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How to Paint an Airstream Motorhome

Wally Byam built the first Airstream motor home in his backyard in 1929. He sold assembly instructions for one dollar each. Official production of the Airstream motor home began in 1932. Airstreams were made of aluminum. The aluminum exterior was clear-coated with a special formula that protects the shiny surface. This coating must be removed before you can apply paint to aluminum. This labor-intensive work is necessary for the paint to adhere to the aluminum exterior. Use a paint designed for metal to ensure a long-lasting paint finish.

Things You'll Need

  • Dish washing soap
  • Clean rags
  • Bucket
  • Safety goggles
  • Neoprene gloves
  • Paint stripper
  • 2 soft bristle paintbrushes
  • Plastic scraper
  • Paint thinner
  • Aluminum oxide primer
  • Metal aluminum paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the motor home to remove all dirt and grease. Allow it to dry completely.

    • 2

      Put on the safety goggles and neoprene chemical-resistant gloves. Apply the paint stripper to a small section of the motor home using a soft-bristled paintbrush. Allow the stripper to dissolve the clear coat for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

    • 3

      Remove the dissolved paint with a plastic scraper. Wipe the paint off the scraper blade into a bucket using a clean rag.

    • 4

      Apply the paint stripper to the next small section of the motor home. Allow the stripper to dissolve the clear coat and then remove the dissolved paint with the plastic scraper. Wipe the paint off the scraper blade with a rag. Continue to apply the stripper and remove the clear coat with the scraper until the motor home has been completely stripped of paint.

    • 5

      Soak a clean rag in paint thinner. Wipe the entire surface of the motor home with the rag soaked in paint thinner to remove all residue.

    • 6

      Wash the motor home again with soap and water. Use a water hose to rinse with clean water. Allow the motor home to dry for 24 hours.

    • 7

      Apply an aluminum oxide primer to the entire motor home with a soft-bristled paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for a minimum of 24 hours, but no more than 48 hours.

    • 8

      Apply a coat of metal aluminum paint to the motor home with a soft-bristled paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Apply a second coat of metal aluminum paint and allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before use.

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