Can You Paint a Camper?

A camper generally features a fiberglass or aluminum shell that protects it from the elements. Over time the paint on the shell fades and requires a fresh coat. This new paint aids in protecting the underlying material and helps the camper retain its value.

  1. Preparation

    • Power wash the camper's exterior to remove dirt and large pieces of debris. Clean the entire surface with a car-wash detergent or household cleaner. Running fine-grained sandpaper over the surface after drying improves paint adhesion. Properly mask off all areas of the camper to avoid unwanted paint splatters. Use masking tape and protective material to cover all windows, vents, doors and hardware.

    Environment

    • A proper paint environment keeps foreign debris from affecting your paint job. Painting your camper in a garage or barn is ideal. Clean the entire indoor area to rid it of dust that might become airborne during the painting process. Turn off all fans and seal off the building. Unwanted airflow directly affects the paint stream from your sprayer.

    Aluminum

    • Aluminum-framed campers feature a thin aluminum sheeting over a metal or wood frame. Aluminum paint fades over time due to exposure to the sun and elements. Use a paint primer that is specifically made for aluminum sheeting to ensure proper paint adherence. Apply thin coats of paint to the aluminum to prevent dripping.

    Fiberglass

    • Fiberglass campers often come with a factory gel-coat paint. When repainting your camper you can apply a gel-coat, an enamel or latex paint. Paint the entire camper with at least one coat of fiberglass paint-primer and sand with a light grit sand paper. Gel-coat paint needs a specialized sprayer due to its thick consistency.