Painting RV Cabinets (10+Best Ideas and Tips)

Painting RV Cabinets – There are many types of RVs with different range of sizes. It also comes in various prices with different amenities. Therefore, something that can be done in one RV may not apply to the other. For RV cabinets, they come in different materials. The ones that come from the manufacturer tend to look plain and boring. Consequently, painting cabinets in an RV becomes a common choice for those who want to upgrade their RV interior. Weary cabinets can use a new paint as well. It’s not always necessary to replace them immediately, a good painting job will be able to transform them like brand new again.

Contents

Preparing RV Cabinets for Painting

rv cabinets canada
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Painting RV cabinets and walls are a good way to freshen up the interior. Before starting to paint, there are things to prepare in advance. Cabinets and walls will require different ways. For cabinets, you may also want to be painting inside of RV cabinets to be more thorough. Therefore, preparing RV cabinets for painting is trickier than walls. However, it’s still fairly easy to have DIY painting RV cabinets. As long as you pay attention for proper preparation, your paint work will end up beautiful.

Read More: RV Cabinets Ideas

Technique to Painting RV Cabinets

To have a clean and beautiful paint work, it’s important to follow all necessary steps accordingly. Painting RV cabinets is very manageable to do, but if not careful it may end up unsatisfying. If you have never done it before, it’s important to realize that it has different ways than painting another surface. Here are the steps to do when painting RV cabinets:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

remodel rv interior walls
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Make sure you remove cabinet doors, drawers and hardware like hinges before painting. You have to push down or up on the little black levers located on both sides. After that, you can slide the drawer out. That way it will be easier to paint. It’s better to locate somewhere else rather than painting them in the RV. A garage is a good place to do this work.

2. Cover All Surfaces

lightweight cabinets for campers
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If you’re painting the cabinets in the RV, you need to cover up surfaces and place you don’t want to stain with paint. No matter how careful you are, dealing with liquid poses risky mess. This includes covering every switch, plug, vent or pieces of hardware. The ceiling and appliances should be covered with paper and secured with painters tape.

3. Prep and Clean Surfaces with Acetone

rv cabinets canada
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Cleaning the surface with acetone is important to remove dirt and grease. However, you need to be careful of the built-in gas detector that RV usually has. Acetone can trigger the alarm, so it’s better to turn it off first. You can easily reconnect the gas detector after this is done.

4. Apply Primer

quick frame cabinets
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After cleaning the surface, it’s time to apply primer. There are two ways in applying the primer. You can paint by using paint roll or using the spray gun. Using a spray gun can get very messy, so it’s important to wear old clothes or apron to avoid stains. It’s also important to protect your face by using a mask. You don’t want to accidentally inhale the particles. Therefore, it’s important to choose an appropriate mask to protect you from the fumes. For quick paint jobs, consider N95 masks approved by NIOSH. They do the job of keeping you from inhaling paint fumes, aerosols, and any harmful particulates.

5. Start to Paint

lightweight plywood for rv
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Finally, it’s time to start painting. Actually, some paints allow you to skip preparation such as sanding and priming. That’s why it’s important to understand what kind of paint that you’re buying. You may choose the tools that you feel comfortable using such as brushes, rolls, and spray guns. Again, it also depends on what type of paint that you have. If you’re confused, you can just buy a kit which will include everything you need to start painting. The importance of understanding your paint also affects the result. You should know how long it takes for the paint to dry. Good paint usually only needs 30 minutes to dry.

6. Cabinet Hardware and Hanging

rv cabinet wood
Photo by thenoshery.com

RV cabinets will be wet after painting. You may want to quicken the process of drying by putting them under the sun. Another option is hanging them.

7. Clean and Touch Up

rv overhead cabinets
Photo by thenoshery.com

When painting is over and dried up, it is time to clean. Take off all the tape you. After it’s dry and safe to touch, you can start cleaning. You can take off the tapes and covers. It’s also the time to put the cabinets in their place again. Finally, you have new and fresh cabinets in your RV.

