Cleaning the felt and painting the units in a Van Conversion.

[Dave46049]

Wasn't sure which section to post this in...

I'm looking at buying a 2nd hand camper van, but it looks like it's been used a fair bit - smells of smoke etc, also the units are very dark.

If it was in my house I'd steam clean the carpets and paint gloss on the units - job done.

I was wondering if it's as simple as that with a van?

 

[Riverbankannie]

I would test a small unobtrusive patch first with the steamer. You don’t want to melt any glue underneath or soak the underlayer. My steamer, a 240v Polti puts a lot of water into things but yours may be less aggressive .
As for the paint, yes you will get good results by painting but I wouldn’t use ordinary gloss. I have had great results on a range of surfaces from mock mahogany to ikea black veneer, with the new furniture paints. I use a range from Rustoleum that you can get in different shades from B&Q

Rust-Oleum Slate Satinwood Furniture paint, 125ml | DIY at B&Q

This Slate satin furniture paint has been specially designed to give a durable and long-lasting finish on a range of surfaces. Simply apply with a brush or roller and leave for 1 hour to dry - a great way to give the surfaces additional protection. Covers 14m² per litre on average.

www.diy.com

 

[scotjimland]

Budget permitting , I would consider replacing all soft furnishings , ie carpets, wall linings, curtains and upholstery . That is what I did recently to my van. Do this in bright fabrics and you may not need to paint the units .

I tried cleaning but the stale smells of smoke etc remained ,

See photos in album in signature

 

[scotjimland]

Deleted

 

[The Wino]

I'd look for a different purchase!

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[rod_vw]

Leave it where it is, you are very unlikely to get rid of the smell of smoke whatever you do.

 

[Lenny HB]

If it's that bad I'd walk away.

 

[Dave46049]

Budget permitting , I would consider replacing all soft furnishings , ie carpets, wall linings, curtains and upholstery . That is what I did recently to my van. Do this in bright fabrics and you may not need to paint the units .

I tried cleaning but the stale smells of smoke etc remained ,

See photos in album in signature

Thanks for the tip - what sort of budget does that take?

 

[Otter Spotter]

Autoglym shampoo for cars can be used for cleaning wall carpet but honestly, I would look for another van

 

[scotjimland]

Thanks for the tip - what sort of budget does that take?

About £1,200 all in

most expensive was the new upholstery .. about £850 .. had it done by a local upholstery company

Carpet for walls, roof and floor , corded polyester, £250 .. bought end of roll from an independent carpet shop who do off-cuts and end of rolls ..

Carpet spray adhesive .. 8 tins at £7..

New curtains about £40 Dunelm

It was so well worth the effort.. it's like a new van now

you

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[rod_vw]

Carpet trim from either of these...

Harrisons Trim

Martrim

Don't forget to use high temperature adhesive, take advice from either of the above.

All kinds of things for a motorcaravan from Autograft Motor Caravans.

 

[stevewagner]

Maybe you could use plastic wrap on the units