Paint trailer side panels and mudguards

Trailer side panels and mudguards with EP primer and 2K PU finish

Guide to painting trailer side panels and mudguards

Trailer side panels and mudguards collect road film, stone impact and weather exposure, so the finish needs a clean surface, a keyed base, EP primer where metal is exposed and a durable 2K PU topcoat for colour. The spray format is useful for small local areas, while the liquid coating build suits larger trailer panels.

What do you need to paint trailer side panels and mudguards?

Cleaning and degreasing

Mipa silicone remover and Mipa silicone remover spray colourless 400 ml remove wax, grease and handling marks before sanding, primer or topcoat.

Sanding preparation

MP Sanding Sponge keys curved mudguards, panel edges and stable old coating so the primer or finish has a clean mechanical grip.

EP primer system

Mipa EP 100-20 2K EP primer creates the primer base on prepared steel, zinced steel, aluminium or fibreglass areas. Mipa EP 950-25 hardener and Mipa EP Thinner belong with this primer stage.

2K PU semi-gloss topcoat

Mipa PU 240-50 2K PU semi-gloss topcoat creates the visible colour finish for trailer panels and mudguards after preparation and primer.

Topcoat hardener and thinner

Mipa PU 912-25 hardener and Mipa 2K Thinner Normal V 25 belong with the PU 240-50 topcoat stage when the liquid coating method is used.

PU 240 aerosol finish

Mipa Mix PU 240 2K Paint Spray 48+ supports smaller panel sections, mudguard edges and local colour repair where an aerosol method is practical.

How to paint trailer side panels and mudguards

  1. 1
    Clean the panels

    Wash away road dirt, then wipe the side panel or mudguard with silicone remover before sanding.

  2. 2
    Sand stable areas

    Use the sanding sponge to dull glossy old coating and prepare edges, curves and repaired spots.

  3. 3
    Prime exposed metal

    Apply the EP primer system to prepared bare or exposed metal areas before the colour finish is applied.

  4. 4
    Apply the PU colour finish

    Use PU 240-50 for the liquid coating method or PU 240 2K aerosol for suitable smaller zones.

  5. 5
    Protect fitting points

    Keep lights, reflectors, fasteners, seals and hinge areas clean so the trailer remains serviceable after painting.

Which trailer panel painting method should you choose?

Liquid PU 240 finish

Use the liquid PU 240-50 method for larger side panels, repeated mudguard work and surfaces that need spray gun control.

PU 240 aerosol finish

Use the 2K aerosol method for small panel areas, local mudguard edges and compact repairs where mixing a full spray gun batch is unnecessary.

EP primer where metal is exposed

Use the EP primer system on prepared exposed metal or suitable bare substrate areas before the 2K PU finish.

Technical details

  • Mipa EP 100-20 is a 2K zinc phosphate epoxy primer for steel, zinced steel, aluminium, fibreglass and mineral substrates.
  • Mipa PU 240-50 is a semi-gloss 2K polyurethane acrylic topcoat for industrial coating work.
  • Mipa PU 912-25 hardener and Mipa 2K Thinner Normal V 25 are used in the liquid topcoat stage.
  • Mipa Mix PU 240 2K Paint Spray 48+ is the compact aerosol finish option for suitable smaller work.
Practical suggestion

Remove or mask lights, reflectors and rubber trims before sanding. Clean edges around fixings carefully, because trapped road film around bolts and seals can weaken the coating edge later.

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

0