Community Forums

vjkahler · 10-20-2015, 04:29 PM

We have a 2003 DSDP 3802, and I would really like to paint the walls of the coach. Should I try to remove the wallpaper? Or install wall liner and paint that? Or just sand the seams and paint over the existing wall paper? We hope to be fulltiming next year for at least 5 years, and looking at this hideous wallpaper for that length of time would be depressing. I wouldn't be afraid to remove the paper if I knew I would have a good surface to paint on. Someone here has to have done this already to a similar Newmar coach. What color did you use to coordinate with these 'lovely' oak cabinets?

Trekgrr · 10-20-2015, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjkahler

We have a 2003 DSDP 3802, and I would really like to paint the walls of the coach. Should I try to remove the wallpaper? Or install wall liner and paint that? Or just sand the seams and paint over the existing wall paper? We hope to be fulltiming next year for at least 5 years, and looking at this hideous wallpaper for that length of time would be depressing. I wouldn't be afraid to remove the paper if I knew I would have a good surface to paint on. Someone here has to have done this already to a similar Newmar coach. What color did you use to coordinate with these 'lovely' oak cabinets?

typically, the "wood" under the wallpaper is luwan, this is a hardboard pressed wood product. If you strip the wallpaper off you may need to use drywall "mud" or plaster to make it smooth for the paint. This would make a better surface than wallpaper for paint.

Hugmongous · 10-20-2015, 04:41 PM

There are a number of threads on this .. but to simplify things. I totally re-painted my interior walls - so speak from experience.

If you can remove the wallpaper, you are better than most. It is factory bonded to the luan/lauan paneling. So scrub the walls down with TSP. Rinse well. Paint with a good primer/sealer like Kiltz.. oil base if possible. Then paint with a good quality house paint. Mine worked out well. Some of the small nooks and crannies are really difficult to get into, but it can be done.

I have have any questions.. just let me know and I will try to answer them.

tomakat · 10-20-2015, 07:56 PM

Here's a video of Pippi Peterson painting over her wallpaper in her kitchen just to give you some ideas. You don't have to do the penny countertops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...&v=fCNZRP1wjVE

britcon · 10-20-2015, 08:58 PM

The " wallpaper " is a factory applied finish ( panel factory / not at Newmar ). Removing it would be next to impossible without creating a huge mess. There are a number of paint products out there that are designed to cover rough wall surfaces. I think this would be the route to go.

FORTRIDER · 10-21-2015, 08:43 AM

I had the bright idea to also remove the wall paper and put up some new. What a mistake that was. Several weeks later I had it removed along with all the gummy residue. It was a mess and I would never attempt again. My 2 cents.

mel s · 10-21-2015, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekgrr

typically, the "wood" under the wallpaper is luwan, this is a hardboard pressed wood product. If you strip the wallpaper off you may need to use drywall "mud" or plaster to make it smooth for the paint. This would make a better surface than wallpaper for paint.

vjkahler (& Trekgrr)
Lauan is a tropical hardwoodspecies similar to mahogany.
The interior wall paneling in many RVs is Lauan plywood, (not a hardboard pressed wood product)... with a very thin "vinyl patterned film" factory bonded to the face....
That "film" is not easily removed.
Mel
'96 Safari

jrwitt · 10-21-2015, 12:55 PM

You could also cover the wallpaper with another wallpaper. There are lots of patterns out there. Some are fairly simple patterns and probably could find some solid colors. Also, there are textured wallpapers like grass cloth and other textures. Probably be the easiest if you can find a paper you can live with.

Whether you paint or repaper, be sure to clean off old wall surface thoroughly so the paint or wallpaper will adhere tightly. If you paint, use a primer like someone above suggested.

Good luck. Hope this helps.