RV Interior Upgrade Projects: How to Paint Your RV Wallpaper

If you’re driving around an older RV, then you’ve probably found the wallpaper a bit, well, dated. Even more modern motorhomes more often than not seem to come with wall coverings that look out of date. The good news, is that you can replace that look with one that’s more your style. The bad news, is that it will be a bit of an RV interior upgrade project. That’s because the type of wallpaper that commonly comes in RVs isn’t easily removable and so most will find that painting over that paper is often the better option.

First, getting the right painting equipment is essential. Start with a higher-end latex paint with primer. This type of paint is easy to apply to RV wallpaper and has a long lifespan. Use this Glidden paint calculator to determine exactly how many paint cans you’ll need before you go shopping. Also, be sure to get a fine grit sandpaper (between 120 grit and 150 grit works well) as you’ll need to lightly sand down the existing wallpaper in order to allow the paint to grip nicely and stay on.

The 5 Key Steps for an RV Interior Upgrade

1. Remove all wallpaper borders that cover the existing wallpaper. A simple mixture of warm water and vinegar can be really effective for this.
2. Use the fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand down the walls. For best results, sand in one direction (this can be either horizontal or vertical) and follow-up with a moist rag to wipe away the excess dust.
3. Use painter’s tape to tape around any cabinets, doors, windows, and other borders that you don’t want to be painted.
4. Use an edge paintbrush or small roller to paint first around the edges.
5. Finish the rest of the walls with a larger roller. For light wallpaper, one run with the roller may be sufficient, while you’ll likely want to complete a second coat of paint when you have darker wallpaper.

For Bigger RV Interior Upgrade Projects, Talk to Our Team at Premier Coach Works

We hope this quick guide to RV painting helps guide you in improving the look of your RV. But we also know that most RV interior upgrade jobs aren’t so small or so easily completed, and that for exterior paint, you’ll want a professional. For jobs big and small, our team at Premier Coach Works is here for you. Contact us today and let’s get started on your RV interior upgrade project!