6 Tips for How to Renovate Your RV Walls 

6 Tips for How to Renovate Your RV Walls

6 Tips for How to Renovate Your RV Walls

Job Materials List below  

If your RV looks a bit drab, it’s probably time to add a new look. There’re several easy and less permanent ways of adding a personal touch to your RV, but from experience, none is as impactful as RV wall painting.

It’s easy to transform your camper space into a lovely haven by adding colors to the walls and cabinets.

However, this simple job is tedious, especially when you’re committed to a full-time RV lifestyle. It’s also a long process.

But the good thing is the hassle is worth it; a can transform your old camper and make it look good as new.

In fact, I’d even go as far as saying RV wall renovation is the best thing you can do to make an old RV look fresh and new.

Now, if you’re interested in RV wall renovation, read on. In this guide, I’ll share my experience and detail the steps I took when renovating my camper.

Beginners-Choose an Accent Wall

If you’re a beginner and still unsure about the whole RV wall renovation thing, I suggest you start with the accent wall. It allows you to test the waters and see whether you can DIY the entire RV.

Accent walls usually get a lot of flack in the interior design industry because they’re super-simple and are a hard-to-get wrong way of introducing color.

And if by any chance you get it wrong on the accent, you can always paint it to a neutral color, and it won’t be noticeable.

Painting an accent wall is also much cheaper, easier, and less work than painting all the RV walls.

Identifying an accent wall should also be fairly simple. An accent wall does two main things: make your RV living space different from everywhere else and make the experience much better.

In short, it’s the viewpoint of the main highlight of your RV. And depending on your RV’s size and design, you may have multiple accent walls.

Selecting a Color/ Color Scheme

Unless you have an eye for color, selecting a color scheme is one of the challenging aspects of RV wall renovation.

As with painting a traditional home, getting the colors wrong for your RV may botch the entire renovation and RV aesthetics.

However, getting the color scheme for your RV isn’t challenging either. I’ve painted a lot of RVs over the years, and the most reliable way to find the perfect color is to find some color cards and bring them to your RV.

Place them on the wall and narrow it down to the few you like. From there, head to your local hardware store, buy the samples of the colors you like and paint some on 1×1 or 2×2 areas on all the walls.

Adding on to this, you could also get multiple chips for each room and look at the swatches in natural light from the windows. Close the curtains/blinds, and then turn on all. Do the same at night.

It may take a while before you narrow it down to your choice of color. I’m not a color expert, but here are a few color-selection guidelines that help me:

  • Pick a color that complements the RV floor, cabinet, furniture, and home décor
  • Stay away from black or brown. My favorite colors are neutrals like tan, cream, off-white, and taupe.
  • Avoid colors too close in the color wheel. For example, your walls shouldn’t be off-white if your ceiling is white. Instead, they should match (all white or all off-white) or better contrast.
  • Avoid bright colors. You can always add pop to your RV space through other items such as pillows or décor

Gathering Paint and Supplies

Congratulations, you’ve now narrowed down your choice of RV color. The next step is gathering all the important painting supplies.

Along with the brushes, scrubbers, cleaners, painter’s tape gloves, and everything else, two other crucial supplies you shouldn’t skimp on are the paint and primer.

Regarding the choice of paint, I suggest you reach out to the experts at any good Paint center. Remember, the ideal choice of paint depends on your RV’s wall surface, and they can advise you on the best paint.

The other important supply is the primer. In the primer department, you’ve a list of options to pick from, but Glidden Professional Gripper and Kilz Adhesion are two of my favorite options.

These primers use a high-bonding formula, and they grip like glue. They’re versatile and stick to different RV walls, including vinyl, wood, and veneer. The slippery surfaces aren’t left out, either.

Prepping RV Walls

RV walls are different from house walls. There’re no perfectly angled corners or paint-ready walls. The wooden RV walls, therefore, need some prepping, and you can’t just slap paint on them.

Another thing to remember is that the RV walls will need more paint than you think. They usually take up more paint compared to a similarly-sized house, so managing your expectations is good.

  • Clean the RV Walls

The first step of RV prepping is cleaning the walls. Many DIYers skip this process, but it’s as important as the painting itself.

I usually start the RV cleaning process by removing anything that can be hit by flying paint. It includes picture frames, switch plates, vent covers, door knobs, hinges, etc.

The next important part is degreasing the walls. I remove all the sticky substances, limy stuff on the wall, dirt, and grime.

There’re a couple of wall cleaners in the market, but I like to DIY and use a mixture of water and white vinegar on a 50/50 basis.

Whatever cleaner you use, you must rinse with clean water and allow the walls to dry before sanding.

