How to paint a Harbor Freight trailer

[zlamb0002]

I put together my Harbor Freight trailer about 4 months ago, but there is a problem the red paint has faded and now looks kind of pink. I was wondering what kind of paint I could use to cover the frame with. I would like it to be black.

[starleen2]

UUUhhhh - Black Paint-maybe? Seriously – it depends on what type of finish you’re after. If you’re not too worried, the spray paint from a can works pretty good. Be sure to scruff up the old paint and wipe down with some prep solvent before painting the trailer.

[satch]

Scuff with sandpaper, and roll away. Use a good oil base paint.

[doug hodder]

That's the thing with a red pigment. Typically they fade out much faster than other colors, more pronounced if they don't have the hardeners/glossing agents in them, but that's just my opinion. There are so many different bases that paints come in, it's hard to say what was used. Chances are, they got it red and were happy with it. If it's stuck on well, and just faded.....scuff it with a scotch brite pad or sand paper, wipe it down with a degreaser/solvent, paint it how you want. I have a great "pink" 2 wheeler! Doug

[Alphacarina]

Not all red fades like the awful Chinese stuff - I bought an all terrain tricycle for the grand kids from harbor freight. It was all pink within 6 months despite the fact that it's never stored in the sun. The HF stuff has the worlds worst paint on it, no matter what color they used

Don

[bobhenry]

If you want a chip resistant heavy duty finish and not looking for a gloss finish you might consider the spray on bed liner at the auto parts store. I used it on mine and was and still am quite happy with the durability of the finish.

[toypusher]

Not all red fades like the awful Chinese stuff - I bought an all terrain tricycle for the grand kids from harbor freight. It was all pink within 6 months despite the fact that it's never stored in the sun. The HF stuff has the worlds worst paint on it, no matter what color they used

Don

Strange, I have an HF trailer (red) that I got in 2005 and it has not fade a bit that I can tell. Still just as bright as the day I got it out of the box!

[Steve_Cox]

Not all red fades like the awful Chinese stuff - I bought an all terrain tricycle for the grand kids from harbor freight. It was all pink within 6 months despite the fact that it's never stored in the sun. The HF stuff has the worlds worst paint on it, no matter what color they used

Don

Strange, I have an HF trailer (red) that I got in 2005 and it has not fade a bit that I can tell. Still just as bright as the day I got it out of the box!

My 2007 HF trailer frame sat outside for about 5 months and turned pink. It is now spray can "hammered black". I guess like on Kerry's trailer sometimes they get lucky and find some good paint.

[Alphacarina]

Strange, I have an HF trailer (red) that I got in 2005 and it has not fade a bit that I can tell. Still just as bright as the day I got it out of the box!

You got a good one then - Probably painted with lead based paint

Don

[Arne]

painting is easy. the trailer area is so small, use spray cans. I think rustoleum has a color the is almost a perfect match to the original color.

Problem is (I just looked), you have to match to color to the cap on the spray can, they do not put the color on the can... but I think it is Regal Red... I've used it on 3 different h/f trailers, and the match is almost perfect. I know what I painted, and I have a hard time telling the difference.

[tinksdad]

DANNNNGGG!! Not that i needed it; but I'm on my way to Memphis to pick up another HF trailer! (with my 15% of coupon) for #3. I may reconsider; but spray paint is cheap. I haven't quite finished #1 yet and #2 is started.

[Arne]

for a small project like a frame, for me, not worth the effort to set up to spray. I think one can might do the whole frame...

[boardhead]

Rustoleum works really well. The Red matches perfectly with the original HF color.