Transform Your Camper With A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Painting your camper can be a fun and exciting project. It can also be a little daunting, especially if you're new to this. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started on painting your camper like a pro.

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Camper Exterior

Before you start painting, it's important to thoroughly clean the exterior of your camper. Use a pressure washer or a scrub brush with soapy water to remove any dirt, grime, and debris. Make sure to pay extra attention to areas with decals, as these can be tricky to remove once painted over. Once you're done cleaning, let the camper dry completely.

Step 2: Remove or Paint Over Decals

If your camper has decals that you want to remove, now is the time to do it. You can use a heat gun and a spatula to scrape them off. If they don't come off easily, you can try using Goo Gone or WD-40. Alternatively, you can choose to paint over the decals, but make sure to sand the edges to create a smooth transition between the camper and the decal.

Step 3: Prime the Exterior

Priming the exterior of your camper is an important step to ensure that your paint job lasts. Choose a primer that is suitable for the surface of your camper, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer, and apply one or two coats to all the surfaces you plan to paint. This will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish.

Step 4: Choose the Right Paint

The type of paint you choose will depend on the surface of your camper. For aluminum or fiberglass campers, oil-based paint, automotive paint, or alkyd enamel paint are good options. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can even use exterior house paint, as long as you prime the surface first.

Step 5: Paint Your Camper

Now it's time for the fun part – painting! You can use a paint sprayer, a roller, or a brush to apply the paint. If you're using a sprayer, make sure to tape off any areas you don't want to get painted. If you're using a roller or a brush, cut in the edges first and then roll or brush the rest of the surface. Apply two coats of paint for the best results.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once the paint is dry, you can add any finishing touches, such as stencils, stripes, or vinyl decals. You can also seal the paint with a clear coat to protect it and make it last longer.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Newly Painted Camper!

That's it! You've successfully painted your camper. Now you can hit the road and show off your new and improved ride. Happy camping!

Prepping the camper for painting

Make Repairs and Clean the Surface:

Start by making any necessary repairs to the camper's exterior. Fill in any holes or dents with a suitable filler or putty. Once the repairs are complete, thoroughly clean all surfaces to be painted. Use a degreaser or a mild soap solution to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Make sure to pay extra attention to areas with heavy soiling or stains. Rinse the surfaces with clean water and allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Sand and Scuff the Surface:

Lightly sand the entire exterior of the camper to create a smooth surface and remove any shine. This step is especially important if you are painting over an existing finish. Use medium-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain if there is one. Be careful not to over-sand, as you may damage the underlying material. After sanding, wipe down the surfaces with a tack cloth or a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Tape Off and Cover Areas:

Use painter's masking tape to tape off any areas you do not want to paint, such as windows, lights, and trim. Be sure to press the tape firmly to create a tight seal and prevent paint from bleeding through. Cover or remove any fixtures, hardware, or accessories that cannot be painted. If there are large areas that do not need to be painted, consider covering them with plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray.

Prime the Surface:

Apply a suitable primer to the entire exterior of the camper. The choice of primer will depend on the type of material your camper is made of. For example, if your camper has aluminium siding, you may need to use a specialised aluminium primer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the primer and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Choose the Right Paint:

Select a paint that is suitable for the material of your camper and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to. For example, if your camper will be exposed to harsh weather conditions, choose a paint that is durable and resistant to fading, chipping, or peeling. Consider the finish you desire, such as high gloss or semi-gloss, and select a paint that matches your desired colour and finish.

Paint the Camper:

Use a paint sprayer, roller, or brush to apply the paint to the camper's exterior. Work in small sections and follow the instructions on the paint can for proper application and drying times. Be sure to maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Start with a base coat and allow it to dry completely before applying additional coats as needed. Typically, two coats of paint are recommended for adequate coverage.

Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator, during the painting process.

Choosing the right paint

Type of Paint

The type of paint you choose will depend on the surface you're painting and the desired finish. For the exterior of your camper, consider using automotive paint or a specialised paint like Sher-Cryl HPA Semi-Gloss, which is known for its durability. If you're painting the interior, opt for interior latex paint, which comes in a variety of brands and colours. You can also use a paint with a primer mixed in, but be aware that this may not provide the same coverage as using a separate bonding primer.

Primer

A good bonding primer is crucial to ensuring the paint adheres properly to the surface. Primer helps create a smooth, even surface and can cover up any stains or imperfections. It's especially important if you're painting over a smooth surface or if the paint doesn't have texture. Some primers to consider are Kilz Adhesion Primer and Glidden Gripper Primer.

Paint Colour

When choosing a paint colour, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Bright colours can make a bold statement, while neutral colours like white can create a clean, modern look. Keep in mind that white cabinets and walls may require more frequent cleaning if you have small children or pets. It's a good idea to test paint colours before committing by purchasing paint samples and applying them to a small area or a piece of poster board.

Paint Application

You can apply paint using brushes, rollers, or a paint sprayer. Brushes are ideal for corners, edges, and small areas, while rollers can be faster and more effective for larger areas. Paint sprayers are recommended for achieving a smooth, even finish without brush strokes, but they can be more expensive and require proper masking to avoid overspray.

Number of Coats

To ensure adequate coverage and a high-quality finish, it's generally recommended to apply at least two coats of paint, allowing the proper drying time between coats. Follow the instructions on the paint label for specific guidelines.