  • Repair the holes

RV walls hardly play nice, and you’ll likely encounter stripped-out screw holes here and there in the cleaning process.

On the inside of the RV, the holes could happen anywhere from skylight framing to window curtain tensioners.

When this happens, part of the wall usually rises up, creating a tiny “ant hill.”

A method I use to address minor damages is filling the holes with epoxy or any suitable wood filler. I then allow the filler to dry before sanding the area until it’s free from any paper edges or wood splinters.

  • Is sanding, Necessary?

There’re mixed reviews on the need for sanding during RV wall renovation.

In my opinion, it boils down to the type of RV wall surface, and it’s not an absolute must, as many DIYers tend to put it.

Sanding aims to rough up the surface a bit so the Gripper bonds well. But here’s the thing, some of the RV wall materials are naturally rough.

For example, most vinyl and wood laminates are patterned or grained enough to allow proper bonding, so sanding isn’t necessary.

However, sanding is necessary if you plan to paint shiny and slippery surfaces such as cabinets. Otherwise, the paint will peel off right the walls.

In short, you should do a test before jumping to a conclusion, as some of the walls are shiny, while others are rough.

  • Priming

From experience, priming is the main building block for a good painting job. It provides a foundation to which the top coats bond.

It improves the overall paint adherence and may also improve the longevity of the paint.

Painting

After the RV wall prep, you’re ready to paint. Painting is easy, but you must ensure the Gripper has dried sufficiently.

Use a roller with the biggest nap to paint the wall. I’m a big favorite of the furry roller because they hold more paint and can access the grooves and nooks in most RV walls. They also make the painting job less of a hassle and quick.

Once the paint dries thoroughly, you could apply a 2nd coat if needed.

Cleanup and Maintenance

The only pesky maintenance I can think of is addressing the cracks between the ceiling mounding and the walls. These cracks tend to happen a lot if you’re traveling.

So, keep some of the paint with you in air-tight containers, and occasionally touch up these cracks with a brush as they appear.

