RV Paint Ideas (Painting RV Cabinets, Wall, & Exterior)

RV Paint Ideas – If you’ve been living in RV or been traveling with it a lot, the paint will undoubtedly become dull. Obviously, every RV owners want their RV to stay new. Therefore, RVs needs to be repainted. However, many RV owners think that a paint job can only be done by professionals. Actually, it’s not as hard as it seems.

Besides saving costs, by painting your RV yourself, you are also free to express how you want your RV to be. Especially if you often travel with an RV or even live full time in it. Changing the atmosphere and color of the RV every once in a while is a must.

Since RV is like a living space when traveling, thus caring for your RV is caring for yourself. Moreover, by having a well-painted RV, it makes the trip more enjoyable. As each color represents something specific, it also has a connection to our emotions. Therefore, the paint color you use in your RV will also affect your mood while you are on the road.

How to Paint an RV Exterior

RV exterior is the quickest thing of your RV to change. However, it’s pretty reasonable if you’ve been traveling with your RV for years. Especially if you don’t use RV cover when you park it outdoor. Thus, the paint starts to fade due to sunlight, weather changes, etc.

Therefore, a paint job is the most transformative thing you can do to your RV. However, having your RV repainted by professionals might be expensive. Actually, you can do it yourself by following the steps below. Now it’s time to make your RV looks as new and fresh as before!

Related : RV Flooring Ideas  

Step 1

Purchase color paint, primer paint, and paint thinner. Particularly, get oil-based one as it is an excellent choice for exterior painting job because it’s tough and durable. Besides, it’s richer in colors, and it also will protect your surface from elements.

Step 2

Mix 2 tbsp liquid dish soap with 2 gallons of hot water in a bucket. Then place a tack cloth in the bucket to remove materials such as dust and dirt.

Step 3

Afterward, clean your RV exterior with the soapy water using the tack cloth.

Step 4

Use butcher paper and stick it with masking paper to cover areas you don’t want to tape.

Step 5

Thin out 1 gallon of oil-based primer with 1 pint of paint thinner. Afterward, pour it into the paint sprayer and set the pressure to 50 psi.

Step 6

Spray the primer over the RV exterior and work it back and forth to cover the entire area. Let it dry

Step 7

Clean the paint sprayer and then pour the color paint into the chamber. Spray the exterior paint as you applied the primer.

Step 8

Apply a second coat of paint to the RV.

Step 9

After the paint dry, remove the butcher paper and masking tape from the taped areas.

How to Paint RV Cabinets

Most RV cabinets are designed with a typical early 90s honey oak color. Actually, there’s nothing wrong with that, especially if you are a fan of rustic or countryside vibes. However, over time, when the color starting to fade, it will look outdated. When the cabinets are starting to look ancient, maybe it’s time to freshen them up. For that reason, there are two options. The first option is replacing the cabinets with the new one. The second option is just to paint them yourself, which is obviously less expensive. Below we write some easy steps on how to paint RV cabinets by yourself

Related : RV Deck Ideas

Remove the shine

First, remove the slippery shine on your cabinets to make the paint easily sticks to the cabinets.

Get rid of grease

Clean the surface of the cabinets to make it free from grease, dust, and other splashes. Do not forget to wear gloves and eyewear if you clean it with alcohol. Also, open all windows and turn on a fan while you work since it creates a strong odor.

Opt for gloves with superb chemical and puncture resistance like top-grade disposable nitrile gloves to ensure proper protection against skin irritation, infection, and injury.

Use Frog Tape

Use frog tape to get sharp paint lines. It is essential for any painting project. It is also easy to apply and eliminate.

Go with foam

Get a foam rollers and foam wedge brushes to minimize strokes and marks when painting.

Start with Gripper Primer

After you are sure the cabinets are perfectly clean, it’s time to start painting. Before using actual paint, it’s better to use the primer paint first.

Choose your paint wisely

Once the primer is dry, you can start using the actual paint. Since you are giving a paint job for cabinets, it’s recommended to use glossy paint to make it look shiny.

Apply a clear coat

Lastly, apply a clear coat to add durability and make your cabinets easier to wipe down.

How to Paint RV Walls

As mentioned before, giving RV a paint job is the most transformative thing you can do. Specifically, it can increase its physical appearance and make your RV interior looks like new. Furthermore, by giving your walls a paint job, it can visually expand the size of RV space. Therefore, below, we write some steps on how to paint RV walls by yourself to make your RV feel homier.

Related : RV Organization Ideas

Step 1

Take off any wallpaper borders you don’t want to keep. However, there is a kind of wallpaper texture that can’t be removed. Therefore it should just be painted over.

Step 2

Be sure to remove anything you don’t want to paint, such as window frames and the blinds. Use a drill or screwdriver to undo the screws that are attached to the walls. Also, don’t forget to cover the flooring or any furniture you don’t want to splatter with paint accidentally.

Step 3

Lightly sand the walls to make it smooth.

Step 4

Afterward, clean the walls and let them fully dry before painting.

Step 5

Once the walls are clean and dry, it’s time to prime the wall.

Step 6

After all the prep is done, it’s finally time to paint. If you are using a darker color, you may only need one coat. But if you paint it white, you will need two coats.

RV Exterior Paint Designs

Since we are kids, color is a way to express ourselves. In addition, you can also show your personality by painting your RV by yourself. Check our list below for some RV exterior paint design inspirations.

