We don’t know about you, but we’re getting excited about summer camping. 

Putting a fresh coat of paint on the inside of your camper or RV is an easy way to make it look brand-spankin’ new again. If you’ve never done it before, we hope Kayla’s detailed instructions on DIY camper painting helps make it seem easier.

Kayla Lockhart, Fly Fisher and DIYer, will share her step-by-step process of painting her 1980s Lance Truck bed camper using a Leatherman FREE® K4.

REPAINTING THE CABINETS

When I first got this truck bed camper, I wasn’t able to put the time and money into it. I did as many “frugal flips” as I could, and one was using leftover paint. It was a quick update that worked for a couple years, but I didn’t love how dark it made the space.

SUPPLIES

• paint of your choice- I did a gloss finish so I could easily clean them
• paint brush
• painter’s tape
• multi-tool - my choice was the Leatherman® K4

STEP ONE: PICKING OUT PAINT

I got a quart of paint in the color that I love and brightens the camper up a bit. I also took the opportunity to paint the handles black.

STEP TWO: APPLY THE PAINT 

THE REVEAL

The cabinets looked better than I had imagined, it felt like an entire new space!

PAINTING THE SINK

Stay with me on this…

I was not a fan of the silver sink next to the black stove and black fridge, so after some late-night YouTube tutorials, I set out to get:

SUPPLIES

• Self-etching primer
• Sandpaper in 180 and 220 grit
• Black epoxy appliance paint
• Multi tool: my choice was Leatherman® Signal for removing and installing the sink/faucet.

STEP ONE: CLEANING AND PRIMING

The sink was already removed from replacing the countertop in the camper, so my first step was to clean the sink very well to remove any grease and residue.

Next, I added several coats of the self-etching primer. This helps the epoxy paint bond to the stainless sink. 

STEP TWO: SANDING

After about four or so coats and the surface was fully dried, I sanded the sink. Nothing too crazy just enough so that the paint will bond well. 

Pro tip: wipe any residue from sanding away, so that the surface is clean before you paint with the epoxy.

STEP THREE: APPLYING EPOXY PAINT

The appliance epoxy hardens really well to the surface. I used the entire can to ensure it had plenty of coats to avoid any chips or wear and tear. 

STEP FOUR: INSTALL THE SINK

Once the final coat was fully cured, I was able to install the sink into the countertop.

I got an affordable black faucet to go with the black sink and just made sure when ordering that the hole sizes were correct.

Installation was easy, just screwing the drain fittage back and screwing back on the wing nuts that connect the sink to the countertop.

STEP FIVE: ADMIRE YOUR WORK

The black sink made everything tie together so much better to me, and was a pretty easy DIY to change the space.

FEELING INSPIRED?

 Check out Kayla’s DIY project for replacing the countertops in your camper or RV if you truly want to level up your DIY game.