Originally published October 23, 2018 · Updated by the editor November 11, 2026
From camper to glamper! Follow my RV remodel! Upon purchasing the Mountain, the interior decor was a hot mess. Initially, the walls were covered in an outdated sandy wallpaper, featuring a thick and deep blue border.
Paint the RV Walls
Before painting a different trailer, identify the wall covering and test compatible cleaning, primer, and paint in a small area. Repair loose or damaged material, follow the coating labels, ventilate the space, and allow the finish to cure.
I knew that I needed to cover this wall paper, and determined that a coat of primer and white paint would do the trick! I used the same icy breeze color as the cabinets, although I requested from the Lowe’s paint department that the blue-ish hue be toned down 90% to match the cabinets, yet have a lighter appearance. There was a lot of surface area to cover, so I recruited help from some friends!
Will helped me start off with a full coat of primer in the living room area.
Dustin joined us for a full work day where we finished painting the primer on the living room, bathroom, and bedroom walls.
After the primer was dry, we worked on the main coat of white paint to complete the look! The light color transformed the space and made The Mountain feel like a much larger living area.
N.P. primed up the kitchen walls so that the backsplash tile could, eventually, be placed on top.
Add a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
For your own backsplash, check the panel maker’s approved surfaces, waiting period for fresh paint, and distance from burners or hot appliances. Smart Tiles’ installation FAQ gives product-specific examples. It does not establish the brand used in my 2018 project, and decorative panels do not replace required heat shields or appliance clearances.
My most favorite project from the entire renovation overhaul was the kitchen and bathroom backsplash.
I picked out my favorite designs that I found at Lowe’s and started to apply the peel and stick tile as if it were a puzzle. So much easier than using grout!
The thin peel-and-stick panels suited this small space and avoided grout work. Thickness, cost, and installation requirements vary by product, so compare the actual specifications rather than assuming all tile is bulky.
It was also much more affordable to go down this route!
Paint the RV Ceiling
I painted the stained ceiling while the old tile floor was still in place. For any ceiling with staining, first investigate leaks, dampness, or damaged material. Paint is a cosmetic finish, not a repair for an active moisture problem. EPA’s mold-cleanup guidance says to fix water problems, clean affected hard surfaces, and dry them before painting; do not paint over mold.
What happens after the walls are painted and dry? Decorations! N.P. and I had a blast adding cute decor throughout the mountain. To make the space feel larger, we added 2 long mirrors to the bedroom wall.
Next, we placed a “Welcome” sign at the entrance wall, accompanied by a lizard decoration, which holds sentimental value. Eventually, I added a “Peace” mural to this same space. Cheers to that!
Check RV Light-Fixture Compatibility
I returned the light fixture shown above because it was incompatible with the circuit I intended to use. An RV may have both 12-volt DC and 120-volt AC systems, so not every fixture takes the same bulb. The electrical section of this Winnebago operator manual illustrates the two systems; use your own RV’s manual and the actual fixture ratings when choosing replacements. Have a qualified RV technician handle uncertain wiring.
At the end of the project, the walls were spotless and our efforts completely transformed the space! The mountain felt so much larger with the white wall paint. The backsplash tiles and decorations made each room feel unique and glamorous. I could officially, and with full confidence, call my small home a glamper.
