Pop-up camper makeover

[sandy_d]

A pop-up campervan makeover with fresh paint, flyscreens soldered and resewn, and new curtains.

• The project
• Tools and materials
• Steps
• Before and after
• How to renovate a caravan
• More inspiration for your caravan renovation

The project

A friend asked if I could makeover her dated Jayco camper trailer, and I couldn’t say no. This project took some time and lots of love and was well worth it. It’s now travelling and making memories. 

This is how it was before.

Tools and materials

Tools and materials used:

• Sandpaper
  
  
• Dulux Precision primer
  
  
• Renew tile & laminate paint (Black Earth)
  
  
• Timber protect satin varnish
  
  
• Faux leatherette material 
  
  
• Sugar soap
  
  
• Monarch paint pad
  
  
• Dulux Metalshield Monument
  
  
• Exterior paint
  
  
• Interior paint (I used the colour Salinger Half)
  
  
• Ryobi soldering iron.

Steps

Step 1

I started by removing all existing curtains and cushions. The canvas, walls and floors were washed with sugar soap and allowed to dry. 

I lightly sanded all surfaces and painted with two coats of Dulux primer. 

 

Step 2

Once the primer was dry, I painted the cupboards with two coats of interior paint and one coat of clear varnish in satin finish for extra protection. It was also at this stage that the fridge didn’t work so I removed it and made additional storage space with off cut ply I had. 

I added some sheer curtains for privacy, upholstered the original seats and made new curtains to match the new decor. 

Step 3

The only thing letting the makeover down was the interior canvas. I watered down exterior paint in white and applied it with this amazing little palm pad painter. Previously, I tried with a paint brush and a roller but this pad was a game changer. It allowed me to have even paint and not too thick. If you use undiluted paint, the canvas will crack when folded away. 

I sanded down the surface with 240-grit after it had dried to remove any imperfections in the paint. 

Step 4

Originally, she wanted to cover the flooring with vinyl planks. I suggested to paint them as the pattern was too beautiful to hide, and I'm glad I did. I painted the flooring and bench tops with tile and laminate paint. 

 

 

Step 5

The other issue with the camper was that the flyscreens were broken. My friend had purchased a roll of new flyscreen which I started to sew by hand. This took so much time to complete one screen, so I did some research and saw some people using a soldering iron to fuse the screen on. If you do decide to do this, use a mask as the fumes are toxic. 

I did, however, go back and sewed a running stitch after to fuse them as I wasn’t 100% confident that the fusing would be strong enough. 

It came up like new. The exterior poles and trailer itself have been sprayed with Dulux Metalshield in Monument and lighter colour in surf mist.

Step 6

And that is my makeover complete. The camper is now out and about getting dirty and living it’s best new life.

 

 

Before and after

 

How to renovate a caravan

A retro caravan can offer the freedom to relax and get away from it all, whether you tow it to a gorgeous holiday spot or leave it in the backyard. Experienced caravan renovator Rob has shared a comprehensive three-part series How to renovate a caravan. 

More inspiration for your caravan renovation 

Workshop member Taniatee31 completed a budget caravan makeover with new flooring and paint.

Community member twocutekelpies took a dilapidated old van and completed a comprehensive 1972 York caravan renovation.

Our 10 caravan renovations has more ideas and inspiration for your project.

[TedBear]

I bow down in admiration for your imagination and skills @sandy_d .

I would never have thought to paint that floor in order to enhance the existing pattern.  The curtains in the bed area add a touch of style and romance not often associated with camper trailers. Absolutely stunning.