Whether you have an older, metal caravan exterior or a more modern fibreglass one, you might need to touch up or even completely re-paint the outside of it at some stage. We’ve put together a guide on the various options on if, what and how you can do it yourself.
Can you paint the outside of a caravan?
You’ll be pleased to hear that the simple answer is yes! Some of the modern caravans that seem a bit plasticky may seem like an odd surface to paint onto (especially if they are exterior surfaces and open to the elements), but even these can be painted with the right paint.
Why paint the exterior?
Repair jobs
You might need to paint it due to a scuff – maybe the kids ran their bike into it while playing, or maybe one of you next door neighbours at the caravan park reversed into it and you’ve had to do a much bigger repair job.
Touchups and re-painting
You might also just might be that the paintwork has seen better days. Older caravans tend to fade and get a yellowish colour tint due to the sunlight exposure over the years.
A quick step by step guide
There are a few things to consider before you start painting, such as what type of paint to use and how to prepare the surface. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
- Choose the right paint. The first step is to choose the right paint for the job. If you’re painting a metal caravan, you’ll need to use a specialised metal paint. For fibreglass caravans, you can use either a caravan-specific paint or a good-quality exterior paint.
- Give it a good wash. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the caravan exterior with soapy water and a sponge. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
- Prepare the surface. Once you’ve chosen your paint, the next step is to prepare the surface. This is important as it will help the paint to adhere better and also create a smoother finish. For metal surfaces, start by sanding down any rough areas and then wiping down with a degreaser. For fibreglass, you’ll need to sand down the entire surface to help the paint to stick. Wet and dry sandpaper of around 600 grade is a good option. Run a single line of automotive masking tape around the edge of the windows or other areas if the paint is likely to creep into areas it shouldn’t.
- Prime the surface. Once the surface is prepared, the next step is to prime it. This is important as it will help the paint to adhere better and also create a smoother finish.
- Paint the caravan. Now you’re ready to start painting! Begin by painting the trim first and then working your way down the sides of the caravan. Use even strokes and be sure to paint in the same direction as the grain of the fibreglass.
- Let the paint dry. Once you’ve finished painting, let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the temperature and humidity.
- Apply a clear coat. Once the paint is dry, you can apply a clear coat to protect it from the elements. This is optional, but it’s a good idea if you want the paint to last longer. It’s especially helpful if your caravan has previously had the faded yellow tint which is indicative of problems sunlight exposure.
- Enjoy your freshly painted caravan! Now you can sit back and enjoy your freshly painted caravan. With a little bit of time and effort, you can have it looking like new again.
Frequently asked questions and tips
Why do I need to prime the surface before painting the caravan?
Primers are important when painting a caravan because they will help to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. They can also help to fill in any cracks or holes in the surface of the caravan, which will make the finished paint job look much better. It also stops the paint seeping into the older paint layer.
Why do I need to use automotive masking tape? Can’t I use normal masking tape on the caravan?
Automotive masking tape is designed to adhere to surfaces without leaving behind a sticky residue and is is easier to remove. It is also designed to resist UV light and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for use on the exterior of caravans. Standard masking tape is not as durable and can break down in sunlight and high temperatures, making it less reliable.
Can I use T-Cut on my caravan?
No you shouldn’t use T-cut on a caravan as the paint tends to be very thin and it will quickly remove it.
Can I use exterior house paint on my caravan?
You could do, but the preparation and painting would have to be top notch. It’s a good alternative to keep the cost down if that’s the main factor, but I wouldn’t recommend it as the primary option.