5 Steps to Paint an Aluminum RV

RV renovations and remodels are never easy to complete but are often necessary for anyone who wants to rehab an older RV. And when done right, the renovation can bring new life to a rig and make it look great.

One common project is to paint an RV sided with aluminum. With careful preparation and the right materials, painting an aluminum RV can be a successful project. Here are a few tips to help you properly paint aluminum siding.

#1 Prep

Prep will involve removing light fixtures, screens, and any items that are on the outside of the rig. You may also need to withdraw any slides, which will help make the painting easier. In addition, you will need to close doors and windows.

#2 Wash and Dry

Next, give your rig a good wash to remove dust, dirt, and grime from the aluminum surface. For the best results, use a pressure washer or have your RV professionally washed. Let your RV dry for at least an hour or more.

#3 Cover Up Exterior Items

Before painting, use a heavy duty plastic and/or painters tape to cover windows, headlights, parking lights, tail lights, and any other areas of the RV that you don’t plan to paint. 

#4 Sand the Exterior

To help the paint adhere properly, you’ll need to sand the aluminum surface with a soft-grit sandpaper. This is a time-intensive task that will require a bit of elbow grease, but will provide the best results in the end. After sanding, wipe down all sanded areas to remove dust. 

#5 Prime & Paint!

Prime the surface with an aluminum oxide primer using a roller, brush, or sprayer. This step is essential so that the paint adheres properly to the surface. Once the primer is dry, apply an acrylic latex or oil-based paint in the color (or colors!) of your choice. It’s best to use a sprayer for paint application. After one coat is dry, apply a second coat to get an even appearance.

And finally, show off and enjoy your new RV! 

Have you ever painted an aluminum RV before? How did the process go? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!