Transform Rv Cabinets: Painting Plastic To Look Like Wood (2024)

Painting RV cabinets can be a great way to refresh your space. The process is fairly simple and can be done with a few tools. First, you'll need to remove any hardware, drawers, and doors from your cabinets. Next, repair and sand all surfaces thoroughly. Once that's done, clean up the sanding dust and tape off any areas you don't want to get paint on. After that, you'll need to prime your cabinets—an important step to ensure the paint adheres well. Finally, you can start painting! You can use a roller, brush, or sprayer for this step and will likely need 2-3 coats of paint.

Remove hardware, drawers, and doors

Removing the hardware, drawers, and doors is the first step in painting your RV cabinets. This will allow you to work on them more easily and give you more space. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Remove the hardware

Start by removing all the hardware from your cabinets, including handles, drawer stops, hinges, and screws. You can keep the hardware aside if you plan to reuse it, or you can replace it with new hardware. If you plan to paint the hardware, you can use spray paint to change its colour. Separate the hinges and screws and store them in labelled jars or containers to keep them organised and easy to find later.

Remove the drawers

To remove the drawers, look for black levers on both sides. Push down or up on these levers while simultaneously sliding the drawer out. This will allow you to remove the drawers without damaging them or the cabinet. Label each drawer to indicate where it belongs, especially if your drawers are different sizes. This will make it easier to put them back in the correct places later.

Remove the cabinet doors

Removing the cabinet doors will give you better access to the cabinet interior for painting. It will also make it easier to paint the doors themselves. Label each door or keep them in order so you know where to put them back. Removing the doors and drawers will give you a sense of how much storage space you have and how many cabinets and drawers there are!

Store the hardware, drawers, and doors safely

Once you have removed all the hardware, drawers, and doors, find a safe place to store them while you work on the rest of the cabinet. You don't want them to get damaged, so consider covering them with a cloth or keeping them in a protected area. If you are painting the hardware, drawers, and doors, make sure you have a suitable space to do this, such as outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Repair and sand surfaces

Before you start painting, it's important to repair any chips or holes in the wood of your cabinets. You can use wood filler to repair them and then let them dry according to the instructions on the filler you're using.

Sanding is a crucial step in the process of painting your RV cabinets. It helps the paint adhere better and reduces the likelihood of peeling. Use 220-grit sandpaper to sand the wood veneer and laminate surfaces. If your cabinets are made of solid wood, you'll need to sand them thoroughly to remove the varnish. You can use a chemical stripper or liquid sandpaper to assist in this process. After sanding, be sure to wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

If your cabinets are made of laminate or veneer, you should only lightly sand these surfaces to avoid tearing the plastic. Once you've finished sanding, use a damp rag to wipe off any dust.

Clean the Sanded Surfaces

After sanding, it's important to clean up the dust and debris. Use a microfiber cloth with water to wipe down all the surfaces. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar for a more thorough clean. Follow up by wiping everything down with a plain water rag.

Clean up after sanding

After you're done sanding, it's important to clean up the dust and residue to ensure a smooth finish for your cabinets. Dust is your enemy when painting cabinets. Here are some tips to effectively clean up after sanding:

• Use a shop vac: A shop vacuum, preferably one equipped with a brush attachment, is ideal for removing heavy dust particles. This ensures that you capture the majority of the dust and prevents it from spreading.
• Tack cloth: A tack cloth, available at hardware stores or paint stores, is designed to attract and capture fine dust particles. However, some people have reported that it leaves a residue, so it is recommended to test it on a small area first.
• Microfiber cloth: A damp microfiber cloth can effectively remove dust from sanded surfaces. It has a similar sticky property to a tack cloth but without the risk of leaving residue.
• Vacuum and wipe: You can also use a regular vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove the bulk of the dust, followed by a damp cloth or rag to wipe down the surface and pick up any remaining dust.
• Air compressor: An air compressor with a blow gun attachment can be used to blow away dust particles. However, be cautious as the dust will still be in the air and can settle back onto the surface.
• Compressed air: Alternatively, you can use compressed air to blow away the dust. Again, be mindful that the dust will be dispersed into the air and can resettles.
• Brushes: A soft-bristled paintbrush or a dusting brush can be used to brush away dust particles.

