When it comes to trailers, toughness isn’t just about what’s under the hood (or in this case, under the frame). A high-quality finish means the difference between a trailer that looks great for years and one that starts chipping and rusting after a season of hard work. That’s why we don’t cut corners. At Double A, we use a 6-step powder coating process that delivers superior durability, corrosion resistance, and a finish that holds up to the elements.
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how we get that long-lasting, professional finish on every trailer we build.
Step 1: Blast – A Clean Slate
Before we even think about applying a finish, we make sure the metal surface is prepped and ready. Each trailer gets blasted with steel shot, removing rust, mill scale, and any other contaminants left over from manufacturing. This isn’t just about making the metal look nice—it creates the perfect surface for adhesion, ensuring the primer bonds properly. Think of it as sanding wood before staining; without it, the finish just won’t hold up.
Step 2: Wash – The Deep Clean
Next, the trailer goes through a two-stage automatic pretreatment wash. First, a Phosphate Metal Pretreatment Wash removes any lingering dirt, grease, or residue while also inhibiting rust. Then, we apply a final sealer rinse to ensure optimal adhesion. At this point, the metal is completely clean and ready for the next step.
Step 3: Dryer – No Water Left Behind
Residual moisture is the enemy of a perfect powder coat, so after the wash, we send the trailer through a forced air dry-off oven. This ensures every inch of metal is thoroughly dried before we start applying the coating. The result? A flawless foundation for the layers to come.
Step 4: Primer – The Ultimate Protection
Now it’s time for the first layer of defense: a Zinc-Enriched Epoxy OneCure Primer. This dry-on-dry primer covers the entire trailer, bonding with the blasted metal surface to provide maximum adhesion and corrosion resistance. A strong primer means better durability, helping to protect against chipping and rust over time.
Step 5: Color – That Showroom Shine
Here’s where things get interesting. We apply a high-gloss OneCure powder topcoat, available in a variety of colors to match your style. But this isn’t just about looks—our Sherwin-Williams Advanced Ultra-Durable primer and topcoat combo provides exceptional UV resistance, ensuring the color and gloss hold up against sun exposure, weather, and heavy use. Whether you choose industrial green, metallic charcoal, or classic black, you’re getting a finish built to last.
Step 6: Cure – The Final Transformation
The last step is where the magic happens. The trailer enters a cure oven, where it’s heated to over 425 degrees. This chemically cross-links the primer and topcoat, creating a rock-solid bond that’s highly resistant to corrosion, chipping, and wear. The end result? A professional-grade finish that looks incredible and stands up to the toughest conditions.
Why Powder Coating?
Compared to traditional liquid paint, powder coating offers unbeatable advantages. It provides superior durability, making it resistant to chips, scratches, and corrosion. The adhesion is stronger, bonding chemically to the metal for long-lasting protection. Unlike solvent-based paints, powder coating contains no VOCs, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It also offers enhanced UV resistance, preventing fading and chalking over time. Plus, the smooth, professional finish ensures there are no drips, runs, or uneven coverage.
Built to Last
Our 6-step powder coating process isn’t just about making trailers look good—it’s about making them last. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, dealing with harsh weather, or just want a trailer that keeps its good looks for years, our process ensures you get the toughest, most reliable finish possible.
Tough trailers need a tough finish, and we make sure every one that rolls out of our facility is built to handle whatever you throw at it. Ready to see the difference? Check out our selection of trailers and experience the quality for yourself!