Painting the exterior

Preparation

Before you begin painting, it is important to thoroughly clean the exterior of your camper. Use car wash soap mixed with water and a large scrub brush to clean the surface. If you have a power washer, this can also be an effective way to clean the exterior. Once the surface is clean, go over it with denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue or oils.

If your camper has decals, you have two options: remove them or paint over them. For newer campers, removing the decals is usually the best option. To do this, use a heat gun and a spatula scraping tool to heat up and scrape off the decals. Then, use fine-grade steel wool dipped in mineral spirits to remove any remaining residue. If the decals are particularly stubborn, you can try using Goo Gone or WD-40 to remove them.

If the decals won't come off, you can paint over them. First, use 80-grit sandpaper to sand along the edges of the decals and create a smoother surface. You can do this by hand or with an orbital sander. Then, apply a coat of primer to the entire exterior surface, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer, which works on both interior and exterior applications.

Painting

When choosing paint for your camper, there are a few options to consider. Oil-based paint is durable and adheres well, but can be messier and more difficult to clean up. Water-based paint, such as alkyd enamel paint, is another option that can provide a smooth finish. Automotive paint and two-stage automotive paint are also options, but they tend to be more expensive.

Once you have chosen your paint, it's time to start painting! You can use a paint sprayer, paint rollers, or brushes. If you're using a sprayer, be sure to tape off any areas you don't want to get painted. If you're using rollers or brushes, cut in the edges with a brush and then roll or brush on the paint. Apply two coats of paint for the best results.

Finishing

After you've finished painting, it's important to let the paint dry completely. Oil-based paint dries to a hard and durable finish and does not require a topcoat. If you want to add any stencils or designs, now is the time to do so. You can cut your own stencils or purchase pre-cut ones.

Maintenance

To keep your new paint job looking its best, regular maintenance is key. Be sure to wash and wax the exterior regularly to protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and new.

Painting the interior

Planning and Preparation:

• Decide what to paint: Choose which walls or areas you want to paint. You can opt for painting accent walls only or go for a full interior paint job.
• Select your colour scheme: Choose colours that complement your floors, cabinets, and decor. Consider neutrals like cream, taupe, or light grey for a more forgiving palette.
• Gather your supplies: You'll need paint, primer, paintbrushes, rollers, sandpaper, painter's tape, drop cloths, and cleaning supplies.

Wall Preparation:

• Remove fixtures: Take off switch plates, vent covers, pictures, hooks, and any other items attached to the walls.
• Clean the walls: Use a degreaser like TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a natural alternative like vinegar and water to clean the walls and remove any grime or sticky residue.
• Sand the walls: Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to lightly sand the walls and scuff up the surface. This will help the primer adhere better. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, especially if your walls have a vinyl coating.
• Fill holes and imperfections: Use wood filler or spackling to fill any holes, dents, or imperfections in the walls. Sand these areas smooth once the filler is dry.
• Tape off areas: Use painter's tape to cover windows, doors, floors, or any other areas you don't want to get paint on.

Priming:

• Choose the right primer: For vinyl or wood veneer walls, use a bonding primer like Glidden Gripper Primer or Kilz Adhesion Primer. These primers are designed for hard-to-paint surfaces and will ensure better paint adhesion.
• Apply the primer: Stir the primer thoroughly and apply it to the walls using a brush or roller. One coat is usually sufficient, but you can add a second coat if needed. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Painting:

• Choose your paint: Select a high-quality water-based paint in an eggshell or satin finish. Consider the lighting conditions in your camper and test paint colours in different areas and lighting to find the perfect shade.
• Apply the paint: Stir the paint thoroughly and start painting using brushes and/or rollers. Work in small sections, using long strokes in one direction. Start with edges and corners, then move on to larger sections. You may need two coats of paint for full coverage, allowing adequate drying time between coats.

Final Touches:

• Remove painter's tape: Carefully remove the painter's tape a few hours after painting, when the paint is tacky but not completely dry. This will help ensure clean edges and prevent paint from peeling off with the tape.
• Clean up: Put away your supplies, clean your brushes and rollers, and admire your freshly painted interior!
• Allow drying and curing: Give the paint ample time to dry and cure completely. This can take several days or even a week. Be gentle with the surfaces during this time to avoid any nicks or scratches.

Finishing touches

Once you've finished painting your camper, there are a few more steps to take to ensure a professional-looking finish and protect your paint job.

Remove the Masking Tape

As soon as the final coat of paint is dry to the touch, carefully remove all the masking tape. Pull the tape back on itself slowly and gently to avoid peeling off any paint. If any paint is accidentally pulled up with the tape, use a razor blade to score along the edge of the tape and try again.

Inspect for Touch-Ups

Once the tape is removed, inspect the camper for any areas that need touch-ups or missed spots. Use a small paintbrush to carefully cover any areas that require additional paint.

Apply a Polishing Compound

To give your camper shell a glossy finish, use a polishing compound and a buffing wheel. This step is optional but will enhance the shine and gloss of the paint.

Maintain and Care for Your Newly Painted Camper

To keep your camper looking its best, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Wash the camper with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the paint. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Apply a wax or sealant every few months to protect the paint and enhance its gloss.

Frequently asked questions