Posted by frenchicfinland Admin
Painting a camper van - Henriikka's tips for a bold motorhome makeover
Frenchic paints are suitable for painting hard surfaces in motorhomes, caravans and camper vans. The paints are suitable for cold winter spaces. Read the instructions for painting a motorhome here.
Painting with Frenchic paints is quite simple:
Clean and dry
Whether you're painting glossy kitchen cabinets or a laminate table, the first step is to make sure the surface is very clean by using a good degreasing detergent, such as Sugar Soap.
Roughen
Next comes sanding. This step is vital because it removes the glossy finish and creates a rough, dull surface that maximizes paint adhesion. Bear in mind that the glossier the surface, the more thorough the sanding needs to be.
You don't need to use an electric sander - thorough hand-sanding is usually sufficient, so a sanding sponge or sandpaper is a good option. Thoroughly roughen the entire surface with medium or fine sandpaper or a sanding sponge, then wipe away the sanding dust.
Apply at least two coats
Paint only clean, dry surfaces with thoroughly mixed paint. Follow the drying times between coats; check them on the side of the paint tin before you start.
All Frenchic ranges are suitable for plastic and MDF surfaces.
Henriikka's story of renovating her motorhome surfaces
I set off on a new kind of journey, transforming my camper van. I wanted to stand out from the ordinary and add a touch of my own personality.
Traditional whites, beiges and grays were left behind when I decided to make room for colors and bold choices that bring a smile to my face every day. At first, all I knew was that I wanted green cabinets and lots of color, but as the renovation progressed, my choices took shape.
I found perfect shades in Frenchic paints, such as the wonderfully deep and bohemian Victory Lane from the Al Fresco range, as well as the bright yellow Daffs. I also picked up the delicious Plum Pudding from the Lazy Range, as well as McFee Trim Paint, to complete the playful look.
I also wanted to leave room for creativity, and my mind often changes during the process, so I was really happy to have the chance to mix and tint new colors myself. I'm really pleased with our collaboration, which made this colorful adventure possible!
Great Coverage and Beautiful Colors
Frenchic paints combine natural ingredients, durability and recyclability, which is important to me. The paints are mineral-rich, yet they don't compromise on color saturation or coverage.
Many people have already admired my makeover and said, "It looks like it was done by a professional! How did you get the finish so smooth?" The answer lies in the paint's consistency and its clever drying finish.
Frenchic paint dries to a finish in a class of its own!
Frenchic paints also go a really long way, and they're very pleasant to apply. For the makeover, I also used leftover paints from previous renovations, from other brands, and noticed a big difference between them. Frenchic paints really live up to their reputation!
A Riot of Color, Playfulness, and Bold Choices
During the process, the vision gradually became clearer. I played around with different ideas and looked for inspiration in my old travel photos, on Pinterest, and in the Frenchic Facebook group.
I decided to boldly experiment with different combinations. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes I got it wrong. The best part is that you can always change your mind and paint over it.
Ultimately, the colorful streets and houses of Lisbon inspired me. I wanted to bring lots of bold colors and playfulness to my motorhome, to brighten every morning, whatever the weather. I used different shades and combined them boldly, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.
Steps Toward the Perfect Result
Good preparation is the foundation of a successful project. Frenchic offers excellent instructions for proper preparation. Following the instructions, I washed everything thoroughly and sanded the smooth surfaces, while the textured walls and ceiling only needed a paint cleaner.
Frenchic's own Sugar Soap easily removed grease, stubborn dirt, and dust. Don't skip these preparation steps!
When preparing a motorhome, remember to allow time for removing the cabinet doors and small parts such as handles and screws.
After the careful preparation, there was still the masking to do. Frog Tape from Frenchic's online store gave the best results, as it prevents paint from seeping under the adhesive edge or leaving a rough finish when removed.
I was surprised by how much time all the preparation took, and learned that preparing just the cabinets, for example, could take up to three days before I could start painting.
The Trio of Painting Techniques: Find Your Favorite
Roller: The tool I chose was the TFB - 15mm - Semi Smooth Plus microfiber roller. It was an excellent choice, as it leaves a very smooth finish and works beautifully on all surfaces. With careful washing, the rollers could be reused again and again.
Brush: Frenchic’s own oval brushes made it possible to paint corners and precise areas. The motorhome has a huge number of corners and spots that require detailed work, so alongside these, I also used my own soft, small brushes.
Spray painting: Fun, but the most challenging of the three. For spray painting, the paint needs to be thinned with about 10-15% water, which of course reduces its coverage. I used this technique with the Victory Lane Al Fresco shade on the cabinet doors. The result was an exceptionally smooth and successful finish after four coats.
The Joy of Recycling: Get Creative with Leftover Paint
Frenchic paints came in just the right quantities, and there was exactly enough for the makeover. I’m planning to use the leftover shades in my art, as these paints are perfect for techniques like paint pouring and can be used to create really striking wall art.
Alternatively, I’m planning to give leftover paint to friends or offer it
for example, through social media, to DIY enthusiasts who are interested.
Frenchic’s values - environmental awareness, sustainability, and recycling - are important to me too, which is why this project felt especially meaningful.
Henriika’s Tips:
1. Follow the instructions and don’t skip the prep work
2. Double the time you originally planned
3. Play boldly with colors - don’t be afraid of mistakes, because you can always paint over them
4. Get inspiration from others who have worked on similar projects - the Frenchic Facebook group is great for this
5. If your inspiration or motivation runs out, take a break and return to the project later
6. Know when to stop, because endless second-guessing can take the joy out of creating
7. Enjoy the brainstorming, the process, and the end result
Thank you, Frenchic, for making this wonderful makeover possible and giving me the tools to bring my vision to life. Thanks to our collaboration, my motorhome is now more colorful and inspiring than I ever imagined. I’m incredibly grateful for this journey, which has been full of creativity and joy.
On to new adventures!
My motorhome’s makeover is now complete for the time being, and I’m going to enjoy colorful adventures and the work of my own hands.
Although the main project is finished, I’m still planning to add various patterns and details, but I’m giving my body and mind some time to unwind after the long renovation and making space for creativity.
You can follow my journey on Instagram!
