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Keystone Travel Trailer with a freshly painted exterior with a firepit in the foreground
Keystone Travel Trailer with a freshly painted exterior with a firepit in the foreground
DIY Tutorials

How to Paint an RV Exterior

Project
Refurbish
Room
RV Exterior
Cost
$300
Skill Level
Intermediate

Is your vintage camper (or even your new camper) in need of a paint job? Give your RV a new lease on life with an exterior paint job. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to paint your RV exterior.

Whether your RV is a pop-up camper, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, or motorhome, this guide will help you. Included is the prep work required before you start painting, how to remove the decals, and how to paint clean lines. Plus, we share top product recommendations so your camper comes out looking fresh.

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Instructions: How to Paint an RV

There you have it, 10 easy steps to paint an RV exterior!

Remember to properly prep the exterior surface so that the paint has something to adhere to. Go slow and do it right so you don’t have to do it again next season.

How to Protect Your RV’s Exterior from UV Damage

Now that your RV is freshly painted and looking brand new, you’ll want to keep it that way. The sun’s harsh UV rays can quickly fade decals and dull your paint job if you’re not careful. Fortunately, a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your finish.

Tips to Keep Your RV Looking Its Best:

  • Wax your RV regularly to protect the paint and boost shine
  • Park in the shade whenever possible
  • Use a high-quality RV cover or store it indoors during off-season months

That’s It—10 Easy Steps to Paint Your RV Exterior!

Taking the time to prep your surface properly and follow each step carefully makes all the difference. Go slow, stay patient, and do it right the first time—so you don’t have to redo it next season.

Enjoy the ride and that fresh new finish!

Check out all the RV renovations that are in progress, or we have completed so far. You can find links to all the products used, paint colors, and other helpful resources.

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Shop all the products we use in our renovations and other recommended products that work well for RVs.

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