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Cabinetry
Ok ya’ll. I know I have explained in previous posts how what methods I have used concerning painting. Truth is I had a lot of problems with the way I did the main living area. The master bedroom, bunk house and 2nd bathroom were all sanded. I was going by advice I had gotten from a friend who does this for a living. Although it’s stuck fairly well in the main living area I had a lot of places that have chipped or peeled. Since doing that room I have done several furniture projects and learned some more about painting laminate wood in RV’s.
This is my new “How To” picture of how to paint laminated glossy surfaces inside a RV. I did do the TSP portion when I first did this room. The problem I had been having was the primer not sticking as great as it could have. I tried multiple primers that were meant for slick surfaces. That’s why I broke down and sanded in the other rooms since I had such a problem with this room. The key I have now found out is the primer must be a gripper primer. Glidden seems to be the best out there but it’s not the only brand. I still stick to my Behr Ultra paint as the brand of choice but ultimately you can actually use any paint you want as long as you prep correctly.
I also like to use this stuff with my paint. Since rv’s are prone to moisture issues it’s always nice to have to take the extra precautions.
**A note to the wise. Many people say they know how to paint based on how they painted their interior. But each interior is different based on the fact that some interiors are real wood and some have the fake laminated crap. From what I have heard real wood takes a lot of different types of paints and processes. Mainly they don’t need to be sanded because most of the paints and primers adhere really well, especially Annie Sloan Chalk Paint from what I’ve heard in my RV Interior Ideas FB group. But what I have had trouble with myself and what others always ask about is the laminated glossy surfaces. Like I said in many rooms I sanded which ALWAYS worked. I tried a different method in my living room and although not disaster it didn’t work as well as I had hoped. So when getting advice from others ask what type of wood they have because that may make a huge difference in the process and products you end up using. And the time it may wind up taking you.**
This app above, called PAINT TESTER, is something I also will now recommend. It’s a cool app where you can take a photo of the wall you want to paint and “pre-paint it” in the color of your choice. This is a better test I think than the old method of painting different rows of colors on a wall and standing back and looking at them. I learned from the paint expert that came to my father’s house before his town-home was painted if you do that your eyes will fake you out. Your eyes will change the color on the wall depending on the color the wall already is. And because the whole wall isn’t painted the color will look completely different. I know this because we used primer on my dad’s walls. Painted a darker color wall with a color of paint and it looked blue/grey. Then painted the same color with primer underneath on a white wall and it came out a dark purple, or at least appeared to.
I have an iPhone but not sure it’s available on Android. But you can always check. I know Home Depot has a similar app but I wasn’t as happy with the ease of use of that one. This one is free too I believe. Which is always a plus!
Painting Accessories:
I have three things I like to use when painting. First is the painters tape. Don’t skimp on this. I have tried several other kinds and I like this the best. It’s Frog Tape and it works SO well! Comes off clean and isn’t as sticky as others out there that make it hard to use. Secondly are the Wooster Brushes. These are your lifesaver when it comes to painting cabinets. They are easy to hold and don’t leave brush marks. Third, when you go to paint the main part of your rv walls I recommend using lint rollers. They will give you the most even coverage. Then use small brushes for the smaller more detailed areas.
I’m sure the thought has entered your mind. How does she patch up holes in her RV? Like in the wall? Well I have the answer for you. I use this stuff. It turns white when it’s completely dry and works very well on filling in the small holes I’ve made. If I decided to move something or change something around I simply sand down the area, use the filler a few times, then sand it down again. Then I top it off with a coat of paint and wa-la. Hole is gone!
You know you are doing it right when at the end of your day your paint brush looks like this!
If your wanting to go with a more antiqued/distressed look then I recommend this stuff! It’s great! You can search on Ebay and find it. I can’t remember exactly what I paid for it but it was less than $20. You just wipe it on. It’s that easy!
