How to polish/seal bare powder coated panels on trailers?

[RenuAuto]

A customer of mine has one of the new Mirage rivetless-panel enclosed trailers for his race cars.` He wanted to get it waxed.` The finish to begin with was definitely "opaque" rather than glossy like traditional base/clear coat.` I initially went at it with D301 on the microfiber finishing pad, but it was turning out incredibly messy.` There were opaque and then shiny parts of the panels finish where the da polisher had just run.` I tried to use a spray wax to help pull up any excess wax to no avail.` Ipa did the same.` I then tried on a foam pad.` Same effect.` I had some RV/Boat polish from MVP in the van so I gave that a shot.` Same effect.` Different combinations of pressure, machine speed, chemical, pad definitelly all made a difference, but nothing was finishing out completely smooth.` Because it wasn`t at my shop I didn`t have my shelf full of pads/polishes to try, so I`m going to go out there again soon and see if I can finish it out correctly with the "blotchiness" on there now.` Does anyone have any experience with what works well on these bare powdercoated panels on these enclosed trailers?


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Stock image for an example of what the trailer looks like.


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I`ll try to grab some pics of it next time I`m out to show exactly the blotchy effect that the wax/polish is creating on the trailer.


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[David Fermani]

They`re most likely not powdercoated. Paint is pretty thin and tend to oxidize pretty easy. I would use something with a heavy lubricant and don`t skiimp on the amount (especially if you`re working outside in the sun). D301 doesn`t strike me as fitting the bill? What other polishes do you have/did you try? I would also talk him into Opti-Coating it to prevent it from fading back. Maybe do a spot for him to convince him on the long haul?`

[Jean-Claude]

Those should be baked on enamels, not powder coated.

[Jean-Claude]

They`re most likely not powdercoated. Paint is pretty thin and tend to oxidize pretty easy. I would use something with a heavy lubricant and don`t skiimp on the amount (especially if you`re working outside in the sun). D301 doesn`t strike me as fitting the bill? What other polishes do you have/did you try? I would also talk him into Opti-Coating it to prevent it from fading back. Maybe do a spot for him to convince him on the long haul?`

Good luck getting the owner to take proper care of OC on a trailer. haha

[RenuAuto]

Interesting! He was told me they were powder coated so he may be mistaken which makes sense to me.` I`m gonna run out there with some of my Sonax and M100/M205 next time as well as whatever else I have kicking around and we`ll see what works best.` I`d also like to buy some samples of some of the HD Speed and other polishes at SEMA this year if they`re available David.`


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Or I`ll trade HD samples for tables and company at Spiriment Rhino after the show.` Whichever you prefer

[Ron Ketcham]

The frame and hitch materials are probably powdercoated, but as said, the panels are more likely painted.

[David Fermani]

` I`d also like to buy some samples of some of the HD Speed and other polishes at SEMA this year if they`re available David.`


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Or I`ll trade HD samples for tables and company at Spiriment Rhino after the show.` Whichever you prefer

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Unfortunately products will not be for sale @ SEMA. Just on display. But, if Barry catches wind of this I bet he`ll smuggle some HD Speed into the Rhino!! Heck, Ben & Tunch might even follow suite!!` ``

[David Fermani]

The frame and hitch materials are probably powdercoated, but as said, the panels are more likely painted.

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Ron .....Does powdercoating tend to fade/blush much?`

[Envious Eric]

carpro reflect might give you the finish you are after, same with menzerna 106, 85rd as they are very lubricated