The best paint to use on the outside of your caravan is Tekaloid coach paint. As for the inside, use your choice of emulsion paint. Both paint styles can be applied in a couple of different ways, but spraying is the best.
The appearance of your caravan is certainly important. To help you make it look the best it can I will cover the best paints to use as well as application methods.
Best paint for caravan exterior
Since the exterior will be exposed to all sorts of weather, especially if you do a lot of traveling, you will need durable paint. The best for the job is Tekaloid coach paint. This paint is used for the exteriors of all sorts of vehicles from personal to agricultural.
Coach Paint is an alkyd paint that is prized for its durable finish and colour stability. When properly applied it should last you for many years on end. One of its greatest advantages is that it is rather moisture resistant.
It is available in any colour you could desire. It comes in either aerosol or tin form depending on your preferred application method.
Other alkyd paints will work well if you can’t find Tekaloid.
Other exterior paint options
If you don’t plan on constantly travelling with your caravan you can use slightly less durable paint. In the case of a more stationary caravan, you can use chemical-based acrylic paint. This type of paint is still fairly durable, just not as much as alkyd paint.
Acrylic paint does better than latex paint as it is more adaptable to temperature changes. Acrylic paint is also resistant to sun fading. One downside is that it does not dry as fast as latex paint. However, it is generally quicker to dry than alkyd paint.
It is possible to use latex paints on the exterior of your caravan, though I don’t recommend it as it may not last as long.
Best paint for caravan interior
When painting the interior you have the advantage of not worrying about nature’s power. What is most important to consider is the material you’re painting on.
For all-around painting, emulsion paint is your best bet. This style of paint is water-based and can have either acrylic or vinyl added in. It is best for interior painting, especially on walls and ceilings.
Since it is water-based as opposed to chemical-based it is safer to use in enclosed spaces. It is also generally cheaper than chemical-based paints.
While there are a variety of materials inside your caravan emulsion paint will handle the job. Emulsion paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood and metal.
The style of emulsion paint, acrylic or vinyl, doesn’t matter as much as the fact that it is emulsion paint. Acrylic emulsion paint may be slightly more durable than vinyl but usually not in a noticeable way.
Best application method by paint type
The application method will determine the final appearance as well as ease of painting. No matter the paint, prep work is often the most important work.
Always clean and prime the surface prior to painting. Masking tape will also be very handy.
When painting the exterior with Tekaloid alkyd paint you have two options. The best way to do this is by spraying the paint. This will ensure an even finish while also being time-efficient. A paint gun is the best tool for this particular job.
Always wear a paint respirator or some form of mask when spray painting.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a paint gun you can also use brushes and rollers. If you go with this option, you will need to be more careful to avoid odd lines and layers. Tekaloid coach paint can be difficult to work with.
Between brushes and rollers, it is better to use a foam roller with Tekaloid.
Chemical-based and water-based acrylic paint will work well with either a paint gun or brushes and rollers. Luckily, they are a little less temperamental when using brushes and rollers compared to Tekaloid.
Acrylic paints work best with synthetic material rollers and brushes.
Last thoughts
Now that you know the types of paint to use on your caravan, both inside and out, it’s time to pick the colour and get to it.
Just remember to watch the weather when painting unless you have a covered space to protect your caravan from the elements.
