How an RV looks can give you a lot of clues about how it was cared for and used. Several things can be done to an RV to make it look new again.
Repainting is one of the most effective ways to modernize an old RV. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any room in the RV. If RV ceramic coating isn’t in the cards, give these options a try.
Repaint
RVs are designed to be the perfect way to get out and explore, but they can also start to look worn out after years of traveling. Fortunately, you can do plenty of things to give your RV a new lease on life, including repainting it. This cheap and easy DIY project can make your RV feel like new again.
To start, clean the surfaces you want to paint. Use a degreaser to remove any dirt or grime, and then wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to make sure there is no oily residue that will prevent good adhesion. Then, lightly sand all areas you plan to paint. This will help smooth out any imperfections and give the paint something to grab onto.
Once you’re ready to begin painting, cover any parts of the RV you don’t want to paint with tape or masking paper. Then, sand all areas you plan to paint with an 80-grit sanding block to prepare them for a fresh coat of paint.
Once you’ve sanded the surfaces, wipe them down with a damp cloth to ensure no dust is left on them. Then, apply a coat of primer. This is a crucial step that will ensure the RV’s new coat of paint adheres properly. Finally, apply your chosen color with long and even strokes. Avoid packing on too much paint, as thick coats don’t dry well.
Replace the Windows
Once the windows in an RV get scratched, cracked, or old, they can drag down the overall look of the vehicle. Replacing the windows is not only a very effective way to make an old RV look new, but it is also a pretty easy DIY project.
First, you need to take your measurements for the new window opening. You want to ensure the window will fit in the frame without any extra space around it. For safety reasons, you will want to have a friend outside holding the window in place while you take your measurements.
The next step is to remove the old window from the frame. This will require you to remove a few screws, so it is important that you have a helper. After the window has been removed, you will need to clean the edges of the frame as well as the surrounding area of your RV. You will also need to scrub down the walls of your RV to remove any gunk buildup that could prevent a good seal when you replace the window.
Now, you need to put the new window into the frame. This will be easiest with a helper. You will need to have one person inside the RV guiding the window into place and someone outside of the RV to hold it in place so that it doesn’t fall out accidentally. Once the window has been set into place, you can begin screwing it into the frame. It is recommended that you also run a bead of caulking around the exterior perimeter of the window to ensure it will have a good seal.
Reupholster
If your RV furniture is starting to show a lot of wear and tear or the floral pattern just doesn’t cut it anymore, maybe it is time to consider reupholstering. This can be a cost-effective way to update your RV furniture and help keep the layout that works so well for you without having to change everything around.
One of the first things you must decide is what material to use for your new upholstery. Choosing a durable fabric that can withstand the road’s wear and tear will ensure your new furniture lasts as long as possible. You can find heavy-duty fabric at craft stores and some big box stores designed to withstand many uses and clean up easily.
Another thing to consider is what type of upholstery style you would like. If you like the look of tufted cushions, you will want to choose a style with button tufting. If you are looking for a less expensive option, then perhaps a woven fabric such as microsuede or midweight denim will work best for your RV.
If you are comfortable working with fabric and have some basic sewing skills, reupholstering your RV can be a fun project to tackle independently. Many how-to videos are available online that will walk you through the process.
Re Stuff
Dingy seat cushions, tacky floral upholstery, and dips in the old couches are all things that give away a camper’s age. Rather than ripping and replacing them completely, it may be possible to modernize the furniture by reupholstering or painting. This can be done with ease, especially if the existing fabric is not too stained or worn out.
Repainting is a great way to brighten a room and can help an old RV look new. If it is mildewy, you will need to strip the wallpaper first, but otherwise, it is quite simple. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even add some wallpaper that will give your RV a touch of style that is not too expensive.
Another easy way to modernize an RV is by adding a backsplash. Using peel-and-stick tiles is a simple way to make the kitchen in your RV look like it was remodeled. You can also use this technique to create an attractive bathroom backsplash.
There are many other ways to transform an old RV to make it look new. Some ideas include adding plants to the living space, putting in new flooring, modernizing the kitchen, and updating the bathroom. Choosing linens and decor are also good ways to brighten up an old RV and make it feel like home. There is nothing more inviting than a nice clean RV and a few little changes can really make a difference.
Wallpaper the Walls
Applying wallpaper is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to give your RV a makeover. It can instantly brighten up your RV and create a beautiful focal point in the room. If you want to create a more dramatic effect, consider using textured wallpaper.
Before you start the process of installing RV wallpaper, it is a good idea to clear your schedule so that you don’t have any distractions. You also want to give yourself the freedom to take your time so that you can properly align the wallpaper and get the best results.
You should also ensure that your RV walls are dust and grime-free. If not, the wallpaper may not stick to the wall and could create bumps underneath it. A good way to clean the wall is by scrubbing it with a damp sponge and water.
Once you have cleaned the walls, you can prepare them for the wallpaper. First, you should measure the size of the space to determine how much wallpaper to order. To be safe, it is a good idea to order extra wallpaper so that you have plenty of material in case you make any mistakes during installation.
When you’re ready to begin, it is important that you follow the instructions on the package. Work with a friend when applying the wallpaper to ensure it is properly aligned. Once the wallpaper is hung, wait for it to dry before using a utility knife to trim any excess materials.
Install New LED Lighting
A new set of lights is a great way to freshen up the look of your RV. There are a variety of different types of LED lighting available so that you can find the perfect match for your rig. When selecting LED lights, make sure to check the wattage and amperage rating. You want to be sure that the lights you purchase will not exceed the maximum safe amperage limit for your existing light fixtures.
Choosing lights that are compatible with your RV’s power setup is also important. You will want to ensure that the LED lights you select can run on 12 volts, which is the typical power setup for most RVs. If your RV has existing lights wired into the power system, you will need to remove those old bulbs and strip the wires before installing the new ones. You will then connect the new light’s positive wire to the power source’s positive wire and the negative wire from the light to the power source’s negative wire.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting your lights and make sure to use quality double-sided tape to ensure a neat, professional look. Always switch off the power supply before cleaning your LED lights, and use a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratching or damaging them. When you’re done, test your new lights to ensure they are working correctly.