How to prevent rust from spreading on trailer

[LAURASDAD]

Hello,

I have some rust issues on my trailer.  It is a painted trailer.  I know I should cut it out and have some iron welded.

But I can't.  Is there a product that will "encapsulate" the rust to prevent it from spreading?

thanks

Larry

[Scott C]

depends....if its rusted through, you really should rethink a patch.  If not, then you could give the POR-15 system a try.

http://www.por15.com/

[71Rig]

depends....if its rusted through, you really should rethink a patch.  If not, then you could give the POR-15 system a try.

http://www.por15.com/

X2 on the POR 15 if it's surface rust.  If it's a "hole" or serious penetration into the metal I would replace the metal.  The structural integrity of the trailer is the most important and the fancy paid job is secondary.  

[92 5 oh]

in the past i've used this stuff from rustoleum that bonds with the rust and turns it black. of course it's only for surface rust.  you clean the area and apply then inhibitor. it's sandable and paintable. it's worked well for me but i haven't used it personally on a trailer or anything that could be wet for a prolonged period of time. if you went pretty heavy on it, i think it would last for a while. i did use it on a steel wheel and the insides of a fender for a tailer and painted it pretty heavily.  it's held up real well so far, that was a few weeks ago.  i think that good prep work is key though.   also, i've never tried POR15 personally, but my friend has and he loved it. granted this was on the rear end of a car.

[clipper]

in the past i've used this stuff from rustoleum that bonds with the rust and turns it black. of course it's only for surface rust. you clean the area and apply then inhibitor. it's sandable and paintable. it's worked well for me but i haven't used it personally on a trailer or anything that could be wet for a prolonged period of time. if you went pretty heavy on it, i think it would last for a while. i did use it on a steel wheel and the insides of a fender for a tailer and painted it pretty heavily. it's held up real well so far, that was a few weeks ago. i think that good prep work is key though. also, i've never tried POR15 personally, but my friend has and he loved it. granted this was on the rear end of a car.

It's called rust converter. I used it on a very rusty trailer and then painted it with high quality industrial enamel and it held up very well. As stated above, wire brush it aggressively and make sure you have enough thickness of steel left to support the boat.

[thetr20one]

I have some rust issues on my trailer and plan on cutting out the rot. Spraying zink primer (the best for this application but must be bought from a paint shop)and covering it with thin aluminum diamond plate. I have the templates but I just need to get them cut. It is gonna look sweet. Also try an automotive type paintable undercoating that should seal it for a while.