Transform Your Tab Camper With A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Painting the exterior of your camper van can be a fun and exciting project. It can be a great way to give your van a new look and feel, and it can also help protect the exterior from the elements. The first step is to choose the right type of paint. You can use regular exterior paint, marine epoxy, or marine deck paint. If your van has an aluminium exterior, use acrylic-latex or oil-based paints; if it's fibreglass, you have more options, from marine coating to regular exterior house paint. You'll also need to prep the surface by cleaning it, removing decals, and taping off any areas you don't want to paint. Once you're ready, you can apply the paint with a brush, roller, or spray gun. It's important to allow adequate drying time between coats and to work in a well-ventilated area. Finally, you can add a protective coating to prolong the life of your new paint job.

Prepping the camper skin

Clean the Camper Exterior

First, clean the camper exterior using a soapy water solution or a car wash soap mixed with water. You can use a long-handled brush to scrub off all the mould, dirt, and grime. For hard-to-reach areas, a leaf blower can be used to blow off the dirt. Then, rinse it off with a hose and let it dry completely.

Remove Old Paint and Decals

If there is old paint on the camper, use a paint scraper to remove it. For decals, you can try using a heat gun, a decal removing wheel, sticker remover spray, or a label and sticker remover. If the decals are difficult to remove, you can opt to paint over them. However, it is recommended to lightly sand the areas where the decals are bubbling or peeling up before painting.

Repair and Seal

Before painting, it is important to ensure that any necessary repairs are made. This includes fixing any dents, scratches, or delamination. After the repairs are done, seal up corners and around windows with a paintable caulk. Also, make sure that the roof and siding are watertight and clean.

Prime the Surface

Priming the surface is an important step as it helps the paint adhere better and promotes better coverage. Choose a primer suitable for the material of your camper's exterior, such as fiberglass or aluminium. If you are painting over aluminium, use a primer meant for direct-to-metal application. Apply the primer with a paint sprayer, angled brush, or roller, following the instructions on the product. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Tape Off Areas Not to be Painted

Use painter's tape to mask off areas that you do not want to paint, such as windows, door handles, and side mirrors. For windows, cut trash bags to size and secure them with painter's tape to protect them from paint splatters.

Sand the Surface

Lightly sand the surface to be painted, especially if the camper has a shiny exterior. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish. Use sandpaper in various grits or a power sander for this step. Remember to wipe away any dust after sanding.

Masking the surface

Choose the Right Painter's Tape

Select a painter's tape that suits your specific project. Consider the type of paint you are using, the surface you are painting, and whether you are working on an interior or exterior project. Painter's tape comes in different widths and adhesion strengths, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

Prepare the Surface

Before applying the tape, clean the surface to ensure dust and debris don't interfere with adhesion. Use a damp rag to wipe down the area, then run a small, flexible putty knife along the tape to press the adhesive firmly into the surface.

Mask Off the Area

If you are painting near windows, use painter's tape or kraft paper to mask them off. When painting base trim, use painter's tape to protect the wall. For larger wall surfaces, tape plastic sheeting over them. If there is wainscoting, you can use painter's tape to secure the plastic sheeting.

Seal the Edges

To achieve crisp, clean lines, seal the edges of your masking tape. Run your fingers or a putty knife along the edge of the tape to press it down firmly and avoid paint bleeding underneath.

Remove the Tape at the Right Time

Don't leave the painter's tape on for too long. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for how long you should wait before removing the tape. Ideally, you should remove the tape while the paint is still wet, tearing it off at a 45-degree angle to the surface. If the paint has dried, score the edge of the tape with a putty knife to break any dried paint seals before removing the tape.

Applying the primer

Painting the exterior of your camper can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish. Here are some detailed instructions on applying the primer, an essential step to ensure the paint adheres well and you get an even coat.

Before you begin priming, make sure you have cleaned the exterior of your camper thoroughly. Use a soapy water solution and a scrub brush to remove any dirt and dust. You can also use a power washer if you have access to one. Once you've cleaned the surface, let it dry completely.

If there are any old paint remnants on the camper, use a paint scraper to remove them. This step is important to ensure a smooth base for the primer and paint. After scraping, inspect the surface for any dents or imperfections. Use a filler or putty to fill in any dents and sand the area until it's smooth.

Now, it's time to tape off any areas you don't want to primer or paint. Use painter's tape and masking paper to cover windows, doors, handles, and any other areas you want to protect. This step is crucial to ensure clean lines and prevent overspray.

