How to prep Zolatone for paint?

[PA BAMBI II]

The subject line asks it all...we are about to embark on painting the interior of the Bambi II...there is enough wrong with the original Zolatone that we are choosing to paint a silver color with Rusoleum paint.

We are wondering what is the best method to prep the Zolatone for paint? Seems to me that it is pretty well "stuck" to the aluminum...but how to best get paint to stick to it? I think it is probably a good primer in itself, but wondering what your experiences are?

Thanks-

Ben

[Roadrunner]

Ben...I'm sure some of the experts will weigh in but I'll give you my experience with priming; albeit not over Zolatone. We have used any number of primers to cover the vinyl clad Airstreams. The primary difference between Zolatone and the vinyl is no "off gassing". I would think you are in a good position to have better result because of this. Getting lasting results painting vinyl covered walls is tricky at best. But we have had good success using a product from Benjamin Moore called Stix. It might well work over the Zolatone.

Regardless of the surface to be painted, good preparation is the key. Any loose Zolatone will need to be scrapped, sanded, and removed. The surface should be scuffed to provide better adhesion. Be careful when using products such as TSP to clean and degrease. Some primers state on the label that they are not to be used over TSP cleaned surfaces (Zinsser primers comes to mind). Many on the forums have re-zolatoned their trailers. I would use your primer of choice and coat with the paint you like. Perhaps you could post pictures of your progress...

Bob
Indiana, PA

TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

[Becky B.]

Hi Ben,
I used Zinsser oil based primer tinted gray for my walls. (over the nasty Zolatone).. I used a pewter colored Rustoleum paint that I applied with a foam brush (I think)...It's really very tuff stuff! They have quite a few colors of this paint. Glad you're making lots of progress, Ben!