well the white is actually coming off with soap and water. I can take a wet finger and rub it and my finger turns white. Anyone know whats going on? Do you think if I go have it citrus washed it will take it all the white off?
Posted 2016-04-05 10:39 PM (#166664 - in reply to #166648) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The white paint is showing the damage from the sunlight's UV radiation. A citrus wash will eliminate most of the damaged paint that appears on your finger. It can also be buffed off with various metal conditioners. However, the original paint coating was very thin. It may be that after a washing, the thinned paint coating may expose the base metal. If this happens, a recoating will be necessary. The paint and bare metal under a removed decal, will usually show darker than the surrounding surfaces. Only an application of a new decal or respray will eliminate the shading left by the decals' removal.
Posted 2016-05-31 10:34 AM (#167190 - in reply to #166648) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Lexington KY
I have a similar problem - My 1994 CM trailer's exterior is mostly white/painted aluminum siding. When I touch it, my fingers come away white. I washed the exterior yesterday and the water was dripping off white but the dirty streaks were still there. If I have it acid washed, which I would like to do because the exposed aluminum on the exterior looks very dirty, will the white part come off? Will it need to be repainted? No aluminum is showing through the white portions, but I would like to avoid a costly repaint job. Thanks
Posted 2016-05-31 11:02 AM (#167192 - in reply to #166648) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When you have the trailer acid washed, all of the "dead" damaged paint will be washed off. Because the original paint coating was a very thin layer, the base metal or undercoating may be now be exposed. It will be necessary to remove this damaged paint before any new paint is applied, so it will not be a waste of time or money. Your trailer will now have to be resprayed to achieve its original look.
Posted 2016-05-31 1:54 PM (#167194 - in reply to #167192) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Lexington KY
Thanks for the helpful response, gard. The trailer has never been acid washed before, so do you think the original paint coating will survive? I have read on here that many people do an acid wash every year with no ill effects, so either their trailers are all exposed aluminum or their paint survives multiple acid washings. What is involved in re-painting the white portions? I'm assuming that's a professional job?
Posted 2016-06-13 10:27 AM (#167289 - in reply to #167194) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
Expert
Posts: 2614
I've never used acid wash on the white painted " skin" portion of my trailer,just the aluminum.if it needs repainting,I would try to find the best body shop man in your area- preferably someone with experience and skill at painting metals like aluminum.there may be a professional that does tractor- trailer painting close to you that you can get an idea of the time and expense with a quote,good luck
Posted 2016-06-14 6:37 AM (#167310 - in reply to #166648) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
Regular
Posts: 99 Location: Pleasant Plain, Ohio 45162
Just took my 03 Sundowner to Beacon Truck Wash and looks awesome. Got the acid bath. Did both the truck and trailer with rain X also. Both the white paint and the aluminum look great. Tried to wash and clean this trailer at home a couple of times but never really got clean. They charged me $87 for both truck and trailer and was well worth it.
Posted 2016-06-14 1:44 PM (#167320 - in reply to #167310) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
Expert
Posts: 2614
Be careful- sometimes the top will pond or hold water and the acid will run down when you are in transit afterward.it can streak your white paint and aluminum permanently.also the acid can etch your windows
Posted 2016-08-29 7:53 PM (#168226 - in reply to #166648) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
I know this is old but I have questions. sorry.
So why can't you just acid wash off the paint and polish the trailer and just have the whole thing left with the plain aluminum instead of repainting?
Is there something that can be done to prevent this?
My neighbors alum. trailer (painted white) looks like most of the paint has melted off. Is there a reason why she can't just leave the alum bare completely??
Posted 2016-09-09 11:29 AM (#168344 - in reply to #166648) Subject: RE: White paint coming off trailer
We are going in reverse! Years ago all we had was metal painted trailers. After time we had paint and rust issues. Sandblast and new paint. Then here came the aluminum trailers. Wonderful, no paint to worry about. Run it through the truck wash and presto it looked brand new. Then a lot of the trailer manufactures decided that paint sure looked good on the aluminum trailers. Really. I have aluminum, older 4 STAR, no paint and no issues with my pretty bright aluminum trailer.
White paint coming off trailer
