> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Prep and Paint RV Walls and Cabinets - URL: https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/how-to-paint-rv-walls-cabinets/ - Published: 2020-09-10T14:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-23T06:56:36.000Z - Description: The key to painting RV walls and cabinets lies in prepping the surfaces. Scrubbing, sanding and washing the area is paramount. - Author: Staci Salazar - Tags: DIY, RV, How-To & Practical Living, #disclaimer ### When we decided to take on this [RV travel trailer renovation](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/rv-travel-trailer-remodel/), I knew exactly how I wanted it to look. Well, mostly how I wanted it to look. One thing I knew for sure? I wanted it white. ![How to Prep and Paint RV Walls and Cabinets](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/how-to-prep-and-paint-rv-walls-and-cabinets-1.png) No offense to all you RV manufacturers out there, but the [old school brown interiors](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/we-bought-an-rv-travel-trailer/) are dark, drab and suffocating to me. \[mv\_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement="false" doNotOptimizePlacement="false" jsonLd="true" key="xav1rvvsxsuisu0cguly" sticky="false" thumbnail="https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1599851175/yzigfb4upvaf2zl1v3ju.jpg" title="RV Travel Trailer Remodel" volume="30"\] ![2007 Sunset Creek 298BH main area](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/2007-sunset-creek-298bh-main-area-3.jpg) I enjoy bright and airy. White interiors seem to make the small space feel larger. Is it tougher to keep clean? Perhaps? But, people thought I was crazy for going with [white kitchen cabinets](https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/builder-grade-farmhouse-kitchen-home-depot/) in my [home when we built](https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/lessons-learned-from-building-a-house/) it too, but here we are three and a half years later and they still look great! ## Paint RV Walls So, we went all in and started prepping the travel trailer to be painted white. Top to bottom pretty much. During the [demo of the trailer](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/how-to-demo-an-rv-travel-trailer-for-renovations/), we also began scrubbing and sanding the walls. We were already removing sticky residue from the [wallpaper border](https://www.amazon.com/Wallpaper-Border-Beige-Classic-TK78264/dp/B07RYXFN5R/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?dchild=1&keywords=beige+wallpaper+border&qid=1599621411&s=hi&sr=1-45&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=ae01914b1daf8352ad7ef53772bfc8a2&language=en%5FUS), so went a step further to scrub everything. ![scrubbing rv bunkhouse walls](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/scrubbing-rv-bunkhouse-walls-1.jpg) The walls had grime caked on from years of use and that all had to come off. After we washed them, we had to sand them all to help the paint adhere, and then wash them again to get the sanding dust off. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/supplies-for-painting-an-rv-1.png) It's a process, but absolutely necessary if you want to ensure the paint sticks and the walls are smooth-*ish*. ![prep rv walls for paint](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/prep-rv-walls-for-paint-1-1.jpg) Not to mention, this was also the prime time to repair any damages to the walls. Remember all those cabinets and other fixtures we removed on [demo day](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/how-to-demo-an-rv-travel-trailer-for-renovations/)? All those staples? Yeah. We had to repair all of those. ![rv stretch sealant](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/rv-stretch-sealant-1.png) Not to mention, since the caulk was 12 years old, it needed a fresh seal too. NOTE: Remember that weight and flexibility matter everywhere in an RV travel trailer. We used [DAP EXTREME STRETCH ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071W141TK/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?adId=B071W141TK&ref-refURL=https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/home/ads/adcode/custom&slotNum=20&imprToken=EjbT5F1i3Zm.FwuYcuyF0g&adType=smart&adMode=manual&adFormat=grid&impressionTimestamp=1599702820579&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=cd256ccf6f0f80279843715a58502409&language=en%5FUS)because of its ability to stretch over 600%. All of that was done during the prep stage. And then we finished off prepping by putting [painter's tape](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z4DU/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=631c0fddb5aec4f80870464098782852&language=en%5FUS) over window frames, appliances, and other things we would be painting around. Next, it was time to actually start painting. ![when painting becomes a game](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/when-painting-becomes-a-game-1.png) Where, at this time, it felt like that was all we did. We painted morning, noon and night for days. Weeks even. ![painters tape before painting](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painters-tape-before-painting-1.jpg) When we thought we were done, we found something that was either (a) missed the first time or (b) required another coat. ![painting at home to finish faster](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painting-at-home-to-finish-faster-1.png) We took off cabinet doors and the refrigerator door sections and took them home to paint. ![more painting in travel trailer](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/more-painting-in-travel-trailer-1.jpg) We got everyone involved. Even our [grand baby](https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/types-of-grandparents/) (*pretended*) to help. ![second coat of rv wall paint](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/second-coat-of-rv-wall-paint-1.jpg) The slide