Best Paints For Aluminum Camper

‍When a camper gets older or outdated, upgrading the aluminum exterior is needed, and one of the best ways to do it is with a new paint coating.

The five best paints for an aluminum camper include Rust-Oleum 1990502-2PK Latex Paint, Krylon K05633007 COLORmaxx Paint, AMES Semi-gloss Acrylic Exterior Paint + Primer, Diamond Brite Paint 46000, and Valspar Heavy-Duty Aluminum Paint. These paint types provide excellent coverage and durability.

Choosing the best paint for an aluminum camper is not easy, so we created this guide to make it easier for camper owners with less experience. All products recommended have been tested and reviewed to provide an accurate review.

5 Best Paints For Aluminum Camper

Campers are designed to be used in various weather conditions and can be equipped with amenities like cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities. But for this to be possible, reliable paint is needed.

The best paints for aluminum campers are paints that have high resistance to corrosion, weathering, and abrasion. A good paint will also have good adhesion to the surface of the camper.

These paints will be able to stand up to the elements and provide a long-lasting protective coating. The best paint is one that is compatible with aluminum and can be applied without having to sand the surface first.

In addition, the best paints should not produce any off-gassing or harmful fumes when applied. Below are the five best paints for an aluminum camper.

1. Rust-Oleum 1990502-2PK Latex Paint

The Rust-Oleum 1990502-2PK Latex Paint is a high-quality product that will give users the coverage that is needed. It is a water-based acrylic paint formula with a low odor and cleans up easily with soap and water.

This paint will work great on any type of surface, including metal, like the exterior of an aluminum camper. It also has an easy-to-use brush applicator tip for easy application.

This is a high-quality paint that offers a perfect finish and durability. It is also easy to use and has a low odor. The first coat of this paint should be applied before the camper is assembled or when it's new to ensure maximum adhesion and coverage.

This paint is easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides a beautiful finish. It is also resistant to mildew, but sanding down the aluminum surface with 180/200 grit sandpaper first is recommended.

2. Krylon K05633007 COLORmaxx Paint

The Krylon K05633007 COLORmaxx Paint is made to work on any surface, including aluminum. It also provides a high-quality, durable finish with excellent adhesion and scratch resistance.

It also has a specially formulated primer that can be used on aluminum and other surfaces without sanding or priming. It has a flexible finish that provides excellent coverage and protection against corrosion, rust, and scratches.

This paint is great for people who are looking for an easy application process, as it doesn't require any special tools or equipment. This paint is available in eight colors with gloss, flat, or satin finish.

Using this paint for any DIY project is a wise decision because it’s also one of the most affordable options. The latex acrylic formula lasts for longer on aluminum surfaces, so this will have any camper looking brand new.

This paint is long-lasting, durable, and has a beautiful finish. It will not chip or peel, and it is water-resistant.

3. AMES Semi-gloss Acrylic Exterior Paint + Primer

The AMES Semi-gloss Acrylic Exterior Paint + Primer is a high-quality paint for an aluminum camper. It has a semi-gloss exterior finish and a primer in one. It is water-based and environmentally friendly, making it easy to clean up and use.

The paint will be resistant to fading from UV rays and the elements. This makes it perfect for use on an aluminum camper as it will last a long time with minimal upkeep needed. This paint is also safe for use on metal, wood, vinyl siding, concrete surfaces, and more.

The product is very easy to use and dries quickly. It can be applied with a roller or brush and also has an anti-rust agent that helps protect against rust from salt water or rain for years to come.

The only downside is the premium pricing, but it works well on many surfaces, including aluminum. It’s also non-toxic and completely safe to use.

4. Diamond Brite Paint 46000

Diamond Brite Paint 46000 is a paint specially formulated to work on aluminum surfaces. It is the ideal paint choice for an aluminum camper because it is environmentally friendly and has no VOCs.

The product is made of premium quality ingredients, and it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. This means that it won’t corrode the surface or cause any damage to anybody’s health.

The paint will last a long time, and it won’t need to be reapplied often, saving both time and money. The paint is easy to apply, so even if the person using it isn’t experienced with painting, it can be used without any problems whatsoever.

This paint will work well on an aluminum camper, but it’s versatile enough to use on other metal surfaces like fences, roofs, cabinets, and other machinery.

5. Valspar Heavy-Duty Aluminum Paint

The Valspar Heavy Duty Aluminum Paint can be applied to metals with various finishes, including bare or prepped metal surfaces, aluminum siding, and other aluminum products.

This paint is durable and offers great resistance to corrosion and other forms of damage. It is perfect for an aluminum camper. It can also be used as an undercoat for other paints to provide top-quality corrosion protection.