If you're using a paint sprayer, fill it with primer and hold it about 6-8 inches away from the surface of the camper. Wave the sprayer side to side in smooth, horizontal movements to apply an even coat of primer. If you're using a brush or roller, follow the instructions on the primer and apply it evenly to the surface.

Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step, which is painting! The primer will provide a great base for your paint, ensuring it adheres well and gives you the desired finish.

Painting the camper exterior

Painting the exterior of your camper can give it a new lease of life and is a great way to add your own touch of character to your vehicle. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint your camper exterior.

Step 1: Prep your camper skin

First, you need to clean your camper with soapy water or a pressure washer to remove any dirt and debris. Next, remove any old paint with a paint scraper. Once your camper is clean and dry, inspect your seams and around the windows for any holes or cracks that need to be repaired or resealed.

Step 2: Mask the surface

Use painter's tape to tape off any areas you don't want to paint, such as windows and doors. You can also use trash bags secured with painter's tape to cover windows.

Step 3: Remove decals (optional)

If your decals are in good condition, you can save time by leaving them on and painting over them. However, if you decide to remove them, use a heat gun and a paint scraper or razor blade to peel them off. Then, clean the area with a degreaser to remove any remaining adhesive.

Step 4: Sand the exterior

Lightly sand the exterior of your camper to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. This will help the paint stick and prevent chipping and peeling later. Wipe down the surface with a cloth and denatured alcohol or acetone to remove any oily residue.

Step 5: Prime the exterior

Apply a coat of primer to your camper's exterior using a paint sprayer, angled brush, or roller. Primer will help the paint adhere better and promote better coverage. Choose a primer suitable for your camper's exterior material, such as fiberglass or aluminium.

Step 6: Paint your camper exterior

Now it's time to paint! Use a paint sprayer, brush, or roller to apply the first coat of paint. Try to avoid painting in direct sunlight or on windy days to prevent dust from sticking to the wet paint. Allow the first coat to dry, then lightly sand the surface again and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Apply a second coat of paint if needed for a solid, smooth finish.

Step 7: Apply a clear topcoat (optional)

Once the paint is dry, you can apply a clear topcoat to protect the paint and give it a finished look. This step is optional but will help prolong the life of your paint job.

Step 8: Remove the tape and admire your work!

Slowly remove the painter's tape and enjoy your freshly painted camper!

Applying a top coat and removing the tape

Painting the exterior of your TAB camper is a great way to give it a new look and improve its appearance. Here are some detailed instructions on applying the top coat and removing the tape:

Applying the Top Coat:

Before applying the top coat, it is important to ensure that the surface is properly prepared. Clean the exterior of your TAB camper with car wash soap and water, or a power washer if you have access to one. Once the surface is clean and dry, go over it with denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or oils.

If you plan to paint over the decals, use 80-grit sandpaper to sand along the edges of the decals for a smoother finish. You can also apply a primer specifically designed to prevent peeling, such as Peel-Stop primer, before applying the top coat.

When choosing a top coat, consider using oil-based paint, automotive paint, alkyd enamel paint, or two-stage automotive paint. These options provide a durable finish that can withstand the elements and the movement of your camper. If you prefer water-based paint, opt for a high-quality exterior paint designed for harsh conditions.

For application, use a brush to cut in the edges, and then roll the paint onto the rest of the surface. Two coats are usually sufficient, especially if you have primed the surface beforehand.

Removing the Tape:

The timing of tape removal depends on the type of paint and the complexity of your project. In general, it is best to wait until the paint is dry to the touch but not fully cured. This usually takes about an hour or two, but refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying times.

If your project requires multiple coats of paint, you can leave the tape in place until the final coat is dry. This avoids the need for precise re-taping between coats. However, if you need to remove the tape before the final coat, work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the paint.

When removing the tape, start by pulling the tape back on itself at a 45-degree angle. This helps create a clean, sharp edge. Pull the tape slightly downward if it is below the painted area and slightly upward if it is above. Work in small, manageable sections to maintain control and prevent the tape from sticking to the freshly painted surface.

If you encounter any resistance or the paint starts to chip, use a sharp utility knife or razor blade to carefully slice through the paint along the tape's edge. This will help ensure a clean line and prevent damage to your paint job.

By following these instructions, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your TAB camper's exterior.

Frequently asked questions