Read Also: The best decoration for your RV

Best Paint for RV Cabinets

For those who want to have DIY painting RV cabinets, choosing quality paint is necessary. It is a good investment to ensure that the result will be beautiful and last long. Here is a list of recommended paints for RV cabinets:

NuVo Cabinet Paint

painting travel trailer interior
amazon.com

This kit is versatile as it’s ideal for use on wood, laminate, primed or painted metal cabinets, kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also convenient to use as there’s no need for stripping, priming, and removal. This kit is a complete package. It includes two 31 oz. cans of Nuvo cabinet paint, 1 roller arm, 2 roller covers, and 2” angled paint brush. With durable finish, there’s no need for topcoat or sealer as well.

This paint is also a great choice for sensitive people. Having low levels of VOCs, it provides less risk of causing health issues such as eye, nose, or throat irritation. Moreover, it doesn’t have sharp and lingering odor either.

INSL-X CC550109A-01 Cabinet Coat Paint

rv painted cabinets
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Advertised as the ultimate “factory-like” finish, this paint is the perfect choice for anyone who’s refurbishing or refinishing RV cabinets. The durable semi-gloss finish is resistant to chipping, scuffing, food stains, grease and water. In addition, it has super adhesion. It means there’s no need for applying primer before use. This paint will stick easily onto hard to coat surfaces, making it a strong option.The ultra-smooth, durable urethane acrylic cabinet and trim paint finish will be very satisfying to have. Finally, this paint is available in two size options, 1 gallon kit and 1 quart.

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Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint

nuvo cabinet paint
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Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint is a good choice for those who are looking for a good latex paint. It’s applicable on various interior surfaces such as  wood, metal, ceramic, canvas and easily distress to create a vintage look. The latex formula of this paint gives no odor, which is a good point for people with sensitive nose. The formula also makes it easy for clean up with soap and water.

This paint is easy to apply because it requires little preparation. That means painters don’t have too much time painting their RV interior. The excellent adhesion feature also strengthens the durability of this paint.

One quart of this paint will give a satisfying coverage. It’s able to cover an area of 150 square feet. One coat coverage of this paint enables it to happen, so there’s no need to buy a lot of paint. In addition, it dries to the touch within 30 minutes. A renovating project with this paint will quicken the process. With an ultra-matte, creamy white finish, this paint will give a sophisticated look for the interior.

General Finishes QSW Water Based Milk Paint

how to paint laminate cabinets
Photo by amazon.com

General Finishes QSW Water Based Milk Paint works for both interior and exterior because of the UV resistance feature it has. This feature will resist fading and discoloration, making it an extremely durable product. On the other hand, the high adhesion feature of this paint will provide a long-lasting result.

The formula of this paint is water-based, meaning that it’s easy to clean. It comes in various colors of 33 intermixable options. Therefore, this becomes the perfect choice for those looking for a unique color for their RV cabinets. It’s also an excellent choice for those who want their RV cabinets to look colorful. It’s not often a product provides this plentiful variation. With a low luster sheen, this paint will create a wonderful finish for RV cabinets.

Moreover, this paint is easy to apply. Topcoat is unnecessary, unless it’s going to be used for high use areas such as kitchen cabinets and table tops. This paint can be applied over raw wood or prepped existing finishes. It’s perfect for upcycling and cabinet refinishing.

Beyond Paint All-in-one Refinishing Paint

mobile home kitchen cabinet makeover
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Beyond Paint All-in-one Refinishing Paint is very convenient to use. It requires no preparation such as stripping, sanding, and priming. Just degreasing and cleaning the surface are already enough to make this paint stick. This simple and efficient process becomes a tempting choice for those who want a quick and easy project. This paint proves that refreshing RV interior doesn’t require a professional to transform into a beautiful and stylish space.

This paint also has great coverage, only one coat will produce a satisfying result on the surface. In addition, it’s also good to use for repainting. It retains its true color, not getting affected by the old paint at all. The durability of this paint also enables it to be both applicable indoor and outdoor.

Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painters Touch Latex

how to paint pressed wood kitchen cabinets
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Rust-Oleum 1990502 Painters Touch Latex is a versatile paint as it’s able to provide coverage in various surfaces such as wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic. It enables for use both interior and exterior. The formula of this paint is water-based acrylic. It means the paint has low odor, resists chips, and gives long-lasting protection.

