Don't paint it!!! Galvanize it. I have galvanized trailers that I built 20
years ago that are just as good today as they were when I built them. When
you build with new materials it's only necessary to sandblast the weld areas
only and the cost of galvanizing is no more and sometimes less than the cost
of a good paint job. I galvanize every trailer that I build and plan to
keep, and I try to convince people, that I build trailers for, to galvanize
also. I pay around $38 per 100 lbs for galvanizing so most trailers can be
done for $300 to $400. Of course I have to add any blasting that has to be
done and transportation costs, but you would do those yourself. The
galvanizer that I use (Southwest Galvanizing in Houston) will do any small
blasting (like welds) for a nominal or (most often) no added charge.
BTW, I can't believe that your axles weigh 200 lbs. each. Maybe with
springs and hubs attached but I doubt it even then unless they are like 7500
lb solid (i.e., not tube) axles with brakes.
If you are determined to paint it, get an industrial grade primer and finish
coat "system"or get ready to repaint every few years. When I paint a
trailer, I sandblast, prime and finish coat with an industrial grade paint.
I'd have to go to my shop to look at the cans to give you the names of the
exact paint but I get them from Sherman Williams. I'm sure that other paint
suppliers have comparable systems but you will not find "real" industrial
paint systems at Home Depot or Lowe's. Ospho is a somewhat less effective
alternative to sandblasting but FOR SURE do not just paint over mill scale.
It would be a shame to design and build a quality trailer and then condemn
it (and you) to a life of rust remediation.

"Gary Warner" wrote in message
...

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in
message


Are you going to paint it?


Yep, gonna paint it. Haven't yet but planning to contact some local body
shops to see what prices why have (should be a relatively simple job
compared to a car). We've also considered painting it ourselves with
spray cans - but I think a pro can do a nicer looking job and maybe
provide some paint that lasts longer + more protection.

At one point I also contacted some people that do color-galvanizing.
We've decided we'ld rather repaint every X years if we have to then
spend the money for the color-galvy - but it would be nice.