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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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How To Match RV Wallpaper
If you want to give your recreational vehicle a fresh, new look, matching the wallpaper could be essential in achieving your desired aesthetic. This “How To Match RV Wallpaper” guide will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical steps to successfully revamp your RV’s interior.
- Understand RV Interior: Identify colors and patterns in design.
- Identify Wallpaper Types: Recognize vinyl, fabric, foil, or mylar.
- Take a Sample: Bring a section to a wallpaper store.
- Online Shopping: Explore websites.
- Use RV Model Info: Check model and year details.
- Wall Paint Option: Complement with a matching color.
Whether you want to maintain a consistent style throughout your RV or plan for a dramatic transformation, understanding how to match RV wallpaper can make all the difference.
Engage with this guide and learn the ins and outs of selecting, matching, and applying wallpaper that fits your RV’s unique needs and style.
Imagine for a second that you have a bit of water damage on your RV’s wallpaper, and to fix the solution, you had to take that section of wallpaper off. Once you have set the issue, you have two options: look at the new unsightly section or try to replace the wallpaper.
If you decide to replace that wallpaper section, it would be more difficult than simply swapping out a part. You would have to match the wallpaper you buy with the one used on your RV model.
It would be best if you considered a few factors when choosing to go down this route.
The first thing you will have to do is put in a call to your RV’s manufacturer. This is most likely the best source to find matching RV wallpaper. If your RV is relatively new, the company might still have the design in use, and all you have to do is order a replacement.
If your RV is over a couple of years old, it might not be easy to find a replacement, mainly if your RV model has been discontinued.
That said, even if you can find the exact pattern, you would be dealing with wallpaper in the RV that has aged since you first purchased it. It will likely fade after being exposed to wear and tear, the elements, cooking smoke, campfire smoke, and water vapor.
Meanwhile, the patch from the manufacturer will look brand new, like your RV’s wallpaper once did.
The exact amount needed is purchased simultaneously from a single batch when wallpaper is purchased. When you put the new wallpaper by the old one, you will notice a glaring difference between the two.
If this does not bother you, then you can go on to replace the stricken section of the wall. That being said, the results would leave a lot to be desired. The best option is usually to repaper everything.
While this might seem stressful, it is much easier and more satisfying. This is because it allows you to transform your RV how you want, especially if you purchased a pre-owned RV.
Steps to Replaster Your RV Wallpaper
Thankfully, removing the current wallpaper to put the new one on is not as difficult as some might think. That being said, before you go ahead and rip the RV walls up, you have to understand that there is quite a massive difference between the textured wallpaper on the walls and the additional bordered wallpaper placed on it for decoration.
The inside walls of an RV are manufactured from lauan plywood, made from the Lauan tree. The plywood is exceptionally light, making it one of the materials for RV interior walls.
The lauan plywood typically has a textured wallpaper glued; this bit of wallpaper in some RVs cannot be removed. Most RV owners tend to paint or replaster over them.
To remove the wallpaper in your RV, there are a few materials you will need:
- A paint scraper
- An adhesive remover
- A rag or sponge
If there are any outlets in the area you want to work on, you must cover them. Doing so can ensure your adhesive remover does not seep into the outlet, rendering it useless.
How to remove the outdated wallpaper border in your RV
You can get your paint scraper, start at one corner of the wall, and try to pry the wallpaper loose. Depending on the wallpaper and how old the RV is, it might be surprisingly easy to lift it off.
If you encounter some difficulty with the wallpaper, you could try using a blow dryer to help you loosen the adhesive. Removing a portion of the wallpaper should take about 10 minutes if the adhesive gives way quickly.
Removing the wallpaper would most likely be the easiest part. Still, if you ask anyone who has had to remove wallpaper before, they will tell you that the difficulty would be getting rid of the sticky residue.
This is where your adhesive remover and rag or sponge come in. You spray some on the sponge and begin wiping away. Depending on how long the wallpaper was up, you might have to tap more than a few times to eliminate all the residue.
Additional Ways to Remove Your RV’s Wallpaper Residue
Not everyone will be able to remove their RV’s wallpaper seamlessly. If you are in this category, you can utilize the following options.
Lemon or Orange Essential Oil
More than a few RV owners state that using orange, lemon, or any other citrus-based essential oil can help remove stubborn residue from wallpaper removal.
Not only is it meant to get the stubborn residue out, but it also helps to make the RV smell great.
Portable Steamer or Blow Dryer
If you have difficulty removing your wallpaper, use a portable steamer or a blow dryer, as mentioned earlier. Heat is an effective tool to loosen up the adhesive.
Spray Bottle Consisting of Fabric Softener and Warm Water
It is also possible to use this solution to remove the residue left behind after removing the wallpaper. Mix warm water and fabric softener into a bottle with a spray nozzle.
The affected area should be sprayed and left for a few minutes. After this time, wiping off using a rag or a sponge should be easy. It also has the added benefit of making the RV smell great.
Alcohol can be used after the adhesive remover is used. Alcohol helps remove any traces of adhesive remover on the affected surface. WD40 can be another method to help you get rid of the residue.
When all else fails, you can bring out a bit of sandpaper, which will be used to smooth the affected area down. This method should only be used as a means of last resort.
You can also use TSP or Trisodium Phosphate to wipe the walls down. It can be beneficial if your plan after removing the wallpaper is to paint the wall.
What is the Most Durable Wallpaper for an RV?
Regarding durability and longevity in the context of RV wallpapers, solid vinyl emerges as the most viable option.
It’s not just about the aesthetic appeal; solid vinyl wallpaper is known for its robustness and ability to withstand wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently travel in their RVs.
Most of the wallpapers manufactured today are strippable and wipeable, but none can match the durability of solid vinyl.
Therefore, if you’re pondering over the most durable wallpaper for an RV, solid vinyl stands out as the clear winner due to its unsurpassed resilience.
Summary
Understanding how to match RV wallpaper involves thoroughly comprehending the RV’s interior design, including identifying the existing colors and patterns.
Familiarizing yourself with various wallpaper types, such as vinyl, fabric, foil, or mylar, is a critical step in the process. It is advisable to bring a section or sample of your current RV wallpaper to a specialty store, providing a tangible reference to ensure the best match possible.
Additionally, online shopping can be an excellent tool in this process. Numerous websites offer a wide variety of RV wallpapers, making it easier to find the perfect match.
Using your RV’s model information, including model and year details, can assist in locating the original wallpaper or a suitable replacement.
Finally, consider the wall paint option if you cannot find an exact match. Choosing a complementary wall paint color can effectively blend with your existing wallpaper, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result.
Thus, understanding how to match RV wallpaper involves research, sample comparison, and creative color coordination.
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