Mobile homes offer a wonderful blend of affordability and comfort. But like any home, their interiors and exteriors can start to look a little tired over time. A fresh coat of paint can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home, making it feel bright, inviting, and uniquely yours. Most of the owners still do not know how to paint mobile home walls by themselves. This guide will walk you through the process of painting both the interior walls and the exterior of your mobile home, from choosing the right paint to estimating costs.

Painting the Interior

Gathering Your Supplies:

Before diving in, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a handy checklist:

• Paint: We’ll discuss choosing the perfect paint for your mobile home walls in a bit.
• Drop cloths: These will protect your floors and furniture from splatters and spills.
• Painter’s tape: This helps create clean lines around trim, windows, and doors.
• Paint rollers and brushes: A roller will cover large areas quickly, while brushes are essential for corners and trimming.
• Sandpaper (optional): If your walls have any imperfections, you may need to lightly sand them.
• Cleaning supplies: You’ll need soap and water or a TSP solution (tri-sodium phosphate) to clean your walls before painting.
• Safety gear: A dust mask and safety glasses will protect you from paint fumes and dust.

Selecting the Best Paint

When it comes to painting trailer walls, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Durability: Opt for a paint specifically designed for walls, as it will be more resistant to scuffs and everyday wear and tear. Look for paints labelled “washable” or “scrubbable” for easy cleaning.
• Finish: Flat paint hides imperfections well but may not be as easy to clean. Satin or eggshell finishes offer a good balance between washability and a slightly glossier look.
• Colour: This is where you can express your personality! Lighter colours tend to make rooms feel more spacious, while bolder colours can create a dramatic effect. Consider the overall mood you want to create in each room.

Painting Your Mobile Home Interior

1. Preparation is key. Clear the room of furniture and belongings. Cover the floor with drop cloths and tape off trim, windows, and doors with painter’s tape.
2. Cleaning Champions: Wash your walls with a mild soap and water solution, or use a TSP solution if there’s heavy grime. Allow the walls to dry completely before painting.
3. Prime Time (Optional): For a smoother finish and better paint adhesion, you may consider applying a primer, especially if you’re painting over a dark colour or if the walls have any imperfections.
4. Roll with It: Use a paint roller for large areas. Start at the top of the wall and roll in smooth, even strokes.
5. Brush Up on Corners: Use a brush to paint corners, trim, and around windows and doors.
6. Second Coat Hero: Once the first coat is completely dry (refer to the paint can’s drying time recommendations), apply a second coat for optimal coverage.
7. The Big Reveal: Carefully remove the painter’s tape once the paint is dry. Enjoy your beautifully refreshed space!

Painting the Exterior

Painting the exterior of your mobile home requires some additional considerations.

• Weatherproof Paint: Choose a paint specifically designed for exterior use. It should be resistant to moisture, mildew, and UV rays.
• Surface Material: Most mobile homes have aluminum siding, but some may have vinyl or wood. Select a paint compatible with your siding material.
• Ladder Safety: Invest in a sturdy ladder and ensure you have a spotter when working on higher areas.

The process for painting your mobile home’s exterior is similar to the interior, with a few key adjustments:

1. Preparation:
   • Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the exterior with a hose and mild detergent solution. Remove any dirt, grime, or mildew.
   • Inspection: Look for any damaged siding or loose caulking. Repair these areas before painting.
   • Drop Cloth Defender: Drape drops cloths around the perimeter of your mobile home to catch drips and spills.
   • Masking: Use painter’s tape to mask off windows, doors, awnings, and any other areas you don’t want painted.
2. Priming for Perfection (Optional): For optimal paint adhesion and a more even finish, consider applying a primer specifically designed for exterior use on aluminum or your specific siding material.
3. Brush and Roller Brigade: The painting process is similar to the interior. Use a roller for large sections and a brush for trim, corners, and around windows and doors.
4. Weather: Always check the weather forecast before painting outdoors. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, during high winds, or when rain is imminent.
5. Coating: Apply two thin coats of exterior paint, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. Refer to the paint can’s drying time recommendations.
6. Unveiling: Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Take a step back and admire your freshly painted mobile home!

