I offer custom paint and minor restoration on horse trailers of almost any size. Here is a link to an album with pictures of my work:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.10100151383125603&type=3
All large jobs requiring welding and maintenance are best handled by our friends at John Yoder Co in Hazel Green, AL (Just over the TN line). We highly recommend their work!
https://www.facebook.com/JohnYoderCo/
How to get in touch:
Contact me on my facebook page or by phone with quality pictures of your trailer (front, sides, interior). I will need to know the dimensions of your trailer and if you want the outside and inside painted or just one or the other.
What is the Cost?:
Every trailer is different, and the bottom line is, you get what you pay for. I provide a quality, professional service. If you want a paint job just “slapped on”, I’m not going to be able to help you. However, if you want it done right and want it to last, I would love to chat with you.
Smaller jobs such as cleaning, buffing and waxing, trim restoration, and some spot painting are also offered at cheaper rates but require that I see the trailer before I commit to taking it on or can quote the cost of repair. I can also paint match and apply automotive paint for more unique colors. *Please keep in mind automotive paint is not cheap.*
Clients are responsible for cost of supplies plus labor. I do not upcharge labor prices and am extremely fair and reasonable on all jobs I take. A traditional paint shop will charge you over double my fees.
The best way to figure out your roughly estimated cost will be to send pictures of your trailer over and then give me a call to discuss your needs.
The Process:
Preparation required to paint a trailer correctly so that the job lasts several years means I must remove the old paint and any rust, properly clean and degrease the surface, re-caulk all seams along the roof, wheel wells, trim, and supports as needed. Preparation is key with painting!
The first thing I do with any trailer I’m going to paint is give it a good pressure washing and degreasing. Then the trailer must be taped off before sanding commences.
For 2023, I am very happy to say that I will be able to partner with a local blasting company that offers sandblasting and dustless blasting! I will be strongly encouraging clients to have their trailers blasted before I paint. Blasting costs are very reasonable and it saves the client money in the long run since a trailer can be blasted in a few hours; whereas, hand-sanding may take me several days. Blasting will allow me to get a trailer done much faster than if I need to hand-sand.
Before I apply the first coat of primer on a trailer I use a commercial rust inhibitor to prevent and stop the spread of rust. I will then apply 1-2 coats of quality primer with a rust inhibitor built in also. The number of coats needed depends on the trailer and the chosen color. After the primer is dry, I can start working on the actual paint job. I typically do 2-3 coats of the chosen color and use an HVLP spray gun and also an air sprayer to ensure the coats are even. You won’t get brush strokes with paint that has been sprayed from a paint gun, which is why I prefer using it.
If the customer chooses to have decals added to the trailer this would be the next step I follow after the last coat has dried and I’ve completed all touch-ups. I also offer a clear top-coat application if the customer so chooses. Clear coating is recommended if you have decals applied, as it helps preserve the decal colors. As with anything that sits in the sun, it will fade over time. The clear coat I use has a UVA/UVB filter in it and will help prolong the life of the paint job. I typically apply at least 2 coats of the clear coat.
After the paint (or clear coat) has dried, I will then remove all the trim taping and make sure I don’t need to touch up any smaller areas. I prefer that your trailer sits outside at least 24 hours before you pick it up once the job is done. I will wash and cut-buff your trailer for you before pickup.
For after care, you may wash your trailer within a week of painting, if you chose, but do not wax or buff your trailer until it has sat minimum of 60 days (90 days preferred). This gives the paint enough time to adhere to the surface and cure. I do recommend buffing and waxing your trailer quarterly to ensure the paint has the best chance at longevity.
I’m ready to have you paint my trailer, what do I do?
Great question! I paint trailers outside of my normal office job. This allows me to keep costs as reasonable as possible for my clients. I am also tied to the weather since I paint from my barn and not a paint shop. Prime painting weather is when the temperature is above 50 degrees and humidity is low. Typically, I paint during the months of March/April-October and sometimes into November, just depending on the weather.
I do stay busy with painting – among the many other services I offer – so if we have spoken about your trailer and you are ready to move forward, I just need you to schedule a drop-off day. When you drop your trailer off, I require a $500 non-refundable deposit. This amount goes towards the supplies needed to paint your trailer and will be applied to your final bill.
If you have any further questions about my process or would like to discuss me painting your trailer, please contact me via phone to discuss.
(931) 246-9743
Thank you for your business!