If your caravan has peeling paint, it could be susceptible to environmental damage and rust – and it’s probably driving you insane to see your home away from home looking less than its best. It’s time for a caravan paint repair job – it will look better, be more durable and last longer.
Whether you need to give your caravan a whole new coat of paint or just a patched repair job depends on the size of the peeling area. If it’s only a small area, you can get away with a spot job, but if it’s flaking all over, you’ll need to think bigger.
Here’s how to successfully conduct a caravan paint repair:
Preparation is key
Any painter will tell you the key to a great result is the preparation. Although it’s hard to be excited about prep work, this is the part that’s going to make or break your DIY efforts [link to article: DIY upkeep], so put your best into it.
- Smooth the surface. Use a wire brush to get rid of the excess peeling and then sand the area carefully.
- A good wash and dry will ensure you get the best finish. Any specks of dirt under the paint will affect how well the it adheres and make the end result look pretty rough, so it’s worth being thorough.
- Many opt for a strong coating prior to painting. A product like Dacromet or Zinc It is sprayed on to protect the caravan body against corrosion, and is easily painted over.
- Use a good painters’ masking tape to separate any areas of differing colours, to give you professional straight lines.
Time to paint
- Choose the colours and shades carefully. You can take it back to its original state or be a bit daring with your choices, maybe injecting a bit of your personality into your caravan’s new look.
- Whether you brush, roll or spray the paint on is a personal choice that won’t affect the outcome too much, but what’s important is using good tools. Cheap brushes can drop bristles and leave your van looking far less than perfect.
- Use a good-quality exterior paint, and give it two coats for maximum impact.
- Choose your day carefully; too hot and the paint will dry too quickly, and too cold and it won’t dry fast enough.
- Be even with your painting. Don’t put too much paint on your brush or roller as it will leave drip marks, and if you don’t apply enough, you’ll find yourself doing extra coats unnecessarily.
Follow our tips closely to achieve the best possible results – you’ll be heading off on your next trip in no time.
Get more ideas for a big retrofit project to spruce up your caravan.
