I was recently given a small trailer that had a past life in northern Illinois and was used in the winter. It is structurally solid but has surface rust over a large part. I was wanting to try and treat this and wanted to see what the best options would be. I have two ideas but others here might have something better.
Pressure wash the thing to blow off all dirt and rust, then treat with a cold galvanizing compound. That would be the last step.
Pressure wash and treat with a rusty metal primer, then apply a top coat of tractor paint.
This thing is going to be for mowers, kayaks, and firewood so cosmetic appearance is not a focus. Any other ideas on how to best proceed with the max bang for the buck?
I’d go for #2. The rust converter will work on any rust, but if it’s loose, the loose converted particles will just flake off. You should wire brush the entire trailer. This would likely be quickest with a power tool, like a drill motor with a wire brush attachment. Get all the remaining loose stuff off with a power washer. Apply the rust conversion primer per the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are willing to spend a little money to save cleaning time, you could get the trailer blasted and then paint it. Blasting should be quick enough that you could get the trailer cleaned and primed in one day. They could even blast off the loose rust at your place.
I think just blowing it off would leave a lot lose particles on the trailer. Blow off a section then wipe it off. Whatever you wipe it with will turn red, indicating that there is still loose material on the surface.
