I'm sure this has been covered before, but I can't find any info regarding whether or not it's a big (and expensive) job to paint one's fiberglass trailer. By this I mean does one have to hire a professional (bake it on, etc.) and does the paint eventually wear off, etc.

I'm talking about the entire trailer, modifying the color, not just a few graphics. Anyone have any info on this? Photos?

Here is a trailer I painted with a foam rubber roller and Tremclad Paint.

Hi Marjorie,

You can definitely paint fiberglass. Many older fiberglass boats are painted (when the gelcoat gives up the ghost), and, indeed, many higher end boats are now painted right from the builder, and not gelcoated at all.

A top notch job will include removing all the hardware and windows, a good bit of prep and fairing, and then a sprayed two-part paint job. That won't come cheap, but will give you a fabulous job, that will last - and stay shiny - for decades, with care.

At the other end of the (reasonable) spectrum (not counting "broom" jobs), is a self-applied paint job, using something like a one-part Interlux Brightsides type paint, with only necessary prep and with taping off the windows, etc. This will do the job, although the gloss retention and hardness will be nothing like a good two-part paint. The price is a fraction though.

In between are all the possible combinations of you prepping, others painting, different types of paint, etc.

So it's kind of like saying "Can I have a suit" and then there is the range from Goodwill to a custom-made wool suit

Raya

yes its easy go to any local body shop if they dont treat you real well move on this is an easy job.hey its good enough for a corvette!!

Hi: not sure if you paintet yet but if you follow this link
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?p=4918568 you can do it for well he did it for $50

I did my 13ft Boler for about $125. its a lot of labour esp sanding......
you can see some result\s of my tralier here.

http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g43/silv...ng%20the%20egg/

the trailer was all yellow.....

I have found a paint shop that will paint the top of my 13' Scamp. He will feather down along the sides a few inches. The reason for wanting the top, only, painted is because the sides are still in good shape (not oxidizing) but the top is. And this citizen that is past the 70 mark doesn't feel like climbing on the ladder any more to wax the top. He will paint with an automotive paint that is flexible. If the white he paints is whiter than the sides, then so be it, I can't worry about that. By the way, he is going to charge me $400. Marg in NW CA

Just remember, paint needs to be waxed too. Even if there's a clearcoat over the top. All things exposed to the sun will suffer UV damage. The use of wax slows the degradation down some, but bare paint will take a hit. It's no different than never waxing a tug. After a while, the paint breaks down.

Our Boler was painted a hideous green and we sanded and painted it with Interlux Brightsides. People walk up and touch it and ask, "Did you really do this, in your driveway, with a roller?" The secret is to sand and prep really well. It will probably take longer to get it ready than to apply three coats of paint, but it's worth it.