Whether you’re breathing new life into a vintage van or just freshening up a faded finish, painting your caravan can be one of the most satisfying upgrades you’ll ever do. But here’s the thing—slapping on a coat of paint without proper prep is a fast track to flaking, bubbling, and regret.
Painting a caravan the right way means knowing your surfaces, using the correct materials, and being prepared to put in the elbow grease. Done properly, you can protect your van for years and seriously boost its resale value—or simply enjoy a fresh, clean look every time you hit the road.
This guide walks through every key step, using plain English, practical tips, and some real-world know-how from owners who’ve done it themselves. So if you’re thinking about giving your caravans in Heatherbrae a bit of a facelift, this is your starting point.
Why Would You Paint a Caravan?
Most people don’t wake up one day and decide to repaint their van for fun. There’s usually a trigger:
- The old paint is chalking, fading, or bubbling
- You’ve bought a second-hand caravan with a tired or outdated look
- You’re trying to match new panels with old ones
- You’re going for a complete style upgrade—think custom colours or decals
Painting isn’t just about looks either. A quality paint job protects against:
- Corrosion and water damage
- UV degradation, especially in Aussie sun
- Long-term wear and tear from travel and storage
Know Your Surface: Aluminium, Fibreglass, or Steel?
Before you bust out the roller, figure out what you’re actually painting. Most Aussie caravans fall into three categories:
- Aluminium cladding: Common on older vans; needs special etch primer
- Fibreglass bodies: Smooth, modern shells; require surface abrasion and bonding agents
- Steel components: Found on trims, frames, or underneath; prone to rust if not prepped
Each surface reacts differently to sanding, primers, and paint types. Aluminium is prone to oxidation, fibreglass is often coated in gelcoat that resists paint, and steel needs rust treatment before you even think of a topcoat.
This is why cutting corners early on often leads to peeling paint six months down the track.
Sanding and Surface Prep: The Backbone of a Good Paint Job
Prep is where most DIY jobs go wrong. If your surface isn’t sanded, cleaned, and treated correctly, the best paint in the world won’t stick.
Here’s the typical surface prep flow:
- Wash thoroughly with degreaser or sugar soap to remove dirt, oil, and wax
- Sand all surfaces using 180–240 grit for fibreglass or 80–120 grit for aluminium
- Patch dents or holes using appropriate fillers
- Wipe clean with a tack cloth or surface prep solvent
- Apply primer, tailored to your surface type
It’s slow work, but the results show. Don’t rush it.
Choosing the Right Paint and Primer
Now that your van’s looking bare and prepped, it’s time to talk about what paint to use. Caravan paint needs to be UV-resistant, weatherproof, and durable against stone chips, wind, and road grime.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Primers:
- Aluminium: Etch primer or epoxy primer
- Fibreglass: Two-part epoxy or high-adhesion bonding primer
- Steel: Rust converter then anti-corrosion primer
- Topcoats:
- Automotive-grade acrylic enamel: Affordable and UV-stable
- 2-pack polyurethane: Extremely tough but requires a respirator and proper ventilation
- Marine paints: Great for fibreglass but can be pricey
Spray guns offer a professional finish, but many DIYers go for foam rollers or brushes—less sleek but perfectly functional with good technique.
Indoor or Outdoor Setup?
Ideally, paint in a well-ventilated, dust-free garage or shed. Outdoor painting can work, but you’ll need:
- Calm weather (no wind, no rain)
- Shaded or overcast skies to avoid drying too quickly
- Dust sheets and tarps to protect your driveway or lawn
Temperature matters too—15 to 25°C is the sweet spot. Too cold and the paint won’t cure properly. Too hot and you’ll get runs and orange peel texture.
Paint Application: Rollers vs Spray Guns
For most DIY caravan paint jobs, the choice is between:
- Spray guns: Faster, smoother finish, but needs practice and equipment
- Rollers and brushes: Slower, a bit more texture, but much cheaper and accessible
If you go the roller route:
- Use high-density foam rollers for fewer marks
- Apply thin coats, building up gradually
- Allow full drying time between coats (typically 12–24 hours)
Plan for 2–3 coats of primer and 2–3 topcoats depending on coverage and colour.
Drying, Curing and Aftercare
Paint dries in hours but takes days to fully cure. During this time:
- Keep the caravan sheltered from dust, bugs, or moisture
- Avoid washing, waxing, or heavy contact for at least 7 days
- Inspect for runs, patches or missed spots after each coat
Once fully cured, you can protect the paint with automotive-grade sealant or wax. It’ll keep that new-look finish gleaming for longer, especially under harsh Aussie sun.
Real-World Example: Freshening Up a Retro Viscount
A Sydney couple recently repainted their 1970s Viscount caravan using a DIY approach in their carport. The process took two weekends. They sanded back the faded aluminium cladding, primed with Dulux metal primer, then rolled on two coats of white and teal automotive enamel.
They spent under $400 on materials and equipment. While not show-room perfect, the transformation was dramatic—and friends assumed it had been professionally resprayed. The secret? Painstaking prep and patience with each coat.
FAQs
What kind of paint should I use to paint a caravan?
The best paint for caravans depends on the material, but automotive-grade enamel or 2-pack polyurethane are common choices. For aluminium caravans, you’ll need an etch primer followed by an enamel topcoat. Fibreglass surfaces benefit from a bonding primer and either a marine-grade or high-quality acrylic finish.
Avoid using basic house paint—it won’t last and isn’t designed to handle vibration, UV exposure, or temperature extremes. Always match the paint system (primer + topcoat) to your surface and environmental conditions.
Can I paint a caravan with a roller?
Yes, you can. Many DIYers paint their caravans with foam rollers, and while it won’t give the glass-smooth finish of a spray gun, you can still get excellent results. The key is using the right type of roller—high-density foam—and applying thin, even coats.
You’ll also want to lightly sand between coats to reduce texture. It’s slower than spraying, but safer and more accessible for beginners.
Do I need to remove old paint before repainting a caravan?
Not always, but you do need to sand it thoroughly. If the old paint is flaking, chalky, or damaged, you’ll need to strip those areas back to bare metal or fibreglass. For sound areas, scuffing the surface with sandpaper creates a key for the new paint to stick.
Failing to do this means the new paint will likely peel or bubble within months. So even if you’re not removing all the old paint, proper surface prep is non-negotiable.
How long does it take to paint a caravan?
Allow at least 2–3 days for the full process, assuming you’ve already done prep. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Day 1: Cleaning, sanding, masking, priming
- Day 2: First and second coats of paint
- Day 3: Final coat, touch-ups, drying
Larger or more complex vans may take longer. And if you’re dealing with dents, rust, or multiple colours, it could stretch into a week. Plan it like a renovation project, not a quick job.
Is it worth painting an old caravan?
Absolutely—if the structure’s sound. Painting an old van:
- Increases resale value
- Protects against rust and UV
- Gives you a sense of ownership and pride
However, if the van’s riddled with leaks or structural damage, painting might just be putting lipstick on a lemon. Do a proper check of the roof, seals, and frame before investing time and money into a repaint. For older but solid caravans, though, it can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
A Project Worth Doing Right
Painting a caravan isn’t just about changing colour—it’s about preserving your investment and making it truly yours. Whether you’re modernising a family tourer or restoring a retro classic, the payoff is worth the prep. Just take your time, choose your materials wisely, and follow each step to the letter.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.