Best Paint for Camper Exterior: Top 5 Options for 2023

Painting the exterior of your camper can give it a fresh new look and protect it from the elements. However, with so many different types of paint available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll discuss the best color for camper exteriors.

When it comes to painting the exterior of your camper, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you’ll want to choose a paint that’s durable and long-lasting, as your trailer will be exposed to the sun, wind, rain, and other harsh elements.

Second, you’ll want to choose a paint that’s easy to apply and dries quickly. Finally, you’ll want to select a paint that’s the right color and finish for your camper.

After researching and testing various paints, we’ve determined that acrylic is the best color for camper exteriors. Acrylic paint is water-based, making it easy to clean up and environmentally friendly.

It’s also durable and long lasting, with excellent adhesion and resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling. Additionally, acrylic paint dries quickly, allowing you to return to the road sooner.

When choosing an acrylic paint for your camper, look for one specifically designed for exterior use with UV protection to prevent fading. You’ll also want to select a paint available in various colors and finishes to match your camper’s style.

Best Paint for Camper Exterior

When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your camper, choosing the right paint can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to touch up some scratches or completely overhaul the look of your trailer, we’ve rounded up the best paint options on the market.

These paints have been tested and reviewed by experts and customers so that you can feel confident about your purchase. Check out our top picks below.

Best Low VOC: PRESTIGE Paints E500-D-MQ4-22

If you’re looking for a high-quality paint that can be used on various exterior surfaces, PRESTIGE Paints E500-D-MQ4-22 Exterior Paint and Primer in One is a great option.

Key Features

• The high-hiding formula for excellent coverage
• Smooth application
• 100% acrylic latex paint
• Easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC (less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. before tinting)
• Suitable for painting camper exteriors

Pros

• High-hiding formula for excellent coverage with smooth application
• 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC: less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. before tinting

Cons

• The glossy finish shows almost every imperfection on a wall.
• It may require two coats of paint on new surfaces after priming.
• Not recommended for use indoors

PRESTIGE Paints E500-D-MQ4-22 Exterior Paint and Primer in One is a great choice for those looking to paint their camper’s exterior. This paint is 100% acrylic latex, which makes it easy to clean with soap and water.

One downside to this paint is its glossy finish, which can show almost every imperfection on a wall. Additionally, it may require two coats of paint on new surfaces after priming. Finally, this paint is not recommended for use indoors.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality paint that can be used on various exterior surfaces, PRESTIGE Paints E500-D-MQ4-22 Exterior Paint and Primer in One is a great option.

Best Quick-Drying: Prestige Paints Exterior Paint

If you’re looking for high-quality paint on your camper’s exterior, Prestige Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One is a great option.

Key Features

• High-hiding formula for excellent coverage
• Smooth application
• 100% Acrylic latex paint
• Easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC (less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. before tinting)
• Suitable for a variety of exterior surfaces
• Dries in just 1 to 2 hours

Pros

• High-hiding formula for excellent coverage with smooth application
• 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC: less than 50 gms/L 0.42 lbs/gal. Before tinting

Cons

• The glossy finish shows almost every imperfection on a wall
• It may require two coats of paint on new surfaces after priming
• Not suitable for indoor use

Prestige Paints Exterior Paint, and Primer In One is a high-end paint that can be used on various exterior surfaces, including properly prepared wood, masonry surfaces, cement board siding, vinyl, aluminum, and factory-primed siding.

One of the most significant advantages of this paint is its high hiding formula, which provides excellent coverage with a smooth application.

However, the glossy finish of this paint can be a double-edged sword. While it provides a shiny appearance and brightens the wall’s appearance, it also shows almost every imperfection.

Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality paint on your camper’s exterior, Prestige Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One is worth considering.

Best Durable: PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One

If you’re looking for high-end paint for your camper’s exterior, PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One is a great option that offers excellent coverage and easy clean-up with soap and water.

Key Features

• High-hiding formula for excellent coverage
• Smooth application
• 100% Acrylic latex paint
• Easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC (less than 50 g/L 0.42 lbs./gal. before tinting)
• Suitable for exterior use on campers
• Environmentally conscious choice

Pros

• High-hiding formula for excellent coverage with smooth application
• 100% Acrylic latex paint for easy soap and water clean-up
• Low VOC: less than 50 g/L 0. 42 lbs./gal. before tinting

Cons

• The glossy finish shows almost every imperfection on a wall
• It may require two coats on new surfaces after priming for the best performance
• Not recommended for indoor use

PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One is a 100% acrylic latex paint that offers excellent coverage with a smooth application, and it’s easy to clean up with soap and water. The low VOC formula makes it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious people.

However, the glossy finish may not be ideal for those who want to hide imperfections on their camper’s exterior, and it may require two coats on new surfaces after priming for best performance.

Overall, suppose you’re looking for high-quality paint for your camper’s exterior that offers excellent coverage and easy clean-up. In that case, PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One is worth considering.

Best Smooth Finish: Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Enamel Paint

If you’re looking for durable and flexible paint for your boat’s exterior, Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Enamel Paint is a great option.

