Painting the walls....any tips?

[aknavy]

I'm finally gonna paint the interior walls of our fifth wheel - besides use a high quality primer and paint, and the standard painting methods, is there anything I need to know? This is just the walls, no cabinets or faux wood trim at this point. Thanks!

[Selah]

You will be most likely painting over wallpaper. I would research that before proceeding. A quick look showed lots of formation.

[WayRob1956]

Originally Posted by aknavy

I'm finally gonna paint the interior walls of our fifth wheel - besides use a high quality primer and paint, and the standard painting methods, is there anything I need to know? This is just the walls, no cabinets or faux wood trim at this point. Thanks!

IF you are painting over wallpaper FIRST make sure it is adhered well with no lose ends or tags/seams. If so you will need to trim and use some spackling paste or drywall mud to fill in smoothly. Good quality of primer but do not soak the wallpaper to much or you could cause it to loosen. Primer doesn't have to completely cover the "design". However if you have some deep colors in the wallpaper I would suggest using a Grey primer instead of white. I have done this many times in homes I have remodeled and it works fine. If you are painting over wood paneling (can also be done as above) I would suggest the Zinser Primer HD sells. Just be careful in using as it is very thin/watery and will make a mess if you are not careful. Good Luck and Happy remodeling.

[keymastr]

I will second what Rob suggested with the Zinser Bin primer or Killz since you need an encapsulating primer to seal out glue and dye stains. Smelly and messy so plan accordingly. A charcoal respirator will be needed, even with all windows open.

[NLOVNIT]

In addition to the suggestions above, if you are painting over a wall paper border, there will be the top border edge you need need to account for. Otherwise you'll see the edge line running around all walls to which it is glued. Spackle & feather out so you don't notice the border behind the paint.

Lori-

[rarebear.nm]

I've painted some of our RV interior. We have a vinyl covering on the walls, not paper wall paper- different issues. First I rough sanded the entire surface to scuff the surface for better adhesion. Next washed it down with a strong mix of Dawn and rinsed it. Then applied a primer called Gripper. It sticks well to vinyl, not all paints will! Then lighted that to ensure a smooth surface and wiped tit with a damp rag to remove any residue. Last used a good latex paint for the color coat. It all came out great but takes time.

We did have some patterned trim stuff, but that just pealed right off the vinyl. Use a top grade masking tape to prevent peel-off damage on some of the "wood" trim. Like the green tape frequently used for auto painting.

[keymastr]

Careful with the tape selection, some brands have a lime green tape that is for sticking to masonry and concrete. It WILL cause damage. Blue tape is easy release, at least in the 3M line.

[aknavy]

Thanks for all the replies! I've used both Killz and Zinser in my house in the past, and I think I'll go with Killz in the RV. Seems to be a little thicker, so maybe less chance of issues with the current wall covering. I don't have any borders, so there's less work there. As far as tape goes, I'll be sticking with the expensive blue stuff, as I've learned my lesson in the past when using the cheap stuff. You know the saying....cheap rarely is!

Thought I was going to start this project today, but regular maintenance intruded...You know, things like cleaning/protecting slide seals, lubing axles, lubing slide gears/rams/mechanisms, rotating tires, etc. Always something, especially when you're full time and putting in the miles we have. Of course, doing all that led to rearranging storage, cause I don't think that ever ends....Next think you know, the day is gone.

I'll post some before and afters when I finally get around to doing it...hopefully in the next week or so.