Many people come up with the query that they want to paint their semi-truck frame, but they do not know the method.
How to Paint Semi Truck Frame? You can paint semi truck frame by removing the truck frame from the cabs, cleaning dust, sanding, priming, painting, varnishing, and rejoining. The paint is beneficial to give a rust-free smooth surface better adaptive to carry heavy loaded trailers and trucks. It is better to use acrylic and urethane-based paints, but some magnetic items are also suitable. It can cost you between $500 to $600 to paint the semi truck frame.
Everything demands proper maintenance, and often it is mandatory for its frequent use.
The truck has to move on long roads and faces the dirt, humidity, wind, rain, scorching sun rays, but some parts like the frame suffer more.
These parts demand more care, and painting is a better option as it increases their life expectancy.
What type of paint is suitable for Semi truck frame?
As the frame requires specialized products, you cannot have a smooth surface using various paints.
The magnetic paints are perfect for this purpose as they provide more protection than others but are costly.
It helps prevent the build-up of moisture content on the metal surface and the rust.
Urethane based paints
The urethane-based or oil-based items are most suitable due to their long-lasting capability that works well on semi-trucks.
After the activation, it becomes dry without consuming extra time, and just a stir is sufficient to apply it on the surface.
The need for special equipment is one of its limitations, leading to more expenses for making it available and for a professional laborer.
The urethane-based products are toxic, and allowing them to stay for a long time can give permanent burning patches on the frame.
Acrylic paints
The acrylic products secure their position as their drying is quick, and it does take more time to cure the colored surface.
These are available in various colors, but before their application, make sure to have a well-ventilated area.
The humidity and moisture content can contaminate the paint, reducing its effectiveness.
Acrylic enamel is best suited as it gives more coverage, but acrylic lacquer is equally effective due to its sustainability.
Epoxy paints
These are frequently used products for semi truck frames and are famous for their durability and longevity, making them best-selling items.
Many people use them as it is easy to add some shine over the metallic surface consisting of steel and heat-treated steel.
The epoxy on the frame helps reduce the oxidation, thus preventing rust over it and permitting your vehicle to have a patchless smooth appearance.
Methods to apply paint on semi-truck frame
There are two effective methods to apply paints on the structural support helpful for carrying the trailer cab.
By brush
It is convenient to use a brush as it is easy to access and come in different sizes.
Firstly you have to make it thin to have efficient coverage and then dip the brush in the can and gently press it.
You have to follow a pattern and make it compulsory to apply in the same direction to avoid roughness on the painted surface.
It does not cost much, but you have to select according to the nature of the product as their bristles quality varies significantly.
By spraying
Painting by spray is common practice because spray makes the process easy, efficient, and fast on the semi truck frame.
Different products are available but keep in mind that not all types of paints are suitable for this technique.
It is helpful to transform the metallic surface, and most of them are suitable for oil-based products so are quick to dry.
It gives personal satisfaction as there is no need for successive stokes by brush, and no cleaning process is required.
Limited colors, expensive coatings, the requirement of a ventilated place, and some aerosol sprays are not environment friendly.
How do you prepare a semi truck frame for painting?
It is a prerequisite to prepare the metallic structure before the final finishing because it affects its durability.
The rust can deteriorate the composition, and therefore it is necessary to remove it and make sure that it should not reappear.
Firstly you have to separate the frame from the truck and trailer cabs as it can make the hidden parts more visible.
Cleaning
The semi-truck has to travel on long roads facing dirt, debris, and rains, and the need is to remove this dust.
The dust becomes part of the acrylic products, but the dust-free metal provides a smooth surface for painting.
A fine cloth, a duster, and a brush are most suitable for this cleaning procedure but avoid water washing because the structural support can take some moisture which is problematic in priming.
Sanding
The dirt and moisture on the semi truck frame can damage the metal and results in excessive corrosion leading to some temporary patches.
Leaving these patches unattended can cause them to stay for a long time, which proves dangerous for you.
It is mandatory to remove the rust, and for this purpose, sandpaper is easy to approach without spending much to buy them.
The brillo pads, sandblast, and sponges are equally helpful in removing the layers of yellow patches and dirt left over after the cleaning step.
You have to continue this step until you are sure that there is no more troublesome stuff that can contaminate the colored product.
Priming
The primer coating is beneficial before painting the semi truck frame because it helps cover joints and knots, which are the hurdles in applying varnishes.
Application of primers reduces the already coated colors, and now there is no need for repeated coatings.
The prime importance lies in its usefulness against the build-up of the corrosion, and there are fewer chances to patch after priming.
The lower sides of the frame are more exposed to the water on roads, and therefore the mold finds an opportunity to spread all around.
Apply paint on the truck frame
Now step to apply paint comes, but you have to choose the best one according to your desire concerning the nature of the metal.
It is totally up to you which equipment and method you want to use but make sure to select the right one.
Acrylic paints are better than urethane-based products but are suitable to use sprays for acrylics and brushes for magnetic colors.
It is better to call for a professional painter, but you can do this yourself.
Final fishing and drying
After applying color, the final step is to have a varnishing coat for a shining surface that should be smooth for a perfect assembly over the truck frame.
It is better to dry the paint by placing it in a ventilated place and do not place it in the sun as excessive exposure can lead to scorching.
The drying period varies concerning the products as brush strokes are difficult to dry and do not rush for successive coatings without drying.
It is a time to attach the frame with the separated body, and now you can easily make it run on long roads.
Why would you paint a semi truck frame?
There are many advantages associated with this work, but few are more helpful.
It is better to have a reformed frame if you want a vehicle that suits your taste and preferences.
As this supporting metallic surface is used to carry the heavy trailer part so it should be durable.
The priming and painting efficiently increase this life expectancy, and you do not need to worry.
Sometimes rust arises on the semi truck frame metal, decreasing its aesthetic appearance and deteriorating the quality, but coating with the acrylic item can help you out in this case.
The exposed spaces are more prone to damage by moisture, dirt, and grease, therefore requiring some alternate coatings.
How much time does it take to cure the painted semi truck frame?
There are coatings of primer, color, and varnish, but all layers take different periods to dry.
The primer is a wet item, and it usually takes less than two hours to dry, but more concentrated products require about 50 minutes to cure.
It varies depending upon the paint, like acrylic or water-based pigments take about 23 hours to cure, while urethane products take more or less 2 weeks.
The varnish takes about 36 hours to settle but does not rush for the next coat without curing the first one.
Painting at a sheltered place and in the winter season can reduce the beneficial curing time.
The coats can crack if not permit for sufficient drying and curing.
How often should you paint the semi truck frame?
The more frequently you use the vehicle more exposed it is to the changing weather and environment.
Acrylic products can sustain for less than 6 years with proper maintenance, and it is better to recoat after 5 years.
Urethane or oil-based products can sustain for less than 11 years with accurate application, and it is suitable to recoat after 10 years.
How much does it cost to paint a semi-truck frame?
Sanding, priming, and painting are the most costly steps requiring different tools and materials with labor.
The priming agent can cost you about $60 to $80 to prime a semi-truck, but it can vary depending upon the quality.
Sandblasting is expensive, consuming more than $50 for an hour, but sandpaper is cheap and accounts for less than $5.
The paint and varnishing can consume more than $500, but it usually varies depending upon the professionals. On average, it can cost you around $600 in total.
Related Articles: