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Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Paul Clayton
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How to Paint RV Exterior Fiberglass?
If you invest a significant amount of money to purchase an RV you would expect certain things from it.
Probably the first thought that comes to your mind is space and comfort, the second might be its engine performance and all other technical aspects. The color of your RV’s exterior is probably the last thought that strikes your mind.
However, for some people, it is all about the look.
And that’s not a problem, you want your RV to look great.
Understanding how to paint RV exterior fiberglass is essential for maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of your recreational vehicle. This process involves careful preparation, selection of the right materials, and the application of appropriate techniques.
The aim is not just to enhance the appearance of your RV but also to protect it from harsh weather conditions and road debris.
If you don’t like your new RV’s paint because that particular shade might have been in trend at any time, but no longer is in fashion and wish to give it a new personalized touch. Or if your RV’s paint has worn out over the years, you need not worry.
Whatever the reason, you can always give your RV a new look altogether.
Fortunately, the market has everything that you would need to paint your RV exterior.
From paints to waxes, palm sander to painter’s tape, everything is available easily and you need not worry about sending your RV to a workshop as you can do it by yourself and the good thing is that it’s a fun process.
Before starting to paint, ensure that you have standard-quality fiberglass paint. Specialist fiberglass paint not only costs more, but it will also leave a better and more professional finish.
Fiberglass paints are available in matt, gloss, and high-gloss finish to choose from.
Paints that contain acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy are considered better as they give a firm, all-weather-resistant finish. Just ensure that it does not contain melamine or oil.
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How To Paint Your RV Exterior Fiberglass?
Painting Preparation
First, park your RV in a shady and well-ventilated space like your driveway or garage. Then, collect all essentials required like palm sander, fine grit sandpaper, denatured alcohol, a soft cotton cloth, detergent or soap water, and painter’s tape.
Clean the exterior fiberglass surface
Clean the entire outer surface of the RV which can be done using simple detergent/soap-water with an automotive sponge to get rid of all adhering dust, grime, mud, and bird- droppings from the surface of your RV. A ladder can be used to reach difficult areas and the rooftop.
Roughen up the surface of the RV
The Motorhome’s fiberglass should be roughened up to make it capable of accepting and absorbing the primer coat and paint. This roughening can be achieved with the help of wet sandpaper with fine grit. Don’t spend too much time at a single spot as it can lead to uneven final results. This whole process should be completed in an hour or so.
Wipe off the surface
Wipe off the whole sanded surface using denatured alcohol with a rag to remove the remaining (if any) grease after washing with detergent water. Protect the not-to-be-painted areas: Cover the areas like knobs, windshields, mirrors, and window panes with heavy paper and painter’s tape.
What kind of paint do you use on fiberglass?
When considering the question, the superior choice is two-part polyurethane paints. These paints are highly regarded for their durability and capability to maintain their gloss over an extended period. Although they possess a thinner consistency, necessitating multiple applications, the end result is worth the effort.
The chemical reaction during the drying process hardens the paint to a robust finish that can withstand the test of time, making these paints an optimal choice for fiberglass surfaces.
What kind of primer do you use on fiberglass?
When working with fiberglass, the type of primer you use can greatly influence the final result. The common choice for most professionals is an epoxy primer. The reason behind this preference is the epoxy primer’s ability to provide excellent adhesion, sealing properties, and resistance to stains and corrosion.
It forms a solid, durable base for paint to adhere to, enabling a long-lasting finish. It is essential to remember that the preparation process of the fiberglass surface before applying the primer is vital to achieve an optimal result.
Painting steps
Before starting the painting steps, keep epoxy-based primer, fiberglass paint, a paint gun, and acetone handy. Painting job is not as simple as it might seem to be. One needs to be very careful and patient while tackling paint brush or paint-gun.
If you are not familiar with handling a paint-gun, you can choose hand-painting. However, hand-painting is a very slow process and may not give a smooth and even finish. The faster alternative is a paint gun. It not only takes less time but also gives a nice and professional-like finish. You can buy or even rent it and experiment with it before applying it directly to your RV.
Once you get comfortable with handling it, the task becomes quite easy.
Clean the paint-gun
Clean the inner part of the paint gun using a soft cotton cloth soaked in acetone to ensure no remnants of paint used in previous painting jobs are present in it, as the paint remnants may ruin the paint to be used this time.
Prepare the required painting solution
To prepare the required paint, one must first understand the type of paint and desired finish. Start by following the directions given in the user manual provided along with the paint package. Materials needed typically include the chosen paint, a mixing stick, and a clean container.
Begin by opening the paint can and stirring it thoroughly to create a uniform consistency. If the paint is too thick, add a small amount of water or thinner (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) and mix again until the desired viscosity is achieved. Lastly, strain the paint to remove any lumps or impurities.
This process ensures a smooth application and optimal results for your painting project.
Apply the primer coat
Applying the primer coat is a critical step in the painting process. To apply the primer coat, start by ensuring the surface is clean, dry, and free from any loose or peeling paint. Use a brush or roller to evenly apply the primer, working in small sections at a time. Apply a single coat of primer on the exterior surface of the RV to make the paint adhere to the fiberglass firmly.
The primer should be allowed to dry thoroughly, typically for at least a few hours, before applying any top layers of paint. It’s important to note that some surfaces may require more than one coat of primer for optimal coverage and adherence to the final paint layer.
Following these steps on how to apply the primer coat will result in a smooth, professional finish.
Load the gun with the paint
Fill the mixture in a paint gun and start applying long and even strokes of paint. This task needs to be done very carefully in order to avoid any drips or runs. It is advised to start from the front part of the RV and move backward. This helps in getting an even appearance.
Allow the paint to dry
Leave the RV to dry on a gel coat for 24 Hrs. Apply the second coat the next day in the same manner as before. Examine that the entire fiberglass surface is evenly covered and no area is left behind and if any unevenly painted area is spotted, clean it using sandpaper and paint it again.
Final Step
Once you are done with painting, the final step is to make your RV look as fantastic as new remains. All you will need is an RV wax and a soft cotton cloth. Some prefer a gloss clear coat, if so then apply as directed on the product’s packaging.
Apply a coating of RV wax with the help of soft cotton cloth in circular motions. This coating provides protection to the paint coat and also gives a shining appearance.
The heavy paper and painter’s tape can be removed now taking care that it doesn’t peel off paint coat with it.
Final Thoughts
Painting your RV not only gives it a new look but also extends its life. What seemed to be a herculean task to tackle in the beginning can be achieved easily by breaking the process into small steps and being prepared with all the required equipment.
Now, that you have got the look you wanted for your RV, the task is not over, you need to take good care of your motor-van to make the paint last longer and continue to give you recreational vacations for long. Just the way you invest your time in keeping your RV’s interior neat and organized, you need to give equal attention to the exterior as well.
Always park your RV under a shade to protect it against UV rays, wash it regularly to get rid of dirt and bird droppings, and drive carefully to prevent any scratches or dents. Take care of your RV and it will pay you back in terms of relaxing fun vacations.
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