Prime cabinets

Priming your RV cabinets is an essential step in ensuring that your paint job is durable and long-lasting. Here's a detailed guide on how to prime your RV cabinets:

Choose the Right Primer:

• The primer you select will depend on the material of your cabinets. For solid wood cabinets, you can use any standard primer.
• For laminate or "fake wood" cabinets, choose a bonding primer designed for these surfaces. Lightly sand these surfaces before priming to enhance adhesion.
• If your cabinets are heavily stained, use a stain-blocking primer to prevent the stains from bleeding through the paint.

Prepare the Cabinets:

• Remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Label each piece with a corresponding number to ensure easy reassembly.
• Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser or a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove any grease, dirt, or grime.
• Repair any damaged areas with wood filler. Let the filler dry completely, then sand the repaired areas to smooth them out.
• Lightly sand the entire cabinet surface, including doors and drawers. Sanding creates a rough surface for the primer to adhere to. Use medium-grit sandpaper and be careful not to over-sand.
• Vacuum and wipe down the cabinets with a tack cloth to remove all dust and debris. Ensure the cabinets are completely dust-free before proceeding.

Prime the Cabinets:

• Work on one area at a time. Start with the cabinet frames, then move on to the doors and drawers.
• Use a paintbrush to prime detailed areas, corners, and edges. Use a mini roller for larger, flat surfaces.
• Apply the primer with even strokes, following the direction of the wood grain if applicable.
• For laminate cabinets, ensure you only use a light coat of primer. Don't overload the roller or brush to avoid pooling in corners and seams.
• Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sand and Spot-Prime:

• After the primer is dry, lightly sand the primed surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher). This will smooth out any imperfections and create an even base for the paint.
• Vacuum and wipe down the surfaces again with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
• If necessary, spot-prime any areas that require additional coverage or have been patched. Use a fast-drying primer or shellac for spot-priming.

Paint cabinets

Painting your RV cabinets can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and preparation, you can achieve great results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Remove Hardware and Doors

First, you'll need to remove all the hardware from your cabinets, including handles, hinges, and drawer stops. This will make the painting process easier and ensure that you don't accidentally paint over these areas. It's also a good idea to label the hardware and doors to keep track of where everything goes.

Step 2: Repair and Sand

If there are any chips, holes, or other damage to the cabinets, use wood filler or glue to repair them. Once the filler is dry, sand all the surfaces thoroughly. Sanding is crucial as it helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother finish. Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) and sand with the grain of the wood. Be careful not to over-sand, as it can damage the wood.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Surface

After sanding, clean the cabinets to remove any dust or debris. You can use a microfiber cloth with water or a mixture of water and vinegar. Make sure to wipe down the surfaces again with a damp cloth to ensure they are free of dust.

Next, use painter's tape to protect the areas you don't want to paint, such as walls, floors, and light fixtures. You can also lay down drop cloths or newspapers for added protection.

Step 4: Prime the Cabinets

Before painting, it's essential to prime the cabinets, especially if they are made of laminate or veneer. A good bonding primer will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. Choose a primer suitable for the material of your cabinets, such as an oil-based primer for real wood or a gripping primer for fake wood. Apply one or two coats of primer, following the instructions on the product.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Finally, it's time to paint! You can use a paintbrush, foam roller, or a paint sprayer for this step. Choose a paint that is suitable for indoor use and has a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. You may need to do additional touch-ups to ensure full coverage.

Step 6: Reattach Hardware and Doors

Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the painter's tape and reattach the hardware and cabinet doors. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and curing times before using the cabinets heavily.

Additional Tips:

• If your cabinets are made of solid wood, consider stripping the varnish before sanding for better paint adhesion.
• When choosing a paint color, consider the size of your RV and the amount of natural light. Lighter colors can make the space feel larger and brighter.
• Always work in a well-ventilated area when using primer and paint.
• If you're painting the walls along with the cabinets, consider using a paint sprayer to prime both surfaces at the same time.

Frequently asked questions