Painting the vinyl-panel walls in a manufactured mobile home can freshen up the interior and give it an updated, customized look. However, it requires some special considerations compared to painting drywall or plaster walls. Vinyl wall panels have a smooth, sometimes glossy surface that standard wall paints may not adhere to as easily.
With the right prep work and painting technique, you can successfully paint vinyl walls and get a durable, attractive finish. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to properly paint vinyl-paneled walls in a mobile home.
Gather the Recommended Supplies
Painting vinyl panels is a project where having the right supplies makes a big difference in the end results. Here are the recommended supplies to have on hand:
- Paint designed for vinyl surfaces – Regular wall paint often won’t bond sufficiently to vinyl. Use specialty vinyl paint or enamel paint formulated to stick to slick surfaces.
- Paint primer – Priming helps the paint adhere to the vinyl. Use a primer made for vinyl, such as acrylic bonding primer.
- Sandpaper – Lightly sanding the vinyl scuffs up the surface so the paint can grip it better. Get fine 220-300 grit sandpaper.
- TSP substitute – This removes grease and dirt so paint will stick. Get a phosphate-free TSP substitute since original TSP is banned.
- Rags, paintbrush, paint roller – You’ll need these standard painting tools. Select a roller with a smooth nap.
- Painter’s tape – Use this to mask off trim, windows and edges. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
- Drop cloths – Cover floors and furniture to protect them from drips and spills.
Gather all these supplies before starting the painting project. This ensures you have what’s needed to properly prepare the vinyl walls and apply the paint.
Clean and Prepare the Vinyl Wall Panels
Thorough surface preparation is a must for achieving great results when painting vinyl walls in a mobile home. Follow these steps:
1. Remove Wall Hangings and Fixtures
Take down anything hanging on the walls, such as frames, mirrors, wall art and sconces. Remove switch plate covers. This gets the walls ready for cleaning and painting.
2. Wash Walls with TSP Substitute
Use a phosphate-free TSP substitute cleaner and warm water to wash the vinyl wall panels. This removes built-up dirt, grease and grime so paint will adhere well. Work in sections and use a soft scrub brush on stubborn dirt.
Rinse with a clean, damp rag or sponge. Let the vinyl dry fully before moving to the next steps.
3. Lightly Sand Vinyl Surfaces
Use 220-300 grit sandpaper to scuff up the glossy vinyl surface. This helps the primer and paint bond to the vinyl. Go over the entire area to be painted, sanding in different directions.
Sand just enough to rough up the shiny vinyl, but not enough to remove the texture. Wipe with a dry rag after sanding to remove dust.
4. Spot Fill Any Holes or Gouges
Check for any damages in the vinyl panels, such as holes, gouges and cracked seams. Fill these using vinyl spackling compound. Let it fully cure before sanding smooth.
5. Mask Off Trim, Windows and Edges
Use painter’s tape to mask off any trim, windows, outlets, ceiling edges or other areas you don’t want painted. This keeps the paint just on the vinyl wall panels. Remove the tape immediately after painting, before the paint has dried.
The vinyl walls are now prepped and ready for painting.
Apply Primer and Let Dry
Priming the vinyl surface helps the paint stick to the slick vinyl panels. Follow these steps for priming:
1. Select a Primer Made for Vinyl
Use a high-quality primer formulated especially for vinyl surfaces. The primer needs to be designed to bond well to slick, non-porous materials.
Acrylic bonding primer works very well for prepping vinyl walls before painting. Make sure to select a primer safe for indoor use.
2. Apply Primer with a Brush or Roller
Pour the primer into a paint tray. Dip a new synthetic-bristle brush into the primer and apply a thick, even coat. Or use a small paint roller with a smooth nap instead of a brush.
Cover the entire vinyl wall area thoroughly and evenly with the primer. Get the primer into any seams and texture for maximum adhesion.
3. Let Primer Dry Completely
Allow the primer to dry fully before moving to painting. This typically takes at least 2-4 hours. Drying time depends on the primer used and humidity levels.
The vinyl wall panels are now ready to be painted once primed.
Paint the Vinyl Wall Panels
After properly priming the vinyl walls in your mobile home, you can now apply the paint. Follow these tips:
1. Use Vinyl-Suitable Paint
It’s crucial to use a paint formulated to adhere well and last on vinyl surfaces. Standard wall paints often won’t work.
Enamel paints designed for painting vinyl, metal and other slick surfaces provide the best results. Semi-gloss or high gloss sheens also perform better than flat paint. The glossier finish helps the paint cling to the vinyl.
2. Apply at Least Two Coats of Paint
Painting vinyl walls usually requires two to three coats for best coverage and durability. Thoroughly apply the first coat and allow 2-4 hours of drying time.
Then apply a second complete coat. For a deeper color or if any light primer is showing through, add a third coat of vinyl paint.
