Click through for my step-by-step instructions on how to professionally paint a camper, RV, or travel trailer exterior… with lasting, durable results.
Remove the Existing Vinyl Decals
Setup Your Workspace
Depending on the age of your camper and how it was stored, is dependent on how easily the vinyl decals come off.
Remove The Gum
The best option for removal is by using a rubber wheel attached to a power drill. I’ve linked ours in the supply section for you!
Sand & Clean
We just used diluted water with dish soap (something with degreaser) paired with our pressure washer.
Remove Trim Pieces, Awning, & Mask
Having shade of some sort made the process immediately easier! Emmett began to remove the lights, trim, and flange details in preparation for paint.
Apply Primer
Setup Your Workspace
Since our camper already had a coat of basic white paint and was extremely clean, we opted to spot prime… applying a coat of primer anywhere there was bare metal showing.
Apply The Base Paint
Setup Your Workspace
This is key… use auto paint! If you take nothing else away from this post- reframe from using home exterior paint and opt for automotive paint instead.
Apply the Contrasting Paint & Top Coat
Setup Your Workspace
The second coat of paint was our contrasting color- black. We opted for a simple color blocked aesthetic.
Buff, Wax, and Reinstall or Replace Trim
Setup Your Workspace
The final step was to buff the camper, apply automotive wax (as a protectant), and reinstall or replace the trim details.
It has been our home away from home and well worth the time and investment for us!