How to Paint an Aluminum Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are great for trips and can sometimes be found for a steal when purchased from a previous owner. Older aluminum travel trailers may need the occasional boost to their appearance from a new coat of paint to keep them looking sharp. Aluminum is a lightweight metal and, although rust-resistant, is also porous and can easily become oxidized when left unprotected. You can paint and protect your aluminum travel trailer in a few easy steps--without even having to prime it.

Instructions

1

Wash the aluminum travel trailer well using a bucket of warm soapy water and a soft scrub brush. Rinse with a power nozzle sprayer attachment from a garden hose. Allow to dry thoroughly.

2

Examine the trailer for any holes or dents. Fill in holes around windows and doors with caulking. Other holes may be filled with a two-part auto body filler smoothed on with a spatula or putty knife. Allow the repaired area to fully dry. Sand areas repaired with the auto filler with 120-grit sandpaper so the repair is level with the other aluminum surfaces.

3

Tape off and paper all windows, door handles and areas of the travel trailer you will not want painted with masking tape and newspaper.

4

Shake up one quart of Flood E-B Emulsa-Bond. Add it to one gallon of exterior latex paint. Stir both together with an electric drill and paddle attachment. If the consistency is too thick, you can add up to eight ounces of water per gallon until the consistency is that of regular paint. This will bypass the need to prime the aluminum for paint.

5

Work from the top of the aluminum travel trailer downwards with a paintbrush while moving in side-to-side motions so you can remove any dripping paint as you work your way down the side. Wait until the first paint layer is completely dry to the touch before proceeding.

6

Apply a coat of high-quality 100 percent latex paint as your final topcoat. Do not use the Emulsa-Bond in your top layer of paint. Apply the latex paint in the same manner as the first coat, working from the top to the bottom of the trailer.