Recommended items for your walls renovation

Sale
PILOT FISH 17 Pieces Paint Roller Set, 9 Inch 4 Inch Paint Roller Kit with Frames, Roller Paint Brush Tray Kit, Small Paint Rollers for Wall Painting, Home Painting Supplies, Painting Tools for Indoor
  • 【Roller brush set of 16】 2 black lacquer plates, 3 polyester quilts 9.1", 1 five-line birdcage 9.1", 5 white small hair sets polyester 3.9", 1 bracket, 1 pp silk paint brush, 1 textured paper, 360 degrees self-dipstick handle, 1 bag of sand skin 5 packs.
  • 【Professional quality】 The large and small roller brush is made of polyester material, which is durable and evenly painted. It can absorb a large amount of paint and put a lot of paint to improve work efficiency. Rough chrome roller frame, no bending, no deformation. The curve of the handgrip is designed to be comfortable. PP silk paintbrush has good elasticity, wear resistance, high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, antistatic, and the bristles are not easy to fall off.
  • 【Wide range of uses】 Paint roller kit for DIY users' indoor walls, rooms, houses, maintenance, indoors. The handle of the roller brush can be lengthened for brushing at high places. This is also a perfect Christmas gift for your friends who need to decorate their home. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, this paint roller set is perfect for you. We recommend that you use water-based paint and apply it on a smooth interior wall to make the brush more even and smooth.
  • 【Quality service】 If you receive any quality or other problems, please do not hesitate to contact us by email, we will be here for you and try our best efforts to help you solve the problem, thank you for your understanding and support.
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YATTICH Paint Sprayer, High Power HVLP Spray Gun, with 5 Copper Nozzles & 3 Patterns, Easy to Clean, for Furniture, Fence, Car, Bicycle, Chair etc. YT-191
  • 【3 Spray Patterns & 5 Nozzle Sizes】Paint sprayer can be adjusted to 3 different spray patterns: horizontal, vertical and circular, and equipped with 5 size nozzles (1.2mm/1.5mm/1.8mm/2.5mm/3.0mm) for any painting projects, such as furniture, cars, fences, interior walls, garage doors, garden tables and chairs etc.
  • 【Perfect Design For User Experience】Detachable, making it easier to use and clean; the paint output can be controled by adjusting the flow control knob on the sprayer to obtain different paint output; The 6.6ft power cord is long enough to allow you to move freely within a larger work area.
  • 【High-Quality Materials】Using copper nozzles can withstand pressure more than plastic nozzles, and is less prone to clogging. It can also make the spraying surface more concentrated and more uniform. The use of double-layer insulation materials allows you to avoid worrying about any safety issues during operation.
  • 【Powerful Upgrade Advantages】The rear foam pad can prevent paint from flowing backwards, block the nozzle, and make the spray more uniform; it also has dust and moisture resistance functions, which can not only extend the life of the motor, but also ensure the purity and effect of spray color.
  • 【Package Contents】1X Paint Sprayer, 1X 1000 ml Paint Container, 5X Size Nozzles, 1X Viscosity Cup , 1X Nozzle Cleaning Needle, 1X Cleaning Brush, 1X Spanner, 1X Lid Pot, 1X User Manual. If you have any questions, please contact with us, our technical team and after-sales team are always behind you.
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Multi-Purpose Razor Blade Scraper | Razor Scraper Set w/ 10pcs Extra Blades Cleaning Scraper Tool - Window Scraper, Glass Scraper, Blade Scraper, Paint Scraper, Oven Scraper- Extendable-Handle Design
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN:The heavy duty non-slip rubber molded handle made of TPR and tough polypropylene ensures the most comfortable cushioned grip, better control and superb longevity.The tail of the long-handle retractable scraper can be disassembled and assembled for storing blades, which is convenient and quick
  • VERSABILITY:Comes with a mini compact utility stainless razor scraper for tight work areas and one with extendable handle to work on hard to reach places; the included 6pcs replacement double edged sharp razor blades, single edged heavy duty blades (curved*1, straight*1) and plastic blades work respectively for different purposes
  • SHARP BUT SAFE:Each scrapper remover has a secure tightener knob as a razor blade holder for reinforced construction and stable operation, with a double secure plastic safety cap to protect you from accidentally cutting yourself
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL:Removal tool for gasket, vinyl, decals, sticker sign, tint film glue residue, paint, car glue, sealant, silicone, putty or adhesives from cooktop, glass, tile, walls, floors, mirror, metal, etc.
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY - All MulWark tools are warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the product, you may return this product free of charge with the original purchase receipt
MiracleWipes for Paint Cleanup, Formulated to Remove Tough Contaminants from Hands, Surfaces, & Tools - 60 Count
  • Provides for convenient and quick cleanup for hands, surfaces and tools
  • Removes uncured paints, stains, caulking, adhesives and many more
  • Dual-textured wipe removes the contaminant into the wipe and away from the surface, reducing smears and speeding clean-up
  • Includes glycerin to help prevent skin from drying and cracking
  • Trusted by professionals painters
KILZ TRIBUTE Paint & Primer, Interior, Matte, Ultra Bright White, 1 Gallon