3. Use Proper Painting Technique
Use high quality brushes and rollers suited for smooth surfaces. Roll on an even coat before brushing. To avoid lap marks, always paint in sections from top to bottom and keep a wet edge.
Maintain the recommended coverage rate based on the paint’s instructions. Don’t try to stretch the paint too thin or coverage will suffer.
4. Remove Painter’s Tape Promptly
Carefully remove all painter’s tape immediately after painting, before the paint has dried. Pull slowly perpendicular to the wall to avoid peeling up fresh paint.
Let the painted vinyl walls dry fully before re-hanging any fixtures, art or accessories.
Properly prepping and painting the vinyl paneling allows it to take on paint beautifully. Follow these tips for great looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Vinyl Walls in Mobile Homes
Many homeowners have additional questions when it comes to painting vinyl paneling. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Should I scuff sandpaper the vinyl before painting?
Lightly scuff sanding the vinyl panels with 220-300 grit sandpaper helps the paint bond to the slick surface. This gives the primer and paint something to grip. Avoid sanding too aggressively, which could remove texture from embossed panels.
What kind of paint adheres best to vinyl walls?
Enamel paint, sometimes called cabinet or trim paint, adheres well to slick vinyl. Be sure to use interior enamel formulated for vinyl. Oil-based paint also sticks better than latex acrylic.
How do I avoid brush marks when painting vinyl panels?
Use a high-quality synthetic brush made for smooth surfaces. Apply paint in sections using vertical strokes, keeping a wet edge to prevent brush marks. A mini paint roller also minimizes brush strokes.
Should I clean vinyl walls with TSP before painting?
Yes, use a phosphate-free TSP substitute to thoroughly clean vinyl panels before painting. This removes any grease, dirt or soap film that could interfere with paint adhesion.
How long does it take for paint to dry on vinyl?
Drying times vary based on humidity, ventilation and type of paint used. In general, expect at least 2-4 hours between paint coats. Oil-based enamels take the longest to fully cure.
Do I need to prime vinyl before painting?
Priming is strongly recommended so paint will adhere properly. Use a primer specifically made for vinyl and similar non-porous surfaces. Acrylic bonding primer works well.
How do I paint textured vinyl wall panels?
Use a primer formulated for vinyl to coat the texture evenly. Then use quality brushes and rollers suited for smooth surfaces when applying the paint. Stipple paint into deeply textured panels.
Can I use regular wall paint on vinyl panels?
For best results, use paints formulated specifically for vinyl and other slick, non-porous surfaces. Standard latex wall paints often don’t adhere well or last long on vinyl paneling.
How do I avoid drips when painting vinyl walls?
Use high quality applicators designed for smooth surfaces. Apply paint in thin, even coats instead of overloading the roller. Paint vertically in 5-6 foot sections to keep wet edges.
What sheen of paint works best on vinyl walls?
Semi-gloss or high gloss enamels work better than flat since their finish helps paint grip the non-porous surface. Satin or eggshell finishes also provide decent adhesion.
Get Long Lasting Results from Painted Vinyl Walls
Following proper techniques for cleaning, sanding, priming and painting vinyl paneling helps ensure you’ll get great results that last. Here are some final tips for making your freshly painted vinyl walls look fantastic for years:
- Let paint fully cure for at least 7 days before cleaning or applying any treatments. This allows paint to harden completely.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbing or cleaners which could damage the painted surface. Use only soft cloths and mild cleansers on painted vinyl.
- Consider applying a clear vinyl-suitable sealer once painted. This adds extra protection from moisture damage, yellowing and stains.
- For high traffic areas, choose durable satin or semi-gloss enamels which resist scuffs and washing. Use washable flat paints sparingly.
- Fade resistant paint formulas help maintain vibrant colors even with sunlight exposure. Ensure windows have UV-blocking window films.
- Spot clean any stains on painted vinyl immediately to prevent them setting in. Avoid excessive moisture which could loosen paint.
- Repaint worn areas as needed to keep vinyl walls looking fresh. Lightly sand and prime first for best paint adhesion.
With the right prep work and painting techniques, you can give dated or worn vinyl walls in a mobile home a beautiful facelift. Properly painted vinyl paneling will keep your interior looking great for many years before needing touch ups. Just be sure to use specialty paints and primers designed for maximum adherence, durability and longevity on vinyl surfaces.
Conclusion
Painting the vinyl panel walls in manufactured mobile homes allows you to customize and update the interior inexpensively. But it requires careful surface preparation and using paint formulated for vinyl and other slick, non-porous surfaces for success.
Follow the techniques outlined, from cleaning to sanding, priming and painting. Be sure to use quality vinyl-suitable paints and primers. Apply multiple coats for full coverage and longevity. Proper painting method helps vinyl walls take paint beautifully for a durable, refreshed look you’ll love.