Easy Exterior Improvement: RV Window Frame Painting
Author: Carrie Todd
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up the exterior of your RV is to touch up or even repaint the outside window frames. These (usually) aluminum strips tend to fade rapidly due to exposure to the sun. This is particularly true if you live in or are parked in the southern states where the effects of the sun are more prevalent and evident. This process works for the inside frames, as well. The supplies needed include:
- Ladder
- Bucket and sponge or micro fiber cloth
- Steel Wool
- Glass cleaner and cloth
- Masking tape or painter's tape
- 2-inch paint brush
- Metal primer
- Paint in desired color
Make sure to paint on a warm day with little or no wind. Paint spreads easier and sticks better when it isn't (and the surface you're painting isn't) cold. Also, a still day makes standing on a ladder less dangerous, as it reduces the amount of dust that will end up in your wet paint.
Clean the Window Frame
Before painting, you should clean the area. This allows the paint to adhere better than it would to a dirty surface. Plus, since you're on a ladder, you may as well use some glass cleaner and a clean rag to wash the exterior of the windows. Then, with soapy water in a bucket, use another clean cloth or a sponge and scrub the window frame. If there is any rust—or other stain—use an abrasive scrubber like steel wool to remove it. Rinse the window frame with clean water and thoroughly dry it with a cloth.
Mask Around the Frame
Tape can be your best friend when painting. Even if you feel that you're the most precise painter with the steadiest hand, it's still a good idea to mask off the surrounding areas. This protects the windows and exterior walls, keeping drips and paint streaks from occurring on anything but the aluminum. Omitting this step can make the job look sloppy and unprofessional. Carefully lay the strips of masking tape or blue painter's tape to the areas directly around the outside of the frame, as well as on the glass where the frame borders the window.
Prime the Frame
To avoid your paint peeling or chipping, you should prime the aluminum window frames of your RV's exterior. Use a paint brush and apply a thin, even coat according to the product's directions. Make sure to allow plenty of drying time before painting the frame.
Paint the Window Frame
Use a screwdriver or knife to open the paint can. Paint tends to separate and settle, so be sure to stir yours before you begin painting. This ensures that the cover will be even and uniform.
Dip your 2-inch brush and remove the excess against the side of the bucket's top to avoid dripping. Evenly brush a layer of the paint over the aluminum frame. Don't worry about "coloring in the lines", as that is why you masked. Allow this coat to dry (check the paint can directions for the recommended drying time) before applying a second layer. Repeat this until the window frame is completely covered.
Carefully Remove the Tape
Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the tape by pulling it away from the painted window frames at an angle. Use a razor blade or small paint scraper to slowly remove any paint that made it past your taped barrier on the window. Work carefully to avoid scratching the glass.
In Conclusion
I'm not sure this is universal, but I know that the window frames of many RVs and trailers frequently fade in the sun. This is the method we use. Plus, when we inquired into a better method from the RV body shop we visited, they recommended this as the quickest and least expensive option. This DIY project is easy to do and it makes a huge difference on the appearance of your home on wheels.
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