DIY Network

Walls, Air and Cabinets: Interior Paint and Vista View Shades From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-204

Host Kevin Tetz paints the interior of the '70 Airstream with a warm golden yellow and silver cap area. He demonstrates how to properly clean and prep the vinyl-covered walls for good paint adhesion and how to choose the right primer. Finally, he shows how to paint the Vista View window shades with paint designed for plastic.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Kevin applied a nice silver coating of spray paint to the backside of the Vista View window shade to match the outside of the trailer.

Note: From 1952 through the lat '60s Airstream used a tough Zolotone paint to coat the interiors of the trailers. This paint is still available today, and a lot of Airstream restorers choose to use this particular paint.

The project Airstream has a cream-color vinyl wall covering (figure A) that was installed in the original trailer. The walls are a bit dingy and discolored. Kevin has decided to paint the walls of the project trailer.

Painting the Interior of the Airstream

Don't forget, as Kevn has said before in the 100 series of Classic Rides, the key to any successful painting job is to have proper surface preparation.

1. Thoroughly clean the surface of the walls with a strong household cleaner. After it's cleaned, use scuffing pads on the walls to continue prepping for the primer and paint.

2. You can also use scuffing pads (figure B, which work well because they get down into the crevices of the surface. Be sure to remove any loose debris after the sanding process.

3. When you prime, you want to use a high quality bonding primer. For the project Airstream, Kevin uses an oil-based primer because a latex primer might cause the wall covering to separate from the wall. Roll the primer on like paint with a roller brush (figure C).

   Note: For paints, choose the right brush for the specific paint you're using. And read the manufacturer's guidelines for drying time.

4. The project Airstream is going to receive a cool silver-paint treatment in the front part of the living area (figure D). Simply roll on the paint the same as the previous steps.

5. The Vista View window shades on the project trailer are in good shape but, like the walls, also need painting. To begin, loosen the wall panels around the windows and pull the shades out.

6. First you need to clean the shades, then simply use spray paint formulated for plastic.

   Safety Alert: When spray painting always wear a protect mask and safety glasses.

7. Do a test spray and then apply a thin first coat. Let it flash or dry to the touch.

8. Build up the paint in even overlapping coats--not all at one time.

In the next segment some new vent fans are installed in the project trailer.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Fan-Tastic Vent Fans
Fantastic Vent Inc.
Website: www.fantasticvent.com

Penguin Duo-Therm 15,000 BTU Rooftop Air Conditioner
Dometic USA
Website: www.dometicusa.com

GUESTS :

Xavier Taylor
RV Expert
Phone: 865-388-3298 (cell)