If you want to spruce up your trailer, you’re probably wondering ‘how much does it cost to paint a horse trailer? How much does it cost to sandblast a trailer?
I went through this experience recently with a friend who was getting this done.
There are lots of variables that will affect the price which I’m going to share with you here.
So are you ready for making your trailer like new?
Let’s go!
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Horse Trailer?
You need to use horse trailer paint that is rust-resistant, suitable for the material your trailer is made from, is heat resistant, and can tolerate water.
A paint that is made with a urethane-modified resin system is a good choice and provides a nice glossy finish.
If you plan to paint the trailer yourself, you can save some money. Look for paints specifically formulated for horse trailers.
Of course, a professional will probably give your trailer a really great finish and ensure all the prep work is done correctly. This will usually include a sand blast and several thin coats of paint.
The cost of hiring a professional is $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the surface area and prep that needs to be done. However, if your trailer is large and you want an entire trailer paint job, it could cost up to $6,000.
For small spot paints or two horse trailers, you can expect a lower cost. The cost will vary according to the square feet you need.
A professional will often sandblast your trailer, which adds to the cost. See it done in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyLuCwuwnPY
READ MORE: SMALL HORSE TRAILERS AND OTHER TYPES
Can I Paint Over Rust on Trailer?
If your trailer has rust you can’t paint directly over it. First, the area needs to be treated by sanding the rust spots and then applying a rust inhibitor.
The goal is to remove as much surface rust as possible before applying the inhibitor.
Professionals recommend that you also paint with a primer that contains rust inhibitor after carrying out the step above.
The inhibitor will help prevent any rust from spreading.
This video shows you one process for cleaning and preparing rusty areas on a trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMFaqIn2cag
Don't forget to check our guide on how to paint a horse trailer.
Can You Spray Paint a Horse Trailer?
You can spray paint a horse trailer but not with the type of spray paint that comes in a can. Regular spray paint won't come out great, so it is best to avoid it. You need to use trailer-suitable paint and use a paint gun.
Of course, if your budget is very tight and you're looking for cheap paint jobs to answer the question 'how much does it cost to paint a horse trailer', then you can use spray paint cans.
Using a proper paint gun or paint sprayer is will achieve the best finish, which will be much smoother and even more than using a brush or roller.
When you spray, you need to make sure you have a good location that provides you with plenty of ventilation and you wear protective gear. Also, one really important thing to remember is the tape!
Cover up all areas where you don’t want the paint to land. Imagine the nightmare if you forget this!
Can Aluminum Trailers Be Painted?
Yes, you can absolutely paint aluminum trailers. They are actually easier to paint because they don’t need as much prep as steel trailers.
As they require less prep work to paint, aluminum trailers will cost less to paint. Depending on the size of your trailer, you can probably do it for a couple of hundred bucks, if you do it yourself.
If a professional does it, expect to pay at least $500 to $1,000. But if you have a very large trailer, it could cost more.
If you are considering a new trailer check out these aluminum horse trailers. They are increasingly more common and popular, and as I mentioned here easier to paint.
What Kind of Paint Will Stick to Aluminum?
The best kind of paints to use on an aluminum horse trailer are automotive urethane paints. These paints leave a nice glossy finish and are UV resistant.
That means the color will last longer and you will have tons of great colors to choose from.
Once you have your paint job done, you can really have fun customizing your trailer by adding large horse decals for trailers.
CHECK: BEST HORSE TRAILER ORGANIZATION IDEAS
FAQs
Does wrapping your car ruin the paint?
No, wrapping your car does not ruin the paint. When done by a trained professional it comes out great and opens up lots of opportunities for fun finishes.
Is wrapping cheaper than painting?
Wrapping is in most cases cheaper than painting. That does not mean it is cheap. It can still cost you over $1,000 for a large trailer.
Can you vinyl wrap a horse trailer?
Yes, you can vinyl wrap a horse trailer. And what fun you can have with this too!
Conclusion
I hope this helps answer your question ‘how much does it cost to paint a horse trailer?’
As you can see the cost can very significantly from just a few hundred dollars for a small, DIY job to a few thousand for a large professional job.
I also included a bit of introductory information about what paints you can use and if you can paint over rust.
When my friend got her large horse trailer painted it came out looking like it was brand new!
Have you ever painted a horse trailer? How did you find it? How did you find the horse trailer painting cost?
Resources
- 1. Horse Trailer Painting | Rockin’ Hollow Ranch and Tack . . Available from: https://rockinhollowranch.com/horse-trailer-painting
- 2. Charlet T. Does a Car Wrap Damage Paint | CeramicPro.com . Ceramic Pro. 2020 . Available from: https://ceramicpro.com/does-a-car-wrap-damage-paint/#:~:text=That