In Brief
Full paint renovation: 5 steps — disassembly, blast cleaning to Sa 2.5, epoxy primer, PUR 2K topcoat, reassembly. Duration: 7–14 working days. Result lasts 8–12 years. PHS Magnum combines paint renovation with TDT preparation in a single workshop stay — one handover, one collection.
After 8–10 years of heavy use, a silo trailer looks worn out. The chassis is corroded, the paintwork cracked and faded, the markings barely legible. The owner faces a choice: a new trailer (€80,000–150,000) or renovation. In many cases, renovation is the better decision — and it’s not just about cost.
The full paint renovation process
1. Disassembly and inspection
Before painting, the trailer must be fully dismantled — valves, hoses, signs, lighting. Only with bare metal exposed can the corrosion depth and scope of welding work be properly assessed.
At this stage we also carry out a pneumatic system check — if we find leaks or worn valves or worn aeration pads, we fix them now while everything is already disassembled.
2. Sandblasting to bare metal (Sa 2.5)
Sandblasting must achieve cleanliness grade Sa 2.5 per ISO 8501-1. In practice this means: all rust, old paint layers and mill scale are removed. The metal shows the characteristic metallic sheen, with no spots or streaks.
Why does this matter? Any renovation without sandblasting to Sa 2.5 is a short-lived bodge. The new coating won’t adhere to old paint or rust residue. After 2–3 years it all peels off.
3. Anti-corrosion primer – two coats
After sandblasting we apply:
- Epoxy primer — directly on the metal, forms a chemical barrier against corrosion
- Filler primer — levels the surface, improves adhesion of the topcoat
PHS Magnum uses only paints from reputable manufacturers (Sigma, Jotun, Standox) with documented technical data sheets.
4. PUR-2K topcoat
Two-component polyurethane paint is the standard in industrial and automotive finishing. Compared to ordinary acrylic paints it offers:
- UV resistance — colour does not fade for 8–12 years
- Hardness — scratch resistance during washing and loading
- Chemical resistance — resistant to road salt, fuels and solvents
- Elasticity — does not crack under frame flexing during operation
The trailer is sprayed in a paint booth — free from dust and contaminants that degrade coating quality.
5. Markings and final assembly
After the paint has cured we apply new reflective tape (conforming to Regulation 1222/2009), add advertising markings (cut vinyl or UV print) and reassemble the fittings.
The vehicle leaves the workshop ready to work — with a new record of external features if the colour has changed.
How long does renovation take?
Typically 10–14 working days. Schedule:
- Days 1–2: disassembly, assessment, welding corrections
- Days 3–5: sandblasting and primer
- Days 6–9: topcoat (3 spray booth sessions)
- Days 10–14: assembly, markings, handover
For urgent cases (e.g., insurance requirements after an accident) we can shorten the timeline by prior arrangement.
Renovation vs. new trailer – when to choose which?
Renovation makes sense when:
✓ Tank and chassis are in good technical condition (no structural cracks)
✓ The trailer has a valid or recently renewed TDT certificate
✓ Fittings are functional or only need valve replacement
✓ The owner plans to operate it for another 6–10 years
A new trailer may be better when:
✗ The tank has pitting corrosion below the minimum permitted wall thickness
✗ The chassis is deformed beyond repair after an accident
✗ It is an older generation likely to be difficult to insure
Not sure? Visit us or send photos — we’ll assess what’s more cost-effective, free of charge.
Location: Chorula near Opole, Poland – 4 km from the A4 motorway, 180 km from the German border. ISO 9001:2015 certified. Invoicing in EUR available.
Quotes and appointments: +48 602 716 551 | biuro@magnumchorula.pl
Related: Silo trailer service · Paint renovation · TDT inspections
