How to Paint a Trailer Tongue
A painted finish will not only enhance the look of your trailor tongue, it can protect the item from rust. Since trailer tongues are composed of metal, they can be difficult to paint. Professionals use metal etching primer to prepare metallic surfaces for better adhesion. If you want your tongue's finish to last, you should do the same. Unfortunately, if you use a brush to paint a smooth, metallic trailer tongue, the finish will usually dry flawed. To generate flawless results, use spray cans. Because trailer tongues are subject to weather and friction, they demand a paint formulated to endure. Select the right finish, or the tongue is apt to shed paint.
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Things You'll Need
- Steel wool
- Sponge
- Waterborne degreasing soap
- Pressure washer
- Painter's tape
- Masking paper
- Drop cloths
- Cans of galvanized metal etching spray primer
- Cans of oil-based spray enamel
Instructions
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Wash the trailer tongue with a degreaser. Some soaps are not appropriate for degreasing metal. Choose one with a water base, or adhesion problems may result. Scrub the metal, using steel wool. Rinse the tongue, using a pressure washer. Allow the trailer to dry for three hours.
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Shield portions of the trailer tongue that are to remain unpainted. Painter's tape and masking paper are ideal for this purpose. Slowly apply each to prevent unforeseen messes. Spread drop cloths beneath the tongue.
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3
Condition the trailer tongue with etching spray primer. Maintain no more or less than 8 inches between the tongue and spray nozzle at all times. Allow the tongue to dry for three hours.
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4
Paint the tongue as you primed it. Use enamel instead of latex paint.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use ordinary primers on a trailer tongue, or the finish will flake.
Maintain no more or less than 8 inches between the tongue and spray nozzle, or unattractive sagging is likely result.
Do not paint un-primed trailer tongues, or the finish will peel.
Trailer tongues are subject to weather and friction. If you use latex paint, the tongue is likely to require refinishing after a short amount of time.
