I have an older mobile home with metal siding... how do I paint it?

Melody Warren
by Melody Warren
This is an older coach that has never been painted. I am not sure if regular exterior paint will work and if there is any special prep work that needs to be done. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
  1 answer
  • Deb Deb on May 17, 2017


    Lay your drop cloths around the perimeter of the trailer to protect the ground from spills. Cut newspaper with the razor knife to fit over the glass and any other surface you do not want to paint. Hold the newspaper in place with painter's tape.


    Walk around the trailer and inspect the surfaces in detail. Scrape away any loose paint with a putty knife. Sand rusted areas with medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe the entire metal surface of the trailer clean with rags.



    Pour enough primer in your roller pan to fill it half full. Apply primer to the borders of the trailer with your paintbrush. Apply primer to large, open areas of the metal with a roller. Let the primer dry completely and apply a second coat. Clean your tools with water while you wait for the second coat of primer to dry.


    Apply two coats of latex paint over the primer. Take your time and focus on getting smooth, even coverage. Clean your tools between each coat of paint. Let the first coat dry completely before applying the next.


    Remove the tape and paper 15 minutes after the final coat of paint is applied. Pull the tape free slowly to avoid marring the paint. Pick up your drop cloths and let the paint dry completely.

    Hope this helps you out!