What's best kind of paint to use on old camper walls/cabinets/outside?

Elaine
by Elaine
We just picked up a 1986 Fleetwood Prowler that we want to renovate to move into off Craigslist. Great deal, but we want to update the walls, cabinets and floors .
1) What is the best kind of paint to use on walls, cabinets and outside of camper?
2) Has anyone used the "floating" laminate?
Someone is arguing with us about using the snap-in laminate flooring saying it will buckle when the camper is moved. We just want to fix it up and plant it on a small piece of property and live in it. All advice is very welcome. We are very new to doing anything like this. Thanks.
  6 answers
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jan 08, 2015
    If the unit is not going to be moved, go with your choice for flooring. Paint? Make sure you prep well first - that is the ticket. Go with good quality paint that is easy to clean, covers stains, etc. and good quality, rollers, brushes. Pays off. My fav primer is Zinzer 1-2-3, and I like Behr. I'd use a low-sheen on walls, a tough one with higher sheen for cabs. Flood paint brand is supposed to very good for outside. I'd go to a paint dealer for advice rather than a big box store as your chances of getting really pro advice might be better.
  • Marci N Marci N on Jan 08, 2015
    I would skip the snap together flooring as if it gets wet it is ruined. The linoleum flooring out now can look just like wood. I have it in my apartment and it fooled the guy who helped me move-and he is a finish guy on cabinets. LOL They also have the glue down linoleum wood look pieces and I did that and it looked better than the small area I tried the snap together stuff-and that was a PITA too to put together. As for paint get a really good quality paint and put a good primer on it. I think I used Devoe paint and it looked good. Also get flat it hides imperfections the best.
  • Carmen Carmen on Jan 09, 2015
    Whoever said the snap-in-laminate would buckle - is right even if you won't be moving the unit. Consider vinyl plank - very durable, easy to maintain and economical. Whatever paint you use keep in mind that a camper/motorhome tends to get more moisture/humidity then any other type of "small home" so be sure to get something that is mold & mildew proof; and just like painting any other surface preparation is everything. Agree you should seek advice from a paint dealer.
    • See 1 previous
    • R0l34077369 R0l34077369 on Sep 10, 2018

      No, it's generally not safe to use exterior paint on interior walls. You'd be risking respiratory problems, since exterior mold-resistant paints can contain chemicals that indoor paints do not.

  • Elaine Elaine on Jan 09, 2015
    Thanks so much for all of your advice! It was extremely helpful. I had read about them having more moisture/humidity and was thinking of getting a small dehumidifier for it. Do you think that would work?
  • Kelly Meigs Kelly Meigs on Jun 14, 2016
    I used the snap together linoleum. It looks really nice, was easy to install and is easy to clean. Just pulled up the (gross) carpet and strips and put this down on top of the old linoleum. You can score it with an exacto and then snap it apart. Really easy.
  • Kelly Meigs Kelly Meigs on Jun 14, 2016
    And, check out this post about painting a vintage camper. Great advice on paint type, etc. https://whippycake.com/2016/03/paint-vintage-camper/#comment-104751