The flat finish this Rust-Oleum paint provides will minimize surface imperfections as it slides smoothly and gives excellent coverage. It can cover up to 120 sq feet. It dries and safe to touch within 30 minutes. Before painting, it’s important to remember that the surface requires sanding and degreasing to make sure it’s all clean.

NuVo Driftwood 1 Day Cabinet Makeover Kit

refinishing rv cabinets
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NuVo Driftwood 1 Day Cabinet Makeover Kit gives professional results with its complete package to use. All necessary items are in this kit so there’s no need to buy the tools separately. This paint is ideal for use on wood, laminate and primed, or painted metal cabinets. A kit of this is able to cover up to 100 square feet, which is the typical size for most kitchen kabinets. The formula of this paint is able to cover most existing wood finishes and paint in a single coat.

There’s nothing that this kit lacks. It’s safe for use because it has low VOC and low odor. This kit is also versatile as it’s both water-based acrylic paint and primer in one. That means it requires no preparation such as stripping, priming, and cabinet doors removal. In addition, it doesn’t require topcoat or sealer either. With a soft and satin finish, this product is durable and long-lasting.

FolkArt Home DĂ©cor Chalk Finish Paint Set

painting paper veneer cabinets
Photo Amazon.com

FolkArt Home Décor Chalk Finish Paint Set is the perfect choice for those who want to paint their RV cabinets colorful. This set offers various bottles with different colors. It applies on various surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, metal, ceramic, paper, canvas, glass and fabric. The versatility of this paint is aimed for decorative paint, so it’s a good choice for those who want to experiment with patterns on their cabinets. It’s also easy to layer and distress. Water-based and non toxic, this paint is easy for cleanup with soap and water. The ultra matte finish will radiate stylish looks.

Rethunk Junk by Laura Furniture & Cabinet Paint

rv cabinets peeling
photo amazon.com

Rethunk Junk by Laura Furniture & Cabinet Paint is the perfect choice for those who are environmentally conscious because this product is eco-friendly. This feature automatically makes it safe for use as well, which is also a good point for sensitive people. The formula of this paint is water-based which makes it easy for cleanup with soap and water.

Jolie Paint – Matte Finish Paint for Furniture, Cabinets, Floors, Walls, Home Decor and Accessories

Available in 42 colors, Jolie Paint is a good news for those who want a specific color for their RV cabinets. It doesn’t require preparation and that includes no sanding and no priming. This means the paint is very easy to apply. In addition, it has a good coverage as one 32oz quart can cover up to 150 square feet. This is because most colors of Jolie Paint only requires 1-2 coats for full coverage. Furthermore, it dries quickly within 30 minutes. The formula is water-based, which means it’s easy for cleanup with soap and water and will give a matte finish. Last but not least, this paint is non-toxic and low in VOC.

Frequently Asked Question

What kind of paint do you use on RV cabinets?

Oil-based paint is a well-known choice for RV owners because it is extremely durable and easy to keep clean. It is also resistant to caving in during the paint practice and leaves no brush marks. Overall, it can use fewer coats of paint than latex paint ordinarily does.

How do you fix peeling RV cabinets?

Not only will sticky glue help keep your mobile home cabinets from peeling, it can be used in other kinds of cabinets, such as those in recreational vehicles. If you possess cabinets like this in an RV or mobile home, then you can make them if you want, avoiding the cost involved in purchasing new ones.

How do you paint the inside of an RV wall?

Visit Gripper, which can be found at local hardware stores and home improvement stores, to purchase primer for your project. Apply a coat of primer to your walls with a paintbrush. Allow one coat to dry for 24 hours and wait until the next day to apply a second coat. Once the primer is dry, use a putty knife to dab in re-elected holes and fill any noticeable gaps in between.

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Conclusion

Painting RV cabinets isn’t a difficult task, but it’s important to learn how to do it properly nonetheless. In order to have a beautiful paint job, you need to know what kind of paint you’re getting. Some paints don’t require any preparation and some do. It’s also important to choose non-toxic paint for your safety. Especially for people who are sensitive, it’s important to choose the paint carefully.

1 comment
  1. This is very useful. I am saving it for our RV remodel. We plan to paint cabinets as well. We just bought an RV and have began remodeling it.

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