When to Paint

[Forrest747]

Was wonder when to CPES and paint my trailer. I am thinking maybe having the roof on in January at which point it will be time to CPES and paint it.

THe question I have do I do all this and then put the hardware like door hinges and front end marker lights and roof vents. or do i install these than mask and paint around.

Looking at how they do it on American Chopper is they fabricate everything, then send out for paint and then reassemble. This is what is making me think of doing prep and paint them assemble the windows.

[madjack]

far and away, it is better to paint and assemble than to assemble, then paint...assembly boo-boos are easier to touchup than it is to mask and paint................
madjack

[jabrobbins]

I have learned the hard way that prefinishing before assembly is the way to go. On my build I rushed to get the exterior shell done to use on a camping trip. I can't tell you how many times I wished I had prefinished everything and worked from the interior out to the exterior.

[Oldragbaggers]

I absolutely agree with Madjack and Jabrobbins. You want to paint first before you install a couple dozen things that you will have to mask off and paint around. Plus you eliminate accidently getting paint on your hardware and the paint/watersealing extends underneath your fittings.

[kirkman]

I also agree. Water is a tricky thing it can sneak in the smallest pin hole, crack, or crevasse. It is better to have every thing sealed and painted before you instal a thing.

[48Rob]

I also agree. Water is a tricky thing it can sneak in the smallest pin hole, crack, or crevasse. It is better to have every thing sealed and painted before you instal a thing.

And then after you install the hardware, remove it, inject sealer in the holes, and put it back on.
As the above quote points out;
"Water is a tricky thing it can sneak in the smallest pin hole, crack, or crevasse."

Rob