out walls were the easiest to paint. ![painted rv slide out](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painted-rv-slide-out-1.png) Besides the windows, it was easy to step in and roll the walls without much in the way. ![painting rv kitchen cabinets](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painting-rv-kitchen-cabinets-1.jpg) Plus, because we were putting in all new [vinyl plank flooring](https://www.amazon.com/Planchas-vinilo-Achim-Furnishings-VFP1-2GO10/dp/B01EO3SINE/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?dchild=1&keywords=vinyl+planks&qid=1599620959&s=home-garden&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=06abe7ca26d817c9ebe2c1e45d4fddac&language=en%5FUS), we didn't have to worry about paint getting on the floor. ![more painting at home](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/more-painting-at-home-1.jpg) We just had to paint. ![everyone painting](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/everyone-painting-1.jpg) And paint. ![painting rv bunkhouse](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painting-rv-bunkhouse-1.png) And paint some more. ![paint an rv kitchen renovation](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/paint-an-rv-kitchen-renovation-1.png) Overall, most of the surfaces used two to three coats of paints. Some areas seemed to suck up more paint than others, no matter how much we prepped it. We used a [Behr Paint & Primer in One](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008U5LWZE/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=55b24bcbeaf5d8c1e316ae0701c65c70&language=en%5FUS) that I saw recommended by other RV renovators so were sure we used a good paint. The surfaces were just incredibly porous I guess. Overall, it wasn't too bad; it just seemed to never end. ![paintable wallpaper in rv bathroom](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/paintable-wallpaper-in-rv-bathroom-1.jpg) It probably didn't help that we then decided to add [paintable wallpaper](https://www.amazon.com/Brewster-Eukaryotic-Natural-Paintable-Wallpaper/dp/B00H3O8WJM/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?dchild=1&keywords=paintable+wallpaper&qid=1599624348&sr=8-77&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=4c609cd69a9f03368af37cfc52d1901b&language=en%5FUS) to the bathroom (*note the paintable part*)... ![painting rv kitchen countertop](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painting-rv-kitchen-countertop-1.png) And then decided to forego the original plan for [marble wallpaper](https://www.amazon.com/Art3d-Self-Adhesive-Contact-Countertops-Marble/dp/B07NV8Y5B8/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?%5Fencoding=UTF8&pd%5Frd%5Fi=B07NV8Y5B8&pd%5Frd%5Fr=f9d9d075-3807-427e-9789-fe0ca69ea644&pd%5Frd%5Fw=Cisf7&pd%5Frd%5Fwg=rxh6U&pf%5Frd%5Fp=eedb2e0a-dc98-41ea-a87a-c2ba640d1762&pf%5Frd%5Fr=K3R46J23THR1M8T5NZJ6&psc=1&refRID=K3R46J23THR1M8T5NZJ6&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=f4dd7014bb8d60eaa341a370e296435e&language=en%5FUS) on the kitchen counter and chose to paint it black instead... ![painting rv interior door](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painting-rv-interior-door-1.jpg) And finally, painted all three of the interior doors. Plus, the dinette table. Each project presented itself as a fresh, new project. Each one had to be prepped and sanded in order to take the paint. ![painting RV dinette table](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/painting-rv-dinette-table-1.jpg) Plus, we covered all of the cabinets and doors, as well as the table top and counter, with a couple coats of clear [Polycrylic](https://www.amazon.com/Minwax-233334444-Polycrylic-Protective-Finishes/dp/B000C02AO2/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?crid=FHZLSHHS8ZMI&dchild=1&keywords=polyurethane+sealer&qid=1599622064&sprefix=polyu,aps,204&sr=8-10&linkCode=ll1&tag=7onashoe-20&linkId=f9110362cd6928706c323dfd74fbda2f&language=en%5FUS) to help safeguard against scuff marks and dings. Y'all, we pushed through with every brush stroke and we did it! ![travel trailer remodel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/travel-trailer-remodel-2.png) And if I must say, we're pretty proud of the work we put in and the [finished project](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/rv-travel-trailer-remodel/)! [![RV Travel Trailer Remodel __ Before and After](https://storage.ghost.io/c/04/b6/04b60537-dad4-499b-b73c-0551021827f5/content/images/2026/01/rv-travel-trailer-remodel-__-before-and-after-7.png)](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/rv-travel-trailer-remodel/) Take a look at all of the [before + after pictures of the travel trailer remodel](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/rv-travel-trailer-remodel/) here! amzn\_assoc\_placement = "adunit0"; amzn\_assoc\_search\_bar = "true"; amzn\_assoc\_tracking\_id = "7onashoe-20"; amzn\_assoc\_ad\_mode = "manual"; amzn\_assoc\_ad\_type = "smart"; amzn\_assoc\_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn\_assoc\_region = "US"; amzn\_assoc\_title = "Shop the Post"; amzn\_assoc\_linkid = "f36a2afee05e0201573ffcd3e6baa601"; amzn\_assoc\_asins = "B071W141TK,B00004Z4DU,B004MW4GG6,B000BQYI24,B0010OKMMG,B01MRTEOHI,B01NCZKTZQ,B008U5LWZE"; - [We Bought an RV Travel Trailer and Here's Why...](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/we-bought-an-rv-travel-trailer/) - [3 Reasons to Consider an RV Road Trip](https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/reasons-consider-rv-road-trip/) - [Transform Your Kitchen By Changing 3 Things](https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/transform-kitchen-changing-3-things/) - [7 Easy Ways to Help Your Household Make It During a Summer Renovation](https://www.ourfamilylifestyle.com/help-your-household-during-a-summer-renovation/) - [Easy and Creative Painting with Kids for the Holidays](https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/easy-and-creative-painting-with-kids-for-the-holidays/)