Cleaning and Repainting the Exterior Frame and Wheels of Your Popup Camper

Bright rust stains texture paint showing through to rust underneath rust stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — iStock

Cleaning and Repainting the Exterior Trailer Frame and Wheels

While repainting the exterior hard shell and cleaning the canvas, I decided that the trailer and wheels needed a repaint as well. After repainting the hard shell, a bright white, the rust growing on the wheels and frame didn’t look appealing. So, I decided to do something about it!

Products:

Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust Spray Paint, 12-Ounce, Gloss Pure White

Rust-Oleum, Gloss Black Stops Rust Spray Paint, Enamel, 12 fl. oz. Aerosol

Before Using:

Safety symbols and signs first first stock illustrations — iStock

Use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area such as an open garage.
Use when the temperature is between 50°-90°F (10°-32°C) and humidity is below 70% to ensure proper drying.
Do not apply to surfaces that, when heated, exceed 200°F (93°C) or galvanized metal.
Avoid spraying in very windy, dusty conditions.
Cover surrounding area to protect from spray mist.

SURFACE PREPARATION:

Remove all dirt, grease, oil, salt, and chemical contaminants by washing the surface with a commercial detergent, or other suitable cleaning methods.
Rinse with fresh water and allow to thoroughly dry. Remove loose paint and rust with a wire brush or sandpaper.
Previously coated surfaces must be sound and in good condition.
Smooth, hard, or glossy finishes should be scarified by sanding to create a surface profile

Repainted the Wheels

Cleaning, Prep, and Painting Process:

Protect your tires and valve system with masking tape.
Wash and degrease the wheels.
Use a metal scrub brush or rough scour pad to remove corrosion and particles.
Sand the entire wheel with 1200-grit sandpaper.
Wash and degrease the wheels once again
Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cotton towel.
Coat wheels with rust-resistant spray paint. Shake cam for several minutes before using.
Add a double coat when the first coat had thoroughly dried (est. 4 hours dry time before next coat)

Cleaned and Repainted the Bumper, Trailer, and Hitch

Rusty black metal sheet, background Rusty black metal sheet, background, horizontal rust black stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images — iStock

Cleaning, Prep, and Painting Process:

Use a metal scrub brush or rough scour pad to remove corrosion and particles.
Sand down the entire bumper with 1200-grit sandpaper.
Wash and degrease the bumper, trailer, and hitch. Eliminate all debris and grease.
Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cotton towel.
Cover any areas you do not want to be painted with packaging paper and masking tape.
Coat wheels with rust-resistant spray paint. Shake cam for several minutes before using.
Add a double coat when the first coat had thoroughly dried (est. 4 hours dry time before next coat)

Why did I choose Rust-oleum?