One of the questions we sometimes hear is, “Why are older RVs so ugly?”
Of course, looks are subjective and manufacturers have altered RV interior styles over the years. For every impressive RV interior, like the Happier Camper and the Keystone Cougar Sport, there are those in need of an upgrade.
When it comes to used RVs, renovating the interior is the best way to give it a fresh look. Repainting the walls is a great way to do that, and there are other useful methods too.”
Let’s begin with some color and style recommendations from RVers that were so gracious to respond to our latest social media poll:
And the top responses are…
Modern Farmhouse
Off White with a Dark Border
Shades of Grey
Some of the other suggested replies include cream, beige, tan, biscuit, blue, green, gray with dark red trim, and Retro-hippie in multiple colors. In truth, the best color for your RV is one that matches your décor.
Pro Tip: One of the best pieces of advice we’ve seen is to choose your RV paint color when you’re in a happy mood. It sounds simple, but it’ll help you paint your RV interior in a shade that will inspire happy RV travels wherever you roam.
RV Interior Paint Ideas
We’ve also scoured social media to share some inspirational RV interior paint ideas to help you settle on the look you’re going for.
We like the combination of white for the roof, walls, and overhead cabinets in contrast with the lighter blue/gray for the lower cabinets.
There’s something very visually appealing about the light green on these lower cabinets, and the tile backsplash overlay is a nice touch as well.
There’s nothing quite as unique as a giraffe-patterned wall in an RV!
We love this contrast of the white cabinets with that unique wallpaper. Are those geese or flamingos?
These wooden accents throughout the main living area provide an excellent contrast to this RV’s off-white wall and cabinet paint.
Look how dark the original kitchen was compared to the renovation! We love the creative use of the kitchen backsplash overlay and bright wallpaper to accent the white paint throughout.
Here’s a great example of how the right dark color choice can dramatically change your RV’s interior. Oh, and we love that detailed floral artwork on the wall next to the bathroom.
The before-and-after photos of this kitchen renovation are dramatic indeed. Wonder how many coats of white it took to brighten up all that originally dark cabinetry.
How to Repaint Your RV’s Interior
Regardless of your color and design choices, here’s what you need to know to repaint or renovate your RV’s interior.
Spend Most of Your Time Prepping
Before you dip a paintbrush into the paint, the best way to make your project successful is to spend ample time prepping your RV. Once the RV is prepped and ready to go, the painting process goes quickly.
Your prep should include removing cabinet doors (if you’re painting the cabinets), covering everything you don’t want paint on (floors, furniture, etc.), and extensively cleaning and priming the area you want to paint.
When cleaning, use TSP (trisodium phosphate), a TSP substitute, mineral spirits, or some other residue-free pre-painting cleaner. You need to have the surfaces you want to paint as clean as possible so the primer and paint can spread evenly and adhere well.
Prime First, Paint Second
The actual painting process can be done with either a paint sprayer or brushes and rollers. Paintbrushes and rollers are better for smaller areas and detailed painting. We’d recommend them over a paint sprayer because you can get a fair amount of overspray. This can be disastrous inside a tight RV when there’s a lot you want to avoid getting paint on.
Before painting, the first step is priming every surface that you want to paint. Use a low-VOC primer that’s designed for use on wallpaper and laminate walls. Fully cover the area with primer. Sometimes it will take a little more primer than expected, so feel free to do multiple coats.
With the interior of your RV primed, you can begin painting, using high-quality paint that will last the longest and look the best. If you cheap out on the paint, it will last less time, which could mean you’ll be doing touchups often and maybe re-doing the entire job only a short time down the road.
Take Your Time
Throughout the whole process, it’s important to take things slowly when repainting the inside of your RV. The moment you rush is the moment something will go wrong, especially when painting corners and seams.
Make sure you have plenty of time to get the job done, and ask someone for help if needed. This will help ensure you stay calm during the project. Repainting can be a tough project to finish, but you’ll be extremely happy once it’s done. Your RV will feel more like home than ever before.
Another Way to Renovate RV Interior Walls
Painting doesn’t have to be your first choice if you want to renovate your RV’s interior. Many RV interior walls are designed with vinyl paneling that can easily be refreshed without painting.
Genesis Products is one of our preferred suppliers for RV interior renovation. They make kits for renovating interior walls, updating your kitchen backsplash, and giving your cabinets a renewed finish.
Their kits for interior wall renovation are available in 9 colors:
- Crisp Linen
- Hazelwood
- Noble Oak
- Oatmeal Linen
- Steel Diamond
- Stone Gray
- Utah Gray
- Sketch Linen
- Whitewash Planked Wood
Consult Camping World’s Design Center
While undertaking a DIY RV interior paint job can be a fun project, there’s no shame in asking for advice or help. Camping World Design Centers help RVers plan and create custom interior design projects unique to their RV.
From bedroom accessories to living room furniture, lighting to decor, and, yes, even repainting the interior of your rig, the Design Center can help you achieve the RV of your dreams.
Find a design center near you.
What colors would you like to repaint your RV’s interior? Leave a comment below.
