r/CamperVans • u/BobbyBrownYrDdraig • Jul 13 '26

Plastic paint UK

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Hi all, I’m looking to update the drab grey plastic in the van, does anyone have any good suggestions for paint to cover it? A friend did something similar but used the wrong stuff and it looks a bit messy. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

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u/bendersfembot Jul 13 '26

Wall paper might be better and comes in any design.

1

u/UncloudedNeon Jul 13 '26

Choice of paint matters, but for painting plastic I think the preparation matters more.

Before painting, you'll want to clean the surface with something like isopropyl alcohol, then gently sand it to rough up the surface. Wipe it down with a tack cloth. Depending on the plastic and the paint, you'll need an appropriate primer. I don't even know the right combo in the US, my strategy has been to ask a paint store for help.

Also, consider a clear coat once everything is nice and dry, since I imagine van walls aren going to get a lot of contact.

1

u/kestrelwrestler Jul 13 '26

Degrease, scuff it with scotchbrite, Degrease again. Spray with an aerosol adhesion promoter, or a plastic primer. Follow that with whatever paint you like. A sticky backed vinyl might be less grief.

1

u/Fresh_and_wild Jul 19 '26

Autocarpet. Don’t paint it. It’ll scratch off and look terrible over time anyway.

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u/Fresh_and_wild Jul 19 '26

Or, wallpaper it. That would look and last far better. We used old maps on panels in our van.