Best Paint for Trailer

Not all trailer paints are made equal. A good trailer paint should be rust-resistant, long-lasting, and easy to apply.

Here are 3 of the best.

The 3 Best Trailer Paints

Best Overall: POR-15 Rust Preventive Paint

Trailers, trucks, agricultural equipment, snow removal equipment, it doesn’t matter. This stuff is the go-to when you need a paint that won’t chip, crack or peel all while preventing recurring rust due to its rock-hard, non-porous finish.

The POR-15 Rust Preventive Paint is so popular and sets itself apart from other paints due to its better adhesion to metals, better chemical resistance, greater ease of application, and is actually strengthened by exposure to moisture. It’s resistant to or repels just about everything out there, including most acids and alkali, fuels, and oils.

It is designed for direct application on rusted metal, which means there is no need to remove rust before applying, significantly cutting down on prep work and time.

From word of mouth, reviews and forums the POR-15 deserves its title as the best paint for trailers.

Also Great: Valspar Tractor and Implement Paint

The Valspar Tractor and Implement Paint is another good option. It’s a good bit cheaper than the POR-15, though for best results use the Valspar Enamel Hardener in combination with the paint.

It does a great job at resisting rust, is long-lasting, and dries quickly. Not as quickly as the POR-15, though that may be a good thing for some people.

The best thing about the paint is the range of colors it comes in, all designed to meet original manufacturer’s standards. So, if you’re after a certain color you won’t do better than this paint.

Best Spray Paint: Rust-Oleum 248914 Spray Paint

The Rust-Oleum 248914 is the best trailer spray paint. If you want to paint your trailer as quickly and hassle-free as possible it’s the one to get.

While it may not be as effective as POR-15 or Valspar if you want to paint straight over heavily rusted trailers with minimal prep work, it still does a pretty good job. It is a great option if you’re dealing with lightly rusted trailers.

Its formula is also able to stop rust and corrosion from setting in, protect the surface from impact, scratches, fading, and the weather.

Important Features to Consider When Buying Paint for Trailers

Amount of Rust

Don’t worry if your trailer is rusty, you can paint over it just fine – even with minimal prep work if you buy the right paint for the job, the POR-15. There are a couple of things you might want to do first though.

You should remove as much loose rust as possible. If you don’t you will face blistering and peeling. You can do this by using a wire brush for the larger flakes, and then steel wool for the remaining rust.

Applying a primer is always a good idea too because this makes the paint adhere to the surface better as well as preventing discoloration. Using a degreaser to remove grease is also wise.

Type of Trailer

Will you be painting a utility trailer, boat trailer, livestock trailer, or motorcycle trailer? Just the frame or also the floor? What material is the trailer made of – aluminum, steel, or maybe a combination of both?

While this can play a part in picking the best trailer paint for the job, most paints are suitable for most types of trailers.

Size of Trailer

Think about the size of the trailer as well as which areas need to be painted. This will determine what size paint you should buy. It’s often better to buy a larger can of paint even if you don’t think you will use all of it in one go, as this can work out cheaper. It’s also common to underestimate just how much paint you will need.

Application Method

Will you be spray painting or applying with a brush? How about using a roll-on? Make sure you’re clear on which application method you will use. There are pros and cons to each method, and each requires different preparation.

Paint Color

Selecting the paint color isn’t just about making your trailer look pretty. Lighter colors are best when you need to reduce heat. Darker colors, on the other hand, are more prone to UV damage and can fade and show wear more quickly.

Your Goals

• Will you be satisfied with a quick paint job that will keep the trailer looking good from a distance for a couple of years, or do you want a paint job that will last longer and look almost new on closer inspection?
• Are you planning on keeping the trailer for a long time or not?
• Is your trailer suffering from extensive or just mild rust issues?
• How often do you intend to use the trailer and in what weather conditions?
• What’s your budget?
• These are all important questions to ask yourself.