It is a high-performance, water-based paint that offers superior corrosion protection. It is also great for painting steel and most other metal surfaces.

This product contains the best features like:

• Excellent durability
• Great resistance to corrosion
• Ease of application
• Low odor
• Good coverage
• Non-toxic

It is a durable, long-lasting, and waterproof paint that can withstand heavy weather conditions. It also has a lifetime warranty, and it is easy to use.

This paint is recommended for use on aluminum surfaces because it doesn't chip off easily, so it can be used for long periods of time before having to reapply it.

What Type Of Paint Works Best For An Aluminum Camper?

Aluminum is a material that is both durable and lightweight. However, it can still be affected by the elements of nature. This is why specific paints work better than others to provide the best protection.

Water- or oil-based paints will work well for painting an aluminum camper because these paints are designed for use on metal surfaces. There are three types of paint to consider: acrylic latex, oil-based, and water-based paint.

Acrylic Latex Paint

Acrylic Latex paint is a type of paint that works well with aluminum. It is also cheaper than other types of paint on this list while providing corrosion resistance.

We have also seen recommendations to skip the acrylic and use something like marine epoxy, but this isn’t something we’ve tried yet. However, it would certainly provide improved water resistance.

One of the biggest benefits of this paint type is the cure and dry time. When compared to oil-based paints, this is much faster.

Oil-based Paint

Oil-based paints are the best for aluminum because they have high durability and provide a glossy finish.

However, these paints require more time to dry, which can be inconvenient for people who need their camper back quickly.

It also requires ventilation to prevent fumes from building inside the camper. This paint also protects against rusting and corrosion that would otherwise occur on the surface of the metal due to exposure to rain, snow, or other elements.

Water-based Paint

Water-based paints are easy to clean and remove from surfaces, but they don't last as long as oil-based paints do. They also tend to chip off easily, making them less durable than oil-based paints.

Water-based paint is also the easiest to find because it's highly versatile. It can work for many other applications or painting needs around the house.

Does Paint Stay On An Aluminum Camper?

For the paint to stay on an aluminum camper, it needs to be high-quality paint and applied correctly. The type of paint that gets used also matters because some paints are more durable than others.

Paint can make the camper look new and shiny. It can also provide a protective layer for the metal from rusting or corrosion over time. However, proper prep work is required before doing so.

This prep work includes sanding the exterior, cleaning the aluminum sidewall, and applying a reliable primer as a first coat.  All of these steps are critical, or the paint will wear much faster than expected.

We also recommend plenty of patience when painting an aluminum camper. It’s not as natural and easy to do as painting a house is because of the unique surface.

How Long Does Paint Last On An Aluminum Camper?

It's important to remember that paint will not last forever. Several factors determine how long it will last, but generally, it lasts for 5-10 years.

The paint on the camper can help determine how long it will last. For example, oil-based paints tend to be more durable than latex paints.

The climate in which the camper gets stored can also affect how long the paint lasts. If it is stored in a warm environment, the heat may cause the oil in the paint to dry out and crack over time.

The same is true for cold temperatures, which may cause condensation and moisture to form inside the camper, which could lead to mold growth and damage to the camper's metal structure.

The lifespan of the paint depends on a few factors. Factors like what type of paint was used, how often the camper is used and how well it has been maintained, and whether or not the camper is stored in a garage or outdoors.

Tips For Painting An Aluminum Camper

Paint is a very important part of the aluminum camper. It is what will make it look and feel like a home. There are many ways to paint an aluminum camper, but these are some steps and tips proven to provide the best results.

Remove All Exterior Decals

Start by removing any stickers that are applied to the surface of the RV or camper. If there is any leftover adhesive, use a razor blade or scraper to scrape it off.

It is important to get all of the exterior decals off before painting the aluminum side walls because if any residue is left on the aluminum, it will show through the paint and make it look a different color.

Power Wash The Camper

One thing required to do when painting an aluminum camper is to clean it thoroughly with soap, water, and a scrub brush. This will remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over time and help the paint adhere better.

Using a power washer is the most efficient method. This helps reach the toughest areas and should be done quickly to allow time for the camper to dry out.

Cover All Windows

Cover all the RV or camper windows before trying to paint the aluminum sidewall. The paint will not stick properly to the surface if there are any small openings for it to go through.

Use painter's tape and a straightedge to create a clean line on each window. Then, cut off any excess plastic wrap hanging over the windows' edges.

Save Time With An Automatic Sprayer

Lastly, consider upgrading to an automatic paint sprayer instead of using brushes by hand. This requires a little bit of expertise, but the painting process gets done much faster.