Update on New Paint

When we last posted pictures on the new front cap paint, the job was not complete, so we offer a few shots of before, during and after below.

Before: note the cracked and discolored Sun sticker.   The clear coat was breaking down all along the top of the front cap, you can just see it in the picture above and to the frame left of the upper marker lights.

The Sun sticker was by far the worst part of the front cap.  It looked horrible and was very difficult for Johan to remove.

Below are a few more shots of During the repaint process.  Johan left and Mario right wet sanded the entire front cap by hand, checking smoothness with their hands as they went.

Wet sanding complete.

Washing was next.

Washing complete.

Mario sprays primer on the heavier sanded areas and spots.

Mario begins painting with the darkest colors.  He sprayed the black and dark brown the first day of painting.

The paint dried quickly and the masking was applied next.

Johan assists the masking process by filling in the field of a swirl.

End of day one of painting.  We were wondering how this was all going to turn out!

Day two, Mario sprays the lighter gold colors, and employs a beach umbrella to shade the fresh paint from the sun.

Getting ready for clear coat, more masking goes on.  The entire front half of the trailer was bagged in plastic.

Mario begins removing the design masking to prepare for spraying the clear coat

End of day two.  Looks much better, but we see a few smudges on and near the brown swirl at frame left.

Day three, Mario said he would fix the smudges, and below he does just that using small temporary masking.

Now the clear coat goes on.  Mario applied three full coats over the entire front cap, top to bottom.  He explained through Jasmine that the clear coat has to be applied at just the right time; the previous coat can't dry too much.  As a result, Mario sprayed continuously until all three coats were applied.  Up and down the ladder he went.  We guarantee that took lots of strength and endurance!  Johan and Mario Jr hold the shade umbrellas below.

All finished and the rest of the masking starts to come off.  Gari is up top and is helping to remove and manage the masking.

Fully finished After photo below.  We are very pleased with Mario's work and recommend him without hesitation.