A Good Paint Stripper

I came across this page on an Airstream site re: "green" strippers:

www.hofarc.com/the-happy-stripper/

Also if it has unhardened enamel paint on it the lacquer thinner will cruel it up like cottage cheese and that will have to be removed. Any finish that is affected by acetate/lacquer thinner should come off before new automotive paints are applied in order for you to have a durable lasting finish.

HO HO HO Merry Christmas to you and all.

Here's my view point on trailer painting, and the associated issues with applying it, to get a professional looking and lasting result.

First the paint products sold in this country are not all the same, due to the many environmental restrictions. Paint removers, paint solvents, reducers, thinners, and types of paint are "all affected" by these regulations. Heck, in just California it's not all the same products state wide(ie: South Coast Air Quality Management District, and AQMD regulations are restricted by county).

The result is, what is the best way to do the job in one area (of the state, or the country) is not even a choice in a different area. That makes it almost impossible (on the internet) for someone in one area to give any valid advice to "how to do it" to another person in a different area. It does not make the information wrong, it's just not done the same way in all areas due to the different products that you have available.

So........What do you do? IN My Opinion, you want to find your local (automotive) paint store. Find the old grey haired guy behind the counter, and tell him your story. Tell him what your trying to do, what equipment you have available, and what your experience level is with paint products. He will tell you exactly what to do to prepare the surface, what environment (wind, temperature, and humidity) you can spray in. And what products you need to use. It's not going to be cheap, $600 to $800 is the cost for materials to do a base coat clear coat two color paint job on a small canned ham in my area of Southern California.  Also, DO NOT MIX products.  Buy all of your supplies from the same guy, at the same place.  Don't try to use "old product" you might have left from a job done a couple of years ago.  These products a constantly changing.

Internet......Yes you can purchase the paint from internet companies. Note, some internet companies like Summit Performance, will not sell/ship to you their advertised paints after they find out your zip code due to air quality regulations. But the single biggest difference is the INFORMATION you will need. If your already a professional painter this is a good option because you already know what you need. But if your new to the paint game go to your local paint dealer and take his advice and follow it to the letter, take the Material Data Sheets he has and read and follow "ALL the suggestions". Every error possible has already been made by someone else. Just read the sheets of what not to do and you will get a great result.

Just this old timer's opinion

Completely agree, John.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I walked into the local paint supply house. What started off as an almost $900 sale was whittled down to just $300 once I told the guy exactly what i was looking for regarding prep, colors, and durability..and my painting skill level. LOL

I was waiting for the guy just to roll his eyes and point to the nearest Earl Shieb...

Well, guys, I'm too old to be in the "good looking" category and haven't had a tight T-shirt on in some time. My concern would be that if the woman was too "hot' they might be distracted and give bad information. I just acted as nice as I could be and inquired after their children, dogs and trailers and they started chatting me up. :-)