Now you have walls you need to consider what you are going to finish them in. This guide is all about finishing walls. In ‘Putting up walls’, we suggested a sand and seal for plywood, if you like the Scandinavian style. If that’s not for you, we’ve pulled together some of the other options we discovered.
Using oils to finish your walls
If after you sanded your walls you might still feel they lack the oomph you were hoping for. This is where timber stain steals the show. By highlighting the natural grain patterns of the wood while also adding depth and contrast, staining can take your walls to the next level!
Before starting, make sure to remove everything from your van and lay down a drop sheet to protect your flooring. Also, don’t forget to wear gloves or you might end up staining your hands!
To apply the stain, take a lint-free cloth and dip it into the stain, then wipe your walls and ceiling in a circular motion. Start at one end of your van and continue until you reach a natural stopping point. Allow the stain to sit for around five minutes (or longer if you want a darker color), then wipe away any excess with a clean rag.
For a more eclectic look, use various stain colours as you go and apply a small paint brush to stain the little cracks between each panel.
If you’re going for a darker shade, apply a second coat after two hours and let it dry overnight. The following day, add a polyurethane topcoat to seal and protect the wood while creating a sheen that enhances the stain underneath.
With these simple steps, your campervan walls and ceiling will look stunning and provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for your travels.
Types of oils
Tung Oil: Tung oil is a popular choice for wood finishing because it is natural, non-toxic, and provides excellent protection against moisture. It is also easy to apply and leaves a beautiful, matte finish on the wood. Tung oil takes longer to dry than some other finishes, but the results are worth the wait.
Linseed Oil: Linseed oil is another natural oil that is often used for wood finishing. It is easy to apply and provides good protection against water and wear. Linseed oil does take longer to dry than some other finishes, and it can yellow over time.
Danish Oil: Danish oil is a blend of oil and varnish that provides good protection against water and wear while also enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, leaving a beautiful, matte finish on the wood.
Teak Oil: Teak oil is a popular choice for outdoor furniture and boats, but it can also be used on wood walls in a campervan. It provides good protection against water and UV rays, and it brings out the natural beauty of the wood. Teak oil is easy to apply and dries quickly, leaving a slightly glossy finish.
Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is a non-drying oil that is often used for cutting boards and other kitchen items because it is food-safe. While mineral oil does not provide as much protection against water and wear as some other finishes, it can be a good choice for campervan walls that are not exposed to heavy use or moisture.
It’s a good idea to test the oil on a small area of the wall first to make sure you are happy with the results before applying it to the entire wall
Using paint to finish the walls
A great option. You’ll find most people paint their vans all in white to create the illusion of more space. It looks great in photos. Be aware, it doesn’t look as good in real life.. you will get it dirty!
Inspiration: Before you start painting the walls, it’s essential to create a colour scheme for your campervan that reflects your unique style and taste. Get whatever inspiration you can from interior design magazines or Pinterest.
Paint samples: Purchase a few different paint samples and paint them onto a scrap piece of plywood.
Applying anti-mould primer: After sanding the walls, apply two coats of anti-mould primer. This is a crucial, often overlooked, step as it will help prevent mould and moisture buildup inside the campervan. You can find anti-mould primers in most home improvement stores.
Choosing the right paint: Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint the walls. We recommend using a premium quality paint that is thick and long lasting.
Painting the walls: To paint the walls, you will need a good quality paintbrush. We recommend using a brush to preserve the natural wood grain and texture. Before starting to paint, make sure to wipe down the walls to remove any dust. Mask the perimeter of the walls to avoid painting the ceiling or the floor accidentally.
Start from the top: Start painting from the top of the walls and work your way down. Use long, even strokes to apply the paint evenly.
Two coats of paint: After the first coat of paint has dried, check if you need a second coat. Applying two coats of paint will ensure that the walls have a smooth and even finish. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one.
Using wallpaper to finish your walls
Eek. Would we do this? No. But it can be done.
Choose a durable wallpaper: When selecting wallpaper for your campervan, make sure to choose a durable option that can withstand the wear and tear of being on the road. Look for vinyl or non-woven options that are moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
Measure your walls: Before applying wallpaper, measure your walls carefully to determine how much you will need. Remember to account for any windows, doors, or other obstacles.
Prepare your walls: Make sure your walls are clean and dry before applying wallpaper. If necessary, sand down any rough spots or fill in any holes or cracks.
Apply the wallpaper: Apply wallpaper paste or adhesive to the back of the wallpaper, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Starting at one corner of the wall, carefully line up the wallpaper and smooth it down with a wallpaper brush or squeegee. Continue working your way across the wall, matching up the pattern as you go.
Trim the edges: Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp utility knife to trim off any excess along the edges of the wall.
Using carpet to finish your walls
Carpeting the walls of your van can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the interior. To get started, it’s recommended to use 4-way stretch carpet, which comes in a muted range of colours.
To carpet the ply walls, spray one side of the ply with adhesive spray. From one side to the other, press the carpet into the ply wall, smoothing out any air gaps and fixing any minor deviances as you go.
This is a fiddly job and carpet will get stuck on itself a lot. You’ll also end up with sticky hands which will make the job even harder.
Fortunately, 4 way stretch carpet is very forgiving and it shouldn’t take you long to get into a flow of putting it on the walls.
What we did
Our van came with walls, on it was grey carpeted which we have made work, but it isn’t my preferred wall finish.
That being said, the reason I haven’t ripped out the grey carpet is because I don’t think there is a great way to line the walls of a van yet. All the options are pretty poor.
I don’t like carpets, in their limited colours. I don’t want to paint wood white. I don’t really want to use panel boarding to create a clinical wipe free surface.
We’ve used a lot of plywood, that is beautiful and stained, and we’ve gone as far to put thin layers of ply on the walls and the ceiling covering up some of the grey carpet and intentionally compartmentalising the van without cancelling the illusion of space.
For now, carpet is fine, but I’m really looking forward to someone inventing a material that works better. Let us know if you come across anything spectacular and new.