Walls
So as for the walls. If you have textured walls or wallpaper I recommend a light sanding first. After sanding you will want to clean the wall surface really well. You can use the TSP I have mentioned before or if you want to go a more natural route you can use vinegar and water. It is also very important that if you have one of these kinds of walls to make sure to prime before painting. Important Note: When it comes to primer the paint + primer doesn’t compare no matter which brand it is. I have been told by many painting professionals and people in the paint department (both Lowes and Home Depot) that the primer in the paint + primer isn’t the same as using actual primer. So don’t skip this step. Again I recommend the stuff above to put in the paint to help prevent moisture issues especially in places like bathrooms which are known to get moist. I use a satin finish just like I do in my paint I got for the cabinetry. I prefer that for the walls because it’s not shiny. You don’t want the walls too reflective. Although it’s usually alright with cabinetry. Satin finishes are still able to be cleaned easily. I prefer Valspar Reserve for my wall paint. It’s a little pricier but I liked how it coated the walls.
One last note on the primer. It is important to let it cure at least 24-48 hours before painting!
And one last tip! After all the painting has dried go back and use a razor blade and go along each seam where the paint has connected. This will prevent cracking or splitting when going down the road. Otherwise you will end up with it splitting when the rv jiggles. And it will look like this. I didn’t know about this being an issue until we got to California. The first time the RV had been moving since I had painted it several years back. I had several spots like this, especially around the fridge I had to repair when we got to there.
Interested in more tips and information about painting the inside of your RV? Check out this PAINTING GUIDE written by a fellow full-time RV blogger, Ashley Mann from RVInspiration.com
Thank you very helpful. Keep the advice coming. Just bought a barn find 31 year old winnabago chieftain. Need a total make over. Thanks again
Your so very welcome Olive. I am happy that my blog is helping folks out. That’s why I decided to create one! Thanks for being a follower!
~Christina
I am SO glad I found this before I started to paint. I have a 72 Bell with ugly paneling inside. Everything you said I needed to know. Thank you!!!
That is SO wonderful to hear! I am so happy when my posts help people out. That’s why I wrote them. 🙂 Keep in touch and let me know how it worked out for you.
~Christina
I did find this helpful,I have a 2015 Stoneridge fifth wheel,and I live in Canada,I’m having trouble finding the Glidden Gripper primer here at Lowes, Do they only sell this in the US? Because I looked for it in Michigan,and they said they don’t sell Glidden?Also I have cherry wood cabinet s.Do you think your process will still work on that type of wood?
Thank you
Judy
As far as only being sold in the US I’m not exactly sure about that. It’s interesting though to hear it’s not available in Michigan and that they don’t sell Glidden. I don’t have cherry wood cabinets. Some of the cabinetry was actual wood where the rest was just cheap wood covered in a film that looked like wood. I think the process would still work on that type of wood. I would sand a small piece where no one can see it though and try it out first just in case.
~Christina
Just starting to think about updating our 5th wheel. I want to paint the inside and later maybe paint the exterior! Thanks for all the great tips.
Very welcome. So glad I could be of some help!
~Christina
We are in the thinking and researching stage of revamping our older travel trailer. Your advice on razor cutting the paint ‘joints’ is the first I’ve read about and makes perfect sense! It is an extra time consuming step but would save disappointment in the end…thanks for the tip 🙂
I am thinking about doing some remodeling when we open our up this spring. So many ideas on RV Tips! Your information will definitely be referred to!! So glad there are people like you who share their expertise with those of us not so experienced!!!
Thanks for the guide! I am currently priming my rv and BM Stix primer is soooo thick. Im super worried the thick primer is going to crack off. Im thinking I will sand it smooth as best I can before painting.. But if it is a problem how would I correct? Just sand down to the laminate and start over. Ugh! Its so different than painting anything else.
You got the idea! Sorry I’m just replying. I hope your project has gone good so far.
We are remodeling several rooms in our home so I’m always looking for some inspiration. Thank you for the great article!
Your very welcome! Glad it could be of use to you. ~Christina