  • PAINT + PRIMER: KILZ TRIBUTE is a low VOC, 100% acrylic advanced technology paint and primer in one formulated for superior hide and coverage with exceptional durability. Paint and primer covers light-medium stains and light-dark color changes.
  • ADVANCED FORMULA: Our technologically advanced acrylic product combines paint and primer properties with exceptional stainblocking performances. Ideal for high traffic areas, our matte sheen offers a finish that resists dirt, ideal for easy cleaning.
  • MULTIPLE SURFACES: KILZ interior paint makes a great wall or cabinet paint for any home. Use on properly prepared coated or uncoated wood, drywall, masonry and cured plaster. Surfaces should be clean. Mix well before using.
  • SUPERIOR COVERAGE: KILZ TRIBUTE interior matte paint and primer covers up to 400 sq. ft. per gallon depending on surface texture, porostiy, and application method. If desired, recoat after 2 hours. Use with high-quality brushes or paint rollers.
  • KILZ has been making premium primers and paints for 40 years and leverage this experience in every gallon of KILZ Paint. Named Paint Brand of the Year in 2015 in the Harris Poll EquiTrend  Rankings. Lifetime Limited Warranty (see label for details).
WANDIC Paint Touch Up Bottles with Brush and Mixing Ball, 8 Pcs Touchup Paint Applicator Bottle for Car, Model and Hobby Painting - 60 ml Liquid Capacity
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED -- The package includes 8 pieces paint touch up bottles with a 60 ml liquid capacity and they include a safety lid, paint brush and a paint mixing ball.
  • BOTTLE SIZE -- about 7.6 cm/3 inch in height, 4 cm/1.6 inch in width.
  • BOTTLE MARKINGS -- The bottle has 1/4 ounce and 10 ml gradient markers to ensure mixing accuracy.
  • MATERIAL -- Made with solvent resistant plastic material, won't break like glass if dropped or mailed.
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE -- We provide 48-days money-back and 24-months warranty. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question.
DAP 7079818670 Alex Painter's (18065) Raw Building Material, 10.1 oz, White
  • Indoor/outdoor Alex white painters caulk, 10. 1 oz. - 441230
  • This is highly durable
  • This is manufactured in United states
  • For interior and exterior applications.
  • Paintable and water clean-up.
INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer, 1 Quart, White
  • Premium-quality, acrylic-urethane bonding primer-sealer with unparalleled adhesion to the most challenging surfaces, including glossy tile, PVC, vinyl, plastic, glass, glazed block, glossy paint, pre-coated siding, fiberglass, and galvanized metals.
  • Bonding primer for drywall, plaster, ceiling, acoustical tile, wood trim and doors, Formica, ceramic tiles, glossy surfaces, PVC plastic, masonry walls, wood, trim, shutters, masonry, stucco, concrete, cement block, galvanized metal, aluminum, and other challenging surfaces.
  • Bonds to "hard-to-coat" surfaces and can be top coated with almost any product.
  • Fully cures in temperatures as low as 35 °F.
  • 75 - 100 square foot coverage for interior or exterior use
KILZ TRIBUTE Paint & Primer, Interior, Matte, Contemporary White, 1 Gallon
  • PAINT + PRIMER: KILZ TRIBUTE is a low VOC, 100% acrylic advanced technology paint and primer in one formulated for superior hide and coverage with exceptional durability. Paint and primer covers light-medium stains and light-dark color changes.
  • ADVANCED FORMULA: Our technologically advanced acrylic product combines paint and primer properties with exceptional stainblocking performances. Ideal for high traffic areas, our matte sheen offers a finish that resists dirt, ideal for easy cleaning.
  • MULTIPLE SURFACES: KILZ interior paint makes a great wall or cabinet paint for any home. Use on properly prepared coated or uncoated wood, drywall, masonry and cured plaster. Surfaces should be clean. Mix well before using.
  • SUPERIOR COVERAGE: KILZ TRIBUTE interior matte paint and primer covers up to 400 sq. ft. per gallon depending on surface texture, porostiy, and application method. If desired, recoat after 2 hours. Use with high-quality brushes or paint rollers.
  • KILZ has been making premium primers and paints for 40 years and leverage this experience in every gallon of KILZ Paint. Named Paint Brand of the Year in 2015 in the Harris Poll EquiTrend  Rankings. Lifetime Limited Warranty (see label for details).
Geocel GC28100 Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant - Clear
  • Flash Point: 93.0 Degrees_Celsius
  • Excellent Adhesion To Many Surfaces, Even When Damp
  • Resealable; May Be Applied Over Itself
  • Paintable And Resists Dirt Pick-Up
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Klean-Strip QSL26 Denatured Alcohol, 1-Quart “Packaging may vary”
  • Odorless and Smokeless Flame in alcohol burning appliances
  • 1 Quart
  • Ideal for Marine Stoves
  • Kleen Strip QSL26, KSPQSL26
3-IN-ONE RVcare Rubber Seal Conditioner with SMART STRAW SPRAYS 2 WAYS, 11 OZ
  • Contains UV inhibitors which help prevent cracking and fading
  • Long lasting water resistant formula reduces friction and wear
  • Extends the life of rubber slide-out and other seals when used regularly
  • Also works to protect other RV rubber seals including those on windows, doors, compartments and hatches
  • Great for conditioning rubber seals on RVs, boats, cars, and other vehicles
Krud Kutter Prepaint Cleaner/Tsp Substitute - Lot of 6
  • Prepares surfaces prior to painting
  • Improves paint adhesion
  • No unpleasant odour
  • No-rinse formula
Sale
TITANflex Thor Grip Heavy Duty Industrial Orange Nitrile Gloves 8-mil Disposable Latex Free with Raised Diamond Texture Grip, Powder Free, Rubber Mechanic Gloves,100-ct Box (Large)
  • HEAVY DUTY: TitanFlex 8-mil premium nitrile gloves are 2-3 times thicker than typical disposable nitrile gloves, and provide more puncture resistance and excellent barrier protection against grease, gasoline, and many other petroleum-based chemicals.