Fresh White & Aquamarine Paint

Generally, white looks good with every color since it’s neutral while the aquamarine is shooting, and peaceful. Therefore, this combination of white and aquamarine with the orange accent makes the RV simply look fresh and cheerful but also calming.

Playful RV Paint Colors Combination

This is such a unique combination of RV exterior paint colors. One cool color in between two warm colors. The turquoise, as the balancing color in the middle, creates a calming and relaxing vibe. In addition, the black accent makes it even more perfect by emphasizing this vibrant and prominent combination.

Classy All-Black RV Exterior Paint

This all-black RV is elegant and dramatic because black is associated with a sophisticated style. This color is especially best in the snowy area because the natural white surroundings will make your RV stands out. Plus, the natural wood color is a great combination because it gives a warmer approach.

Simple White RV Exterior Paint

The color whites offers a sense of peace, comfort, simplicity, and tranquility. It affects the mind by presenting feelings of fresh beginnings and renewal.

Masculine RV Exterior Paint

Navy blue represents formality, confidence, and authority. Thus, the white color is a great combination as it prevents the navy blue from appearing too oppressive.

RV Roof Paint

RV roof is one of the RV’s parts that comes in direct contact with sunlight and other elements. Thus, the roof will be greasy after a few years. Therefore, RV roof needs a paint that can protect it from becoming weary. Below is a list of RV roof paints that have excellent durability in preventing damages caused by UV and weather changes.

Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating

This is one of the most recommended RV rubber roof paints. This coating is designed to use over RV rubber roof, at seems and tears and to seal vents, ACs, etc. It is UV resistant and protects RV roof from sleet, wind and snow. Therefore, by providing such protection, this roof coating preventing RV roof from degrading.

Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing and Protective Coating

This product is ideal for roofing applications as it reflects heat off of the roof. Not only it has high UV protection, this product also provides aging resistance. In addition, this product also has great elongation.

Dicor RPCRC1 White EPDM Rubber Roof Coating

This product is an acrylic coating that is easy and ready to apply. It also can cover a wide area as it is in a one-gallon size. However, to achieve a better result, it should be applied twice.

Kool Seal KST063600-16 Elastomeric Roof Coating

This product can reflect at least 90% of UV rays. In addition it also has a high resistance against moisture, so it prevents the roof from damage caused by mildew and algae.

Proguard F99911 Liquid Roof Coating

This product can work in all temperatures and only need a single coat application. Furthermore, this also an environmentally-friendly product, so it’s safe to use and non-polluting.

Vintage Camper Paint Colors

Generally, vintage camper is already unique in design. However, faded paint makes a vintage camper look like a wreckage or an unused RV. Therefore, giving a paint job will restore or even increase the uniqueness of a vintage camper. Below we put some unique vintage camper paint colors that might inspire you.

Soft Vintage Camper Paint Colors

White never goes wrong. Since it’s a neutral color, it can be combined with every color. Plus, the brown sugar palette as an accent makes this vintage camper looks soft and feminine.

Red & White Colors Combination

The color red is associated with energetic, stimulating, and passionate. It also enhances human metabolism and raises blood pressure. Therefore, the calming white color is the perfect combination as a balancer, so the red doesn’t come out too strong. This paint color can be an ideal choice for a summer holiday.

Burger-Themed Vintage Camper Paint Idea

This is such a playful color combination because the design resembles a burger. Warm colors dominate the RV, and it brings exciting and happy feels. While a touch of spring green as a cool color brings relaxing and shooting vibes.

Bold Colors Combination

This is such a bold and attractive combination because both colors are dominant. However, since the bold colors are the color of the moment, this can quickly date the RV.

Dreamy Light Blue Vintage Camper

This is the perfect color for RV, especially if you live in a coastal area. The light blue color brings a gentle and tranquil impression.

Gorgeous Vintage Camper

Baby pink with black as an accent makes the vintage camper looks luxurious and sophisticated. Thus, this combination brings sweetness but also charming at the same time.

RV Paint Job Before and After

As stated before, giving your RV a paint job is the most transformative thing you can do. Below we put some examples of how giving a paint job can increase and maximize your RV appearance.

A Little Touch for A Worn Out RV

Actually, there’s no major change needed. However, by only adding a yellow and gray accent, the after looks like a whole new RV.

Brilliant RV Transformation

The color chosen is very suitable for the model of the RV. Thus the paint job creates a stronger impression than before.

Simple RV Transformation

The original paint color is actually still looks good. However, painting the RV in one color without any accent makes the RV look modern and simply brighter.

Relaxing RV Transformation

The original paint design looks a bit outdated. Therefore, painting the RV with monotone color not only makes the RV looks joyful but also homier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best paint for RV walls?

Oil-based works best (it was the only stuff that worked in the cabinets), but it’s a nuisance to clean up and stinks awful, especially in a cramped area like an RV. We used water-based Kilz, which worked perfectly (thank goodness, because I didn’t want to use anything oil-based).

Can I paint RV cabinets?

YES! Even if some of the paper coating is missing or flaking, you can still paint your cabinets. We succeeded. If any pieces of the paper were peeling, I simply re-adhered them with a little wood glue and filled any fractures with wood filler.

What are RV interior walls made of?

Plywood, MDF (medium-density fibreboard), wood paneling, and plastic laminate paneling are common choices for RV interior walls and ceilings.

Conclusion

Getting your hands dirty and your body sweaty for a few hours to maximize your RV appearance will be worth it! Not only cost-effective, painting your RV can also be a good bonding time for you and your traveling buddy. Lastly, spending a few extra minutes on prep before doing these RV paint jobs will give much better results.