Exterior Paint

[Zandria06]

I need to paint the bus. What type should I use? Any tips?

[peteg59]

Depending on how you want it to come out, there are a few types of paints and methods you could consider.

If a rat rod flat appearance is what you're after, a Rustoleum flat rolled or brushed on might work.
That will be the easiest and fastest way to change color.
You can also spray on the Rustoleum for a better quality look, using a gloss finish paint from their paint spectrum.

If you want the look of a pristine shiny factory built coach appearance, you'll need to look at automotive paint, professionally or carefully sprayed on.
There is way more surface preparation involved in this type of finish and depending on your skill level, might be best farmed out for best results.
Of course this will not be cheap or inexpensive.

Surface preparation is key to whatever way you choose to go, as new fresh paint won't stick long if painting over a glossed or dirty existing finish.

Good luck...

[bubb, the real one]

I am sure others will speak and many will know more than me,
I use rustoleum in a gallon can with a roller, it looks nice for 3 years with a little orange peel design, and needs to be repainted every 5 to 6 years, but I spend less than $200 each time. Look through the pictures of other skoolies and find a nice 2 color design, Mine is currently sand over green.



1. wash the bus a few times with a degreaser and a long brush.

2. lightly sand the bus to scrape it up so the paint sticks better.
3. wash it again.
4. tape it up, totally cover everything you dont want paint on, you will be amazed at where the paint will splash. Paint splashes 10 to 20 feet so keep other vehicles at a distance.

[craig6151]

imron industrial is execellent paint if you plan to spray it .

[Johnny Mullet]

I like the cheap oil based roll on paint job!

[AZHippie]

Has anyone tried monstaliner or raptor liner? We were thinking about something along those lines.

[Johnny Mullet]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozP5sfhrR7c

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by craig6151

imron industrial is execellent paint if you plan to spray it .

Yes I've used that years ago and its good stuff.

[bus-bro]

I used industrial acrylic, after 10+ years it still looks OK. I used an airless sprayer. The paint is water soluble.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by bus-bro

I used industrial acrylic, after 10+ years it still looks OK. I used an airless sprayer. The paint is water soluble.

Wouldn't it wash off in the rain if it was soluble?

[bus-bro]

Water soluble until it sets, like latex paint.

[AZHippie]

Originally Posted by bus-bro

Water soluble until it sets, like latex paint.

Have there been any problems peeling or bubbling? I've used water based paints on outdoor metal and after a few months of heat, moisture and cold it started to bubble an peel. Other times no issues other than fading.

[bus-bro]

No none of that. The industrial acrylic paint is made for painting outdoor equipment, such as agriculture implements.

[AZHippie]

Thanks, any particular brand recommend?

[bus-bro]

Can't remember the brand, as I put it on many years ago. I went to my local hardware store for the purchase, but it was labeled as industrial acrylic enamel. Had it tinted, though color selection is limited.

[peteg59]

Latex or H2O soluble = No Bueno for long term coverage.

[bus-bro]

My experience tells me otherwise, at least as far industrial acrylic enamel paint.
But what would I know, my paint has held up for only ten or twelve years -- so far.

[peteg59]

That's good to hear!
You're a definite exception, especially in the area of the country you're in where its known to rain a lot.
At least you have no salt or other corrosive roadway additives to slog through in winter...

[bus-bro]

A lot of salt comes to my bus in the air as the wind blows over the sea. Corrosion top down though, not bottom up.

[Chaesop]

I painted my bus with Sherwin Williams Industrial Oil Based enamel and a wagner sprayer in June of last year. The finish was exactly how I had hope for. Consistent, mild texture, and it has held up to almost 12,000 miles and over a year of abuse now.