  • THOR GRIP DIAMOND TEXTURE: Fully textured fingers and palms with arrayed raised diamond patterns provide 60% more gripping power than standard nitrile gloves, but yet have good dexterity for handling small objects and tools even wet or slippery.
  • HIGHLY VISIBLE: The bold orange color makes the nitrile gloves and your hand easily recognizable and alerting even in darker environments, greatly improving safety in heavy-duty tasks such as mechanic, automotive, construction, and manufacturing.
  • LATEX-FREE GLOVES: Free of natural rubber latex, these disposable nitrile gloves help reduce allergic skin reactions to latex and protein; they are elastic, stretchy, and have a snug fit, but provide more chemical resistance than latex gloves.
  • MULTIPURPOSE: Our disposable industrial-grade nitrile gloves can be used for various industrial, commercial, and household applications such as mechanics, auto repair, janitorial, painting, plumbing, oil changes, manufacturing, & household cleaning.
Masking Paper Pre-Taped Masking Paper for Painting Assorted Sizes Painting Paint Masking Tape and Drape Widely used in automotive body and house decoration spray paint (Each Roll 50 Feet ,3 Rolls)
  • Assorted Sizes Masking paper - Each package come with 3 pack Paint masking paper rolls in 3 different width sizes, measures 6", 12" and 18" after spread. Each masking paper roll measures 50ft long, different sizes and decent length enough to meet your various needs.
  • Self-Adhesive Function- Spray paint masking paper lightweight and tear resistant, it can be freely attached to the surface of objects such as the automotive body, furniture and the wall surface to ensure complete protection. this paint paper auto featuring premium adhesive which can be easily removed with no residue left behind, no need to worry about cleaning up sticky spots on walls after painting or on items that you have labeled.
  • High-quality materials - Kraft paper material makes the paint dry quickly without splashing and flowing, Ideal for automotive painting, equipment coverage and appliance protection, Since paper is biodegradable, it is a more environmentally friendly material compared to plastic masking films.
  • Pre-Taped Masking Paper - Roll design for quick and convenient unfold and cover various small appliance. You can cut paint protection paper tape of different lengths according to different items, meet your needs.
  • Versatile & Protective - The paint masking paper can shield and protect household appliances and furniture from pigment, paints and moisture during house decorating or painting. auto masking paper is ideal for general purpose automotive applications, equipment coverage, household appliances, furniture, floors, walls, vehicles, cabinets, countertops, arts and crafts and residential and commercial paint projects.
Sale
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape, 0.94 Inches x 60 Yards, 3 Rolls, Blue, Paint Tape Protects Surfaces and Removes Easily, Multi-Surface Painting Tape for Indoor and Outdoor Use
  • READY. SET. PAINT!: 3 rolls of 0.94 inch wide ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape, a multi-surface solution for preparing to paint your living or working environment
  • DAMAGE-FREE PAINTING TAPE: Adhesive tape can stay on surfaces for up to 14 days, and it removes easily without leaving a sticky residue behind
  • CONQUER MOST SURFACES: Specially designed blue tape for smooth or lightly textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile and glass
  • TACKLE INDOORS AND OUTDOORS: Resists UV rays, sunlight and moisture so you can use it as an indoor or outdoor tape
  • SUSTAINABILITY: Solvent-free paint tape made from 45% renewable resources with a core made from 70% post-consumer waste
Sale
Rust-Oleum 7724502 Stops Rust Brush On Paint, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1), Gloss Sail Blue, 32 Fl Oz
  • Weather and corrosion resistant coating protects exterior/interior surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, masonry and more
  • Oil-based formula provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention
  • Dries to the touch in 2-4 hours and covers up to 90 sq. ft.
  • Excellent resistance to abrasion, fading and chipping
  • Glossy finish provides a fresh shine to surfaces
Putty Knife Scrapers, Spackle Knife, Metal Scraper Tool for Drywall Finishing, Plaster Scraping, Decals, and Wallpaper (4 Pack, 5”, 4”, 3”, 1.5” Wide)
  • RUST PROOF: High-quality spackling knife built with 3CR13 stainless steel, different from carbon steel materials on the market, this 3CR13 stainless steel undoubtedly featuring strong and corrosion-resistant. Blade in a mirrored polished finish was designed for anti-rust and easy cleanup
  • ERGONOMIC COMFORT HANDLE: This putty knife scraper set equipped with a large rubber handle gives you a comfortable edge to grasp, and let you work with minimal effort. Unlike wooden handles, this non-slip handle will not decay in moist warm conditions. Hallow design on the handles for easy storage on nails or pegboard
  • FLEX PUTTY KNIFE: The edge of this putty scraper thickness is designed to be 0.028”/0.71mm, more flexible and provides you with great force when you work with it
  • ASSORTED SIZES: This drywall scraper set comes with 4 different sizes of wideness, varying from 5”, 4”, 3”, 1.5” (12.5cm, 10cm, 7.5cm, 3.8cm), meet your different needs for home drywall repair and more
  • MULTIPURPOSE: These spackling knives are perfect for many project, including drywall, putty, decals, wallpaper, plaster, baking, spackling, patching, painting, stucco and much more
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