Before we even think about applying powder coat, every Horizon trailer goes through a crucial stage that sets the tone for everything that follows: steel grit blasting. This isn’t some quick touch-up or cosmetic detail, it’s the heavy-duty prep work that ensures your trailer can stand up to years of real-world use.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t pour a concrete foundation on soggy soil and expect a house to last. Same with paint, if you don’t prepare the steel properly, you’re just asking for trouble. Grit blasting is how we make sure the foundation is rock solid.

So what exactly is steel grit blasting?

It’s an industrial process where small, angular steel particles, called "grit", are propelled at high speed against the surface of the trailer’s steel frame. You can picture it as a controlled storm of steel particles scrubbing the surface clean. It’s a lot like sandblasting, but more intense, more precise, and far more effective when it comes to prepping metal for long-term coating.

Here’s what it does:

Strips away mill scale: Mill scale is that flaky, dark gray oxide layer that forms during steel production. It’s tough and stubborn, and it will compromise paint adhesion if left untreated. Grit blasting knocks it off completely.

Removes all rust, grease, and contaminants: Any surface corrosion or oily residue is fully cleaned off, leaving behind nothing but clean, bare steel.

Roughens the surface: This isn't damage, this is intentional. The process creates microscopic peaks and valleys that give the powder coat something to "bite into." It’s a mechanical bond that locks the paint to the metal.

Reveals imperfections: Grit blasting uncovers any surface issues in the steel, weld spatter, sharp edges, uneven areas, that can be corrected before the trailer heads to paint.

Why does this step matter so much?

Because the truth is, most paint problems start with bad prep. If paint is applied over rust, mill scale, or greasy residue, you’re guaranteed to see peeling, bubbling, or corrosion down the line. And while it may look fine when the trailer leaves the factory, the real test comes after the first few months in rain, snow, or off-road dust.

At Horizon, we believe it’s better to do the hard work up front than deal with problems later. That’s why every single trailer we build goes through a full steel grit blasting process before heading to powder coat. We don’t skip this step. We don’t “half do” it. We go all-in, because we know our customers expect trailers that look great and hold up in the long run.

And here’s the thing: most folks will never see this part of the process. It happens behind the scenes, in our production facility. But its impact is huge.

For the end user, it means fewer maintenance headaches, longer-lasting finish, and a trailer that keeps its value.

For our dealers, it means less time handling paint complaints or warranty issues, and more time selling trailers that stand out for all the right reasons.

At the end of the day, steel grit blasting is about more than surface prep, it’s about trust. Trust that when you buy or sell a Horizon Trailer, it’s been built with craftsmanship that starts before the first coat of color even goes on.