Key Features

• Easy application
• Dries to the touch in 1 to 2 hours
• Resistant to abrasion and extreme weather conditions
• Provides long-lasting protection and UV resistance
• Superior gloss retention
• Smooth finish
• Suitable for fiberglass, wood, or metal surfaces above the waterline
• Ideal for small pleasure crafts such as speedboats, sailboats, and fishing boats

Pros

• Applies quickly and dries to the touch in as little as 1 to 2 hours
• Resistant to abrasion and extreme weather conditions, providing long-lasting protection and UV resistance
• Superior gloss retention and smooth finish helps maintain the beauty and elegance of your surfaces

Cons

• Some users may prefer a different color than the available white option
• May require multiple coats for full coverage
• Strong odor during application

Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Enamel Paint is an oil-based formula that is ideal for use on fiberglass, wood, or metal surfaces above the waterline. Its modified alkyd composition allows for a flexible coating that is resistant to cracking, chipping, and peeling.

With excellent color retention and UV protection, this paint is perfect for small pleasure crafts such as speedboats, sailboats, and fishing boats.

Application is easy, and the paint dries to the touch in as little as 1 to 2 hours. The durable coating resists abrasion and extreme weather conditions while providing long-lasting UV protection. Superior gloss retention and a smooth finish help maintain the beauty and elegance of your surfaces.

However, some users may prefer a different color than the available white option, and multiple coats may be required for full coverage.

Overall, Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Enamel Paint is a solid choice for those looking for a long-lasting and durable paint for their boat’s exterior.

Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Zinsser 31.5 fl oz.

If you’re looking for exterior paint that will prevent mold and mildew growth, Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss is an excellent choice.

Key Features

• Self-priming formula, no sanding required
• Mold and mildew-proof paint film guaranteed for five years
• Resists dirt and moisture on film coating
• Resists cracking, fading, peeling, and blistering for 15 years
• Contains a mildewcide to prevent mold and mildew growth
• Easy to use, simple clean-up with soap and water
• Ideal for outdoor surfaces

Pros

• Self-Priming formula – requires no sanding
• Mold & Mildew-Proof paint film – guaranteed for five years
• Resists dirt and moisture on film coating

Cons

• Some reviewers reported issues with leaking during shipping
• Small can size may not be sufficient for larger projects
• May require multiple coats for full coverage

This premium quality exterior paint has been designed to resist cracking, fading, peeling, and blistering for 15 years. It only contains a mildewcide to prevent mold growth and mildew on the paint film. The product is easy to use, and clean-up is simple with soap and water.

Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss is a self-priming formula that requires no sanding, making it a great choice for those looking to save time and effort on their painting projects.

The paint film is guaranteed to be Mold & Mildew-Proof for five years, ensuring a long-lasting finish that will look great for years to come. The product also resists dirt and moisture on the film coating, making it ideal for use on outdoor surfaces.

While some reviewers reported issues with leaking during shipping, the product received high praise for its durability and ease of use. However, the minor can cause size may not be sufficient for larger projects, and some users reported needing multiple coats for full coverage.

Overall, Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss is an excellent choice for an exterior paint that will prevent mold and mildew growth. Its self-priming formula and long-lasting finish make it a top pick for any outdoor painting project.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best paint for your camper’s exterior, several factors must be considered. Here are some features to look for when making your decision:

Durability

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a paint for your camper is durability. You want paint that can withstand the elements and protect your trailer from damage.

Another essential feature to consider is coverage. You want to paint covering your camper wholly and evenly without leaving gaps or streaks. Look for a paint that is thick and easy to apply and that provides full coverage with just one or two coats.

Color Options

When choosing a paint for your camper, you’ll want to consider the color options available. Look for a paint that comes in various colors and finishes, so you can choose the perfect shade to match your style and preferences.

Ease of Application

Finally, consider the ease of application when choosing a paint for your camper. Look for a paint that is easy to apply, whether using a brush, roller or spray gun.

Considering these factors, you can choose the best paint for your camper’s exterior to provide long-lasting protection and a beautiful finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most durable paint options for a camper exterior?

The most durable paint options for a camper exterior are acrylic and urethane-based paints. These paints are known for resisting fading, cracking, and chipping.

What factors should I consider when choosing paint for my camper’s exterior?

When choosing paint for your camper’s exterior, you should consider factors such as the climate you will be traveling in, the type of material your trailer is made of, and the level of maintenance you are willing to put into the paint job.

Are there any specific types of paint that work best on fiberglass camper exteriors?

Yes, specific types of paint work best on fiberglass camper exteriors. Gelcoat paint is a popular choice for fiberglass camper exteriors because it is formulated to adhere to the surface of the fiberglass and provide a durable, long-lasting finish.

What are some tips for properly preparing a camper exterior for painting?

Some tips for properly preparing a camper exterior for painting include washing the camper thoroughly, sanding any rough or uneven areas, filling in any cracks or holes, and applying a primer coat before painting.

Can I paint my camper exterior, or should I hire a professional?

While it is possible to paint your camper exterior yourself, it is often recommended to hire a professional to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting paint job. Professionals have the necessary tools and experience to properly prepare and paint your camper, saving you time and money in the long run.

Are there any eco-friendly paint options for camper exteriors?

Yes, there are eco-friendly paint options for camper exteriors. Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are a popular choice for environmentally friendly alternatives. These paints emit fewer harmful chemicals into the air and are safer for the environment and your health.