Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Ok I have been doing my research on Google and getting alot of conflicting advice on painting metal trim.

SOme say cant do it, others say power coat and i want an easy at home solution. just leaning toward scuffing it up and laying on rustoleum. am i far off.

the trim pieces will be used to hold the vinyl in place on the outside. will be using some butyl tape as well to help prevent water from getting under.

i want an easy at home solution

Wash with soap and water first, then degreaser, then scuff/sand/etc.
Using primer is better than not using primer, Rustoleum will hold up reasonably well.

Moisture getting to the metal under the paint is/should be your concern.
Running screws through holes in the metal can remove paint, allowing moisture in.
After installing the screws, if you remove a couple at a time and inject sealant into the hole, then reinstall the screws, the screw hole, and metal edges will be protected from moisture.

Rob

Read the label before you buy your primer. Some primers are made for steel only, not aluminum. But you shouldn't have any problems finding aluminum primer.
All the rest of clean, scuff, clean, etc is spot on.

Zinc Chromate primer is what has been used for years on aluminum. If you've ever seen surplus aircraft parts, that green colored primer is ZC. There are also etching primers that will work well.

now for the stupid question. its flat stock 8 feet long and 1/4inch thick i am thinking of running it from my top galley hinge down the side wall so it will need to bend at a 1/2 inch radius is this possible i would assume best if i use a torch and pre form it.

Aluminum should be cold bent. Heat will not make it softer like steel. Heat can be used to anneal the aluminum if it is too hard or becomes work hardened, If its the stuff from the BORG, it is soft and will bend easily