How Much Cost is Involved?

The cost of painting your mobile home will vary depending on several factors, including:

• Size of your mobile home: Larger mobile homes will naturally require more paint and supplies.
• Paint quality: Higher-quality paints tend to be more expensive but may offer better durability and coverage.
• Materials needed: factor in the cost of drop cloths, painter’s tape, brushes, rollers, sandpaper (if needed), primer (optional), and safety gear.
• Do-it-yourself vs. hiring a professional: If you choose to hire a professional painter, expect to pay more than tackling the project yourself.

Here’s a rough estimate:

• Interior: Painting the interior of a small to medium-sized mobile home can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 for materials, while a larger mobile home might cost $300 to $500.
• Exterior: Painting the exterior of a small to medium-sized mobile home can range from $200 to $500 for materials, with larger mobile homes potentially costing $500 to $800.

How Many Gallons Are Needed?

1. Measure the walls
   • Measure the length and height of each wall in your mobile home.
   • Multiply the length and height to get the total square footage of each wall.
   • Add up the square footage of all the walls to get the total square footage.
2. Consider the coverage rate
   • One gallon of paint can typically cover 400 square feet.
   • However, the actual coverage rate may vary depending on the type of paint, colour, and existing wall condition.
3. Estimate the number of coats needed
   • Most walls will require two coats for full coverage.
   • If you’re painting over a dark colour with a lighter one, you may need additional coats.
4. Add a buffer
   • It’s always better to have extra paint than to run out.
   • Consider adding 10–20% to your total square footage to account for any mistakes or uneven application.
5. Calculate the total gallons needed
   • Divide the total square footage (including the buffer) by the coverage rate.
   • Round up to the nearest whole number to determine the total number of gallons needed.

For example, if your mobile home has a total wall area of 1,200 square feet and you’re using paint with a coverage rate of 400 square feet per gallon, you would need approximately 3 gallons (1,200 ÷ 400 = 3) for two coats, plus an additional gallon for a buffer.

Best Primer for Mobile Home Walls

First, it’s advisable to use a primer specifically designed for mobile homes or manufactured housing, as these products are formulated to adhere well to the unique materials commonly found in mobile home construction, such as panelling or drywall. A stain-blocking primer is also essential, as it helps prevent any existing stains or discolouration from bleeding through the new paint. Popular options include shellac-based or oil-based primers known for their stain-blocking capabilities.

Additionally, selecting a primer with a built-in sealer can be beneficial, as it seals porous surfaces like drywall or panelling, creating a smooth base for the topcoat paint. For panelled walls, a primer with a high solids content is recommended, as it helps fill in the grooves between the panels for a smoother finish. It’s also crucial to ensure that the primer is compatible with the type of paint you plan to use; most primers work well with both latex and oil-based paints, but checking the manufacturer’s recommendations is always a good practice.

Here are some of the best primers suitable for mobile home walls:

1. KILZ Adhesion Primer: This latex primer is designed for use on difficult surfaces, providing excellent adhesion for both interior and exterior applications. It’s ideal for mobile homes because it can bond to various materials, including glossy finishes and panelling.
2. Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer: Known for its stain-blocking capabilities, this shellac-based primer is excellent for covering tough stains and odours. It’s perfect for mobile homes that may have existing stains on the walls.
3. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior Primer and Sealer: This product combines a primer and sealer in one, making it a great choice for mobile home walls. It provides excellent coverage and helps to seal porous surfaces, ensuring a smooth finish.
4. Glidden Gripper Primer: This multi-purpose latex primer is known for its strong adhesion and is suitable for a variety of surfaces. It’s particularly useful for mobile homes with panelling, as it helps create a uniform surface for painting.
5. Rust-Oleum Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer: This water-based primer is versatile and can be used on multiple surfaces. It offers good stain-blocking properties and is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, making it a solid choice for mobile homes.

Wrapping it Up!

Painting your mobile home is a cost-effective way to refresh its look and boost its curb appeal. With a little planning, the right tools, and this guide, you can transform your mobile home into a space that reflects your style and personality. So, grab your paintbrush, unleash your creativity, and get ready to enjoy your newly painted haven! Happy Painting!