Completely clean the surface you are going to paint. Remove all layers of dust, rust or grime that may have accumulated before you paint. Failing to do so will cause visible imperfections in your final paint job. [1] X Research source
Anti-rust paint. Anti-rust paint is available in spray-on or liquid form. The liquid form comes in two parts that must be mixed and applied with a brush. Ask an employee of your local home improvement store which is best for you. Spray-on metal paint in the colour of your choice.
Begin with an oil based primer. Water-based primers will loosen the paper from the wall, potentially causing it to sag or bubble. After the primer dries, apply another coat if it doesn’t completely cover the whole surface. When the primer has dried, paint in the colour of your choice. You may use water based paint for your final coat as long as the primer covers everything underneath it. [2] X Research source
Remove all cupboard doors and drawers. You will see the best results if you paint these parts individually. Make sure you label them so you know where to put them back when you’re done. Remove hinges and handles. This will keep you from getting paint on your hardware accidentally. If you are considering painting the hardware along with the wood—don’t—the paint will quickly chip off. Sand wood surfaces and wipe off the dust before painting. [3] X Research source
Cut the insulation to fit your wall and ceiling. Spray a heavy-duty adhesive to the wall and to the back of your insulation. Firmly press insulation to the wall/ceiling and hold it until it dries.
Cut the foam paneling slightly larger than the space it is meant to fill. Squeeze the panel into the window frame. It should compress around the edges for a snug fit. Secure it along the edges with installation tape. [5] X Research source
Wearing gloves, cut pieces of fibreglass insulation to fit your wall. Stuff the fibreglass into green garbage bags, and seal them with installation tape. This keeps moisture out of your insulation and prevents mold. Attach the garbage bags to the walls with installation tape around the perimeter. [6] X Research source
Do not spray foam in cold weather. Cold prevents the foam from setting properly, and you may find it oozing out of the cracks when it gets warm. Foam expands when you spray it and can be unpredictable. If you are filling an especially large gap, only fill it 1/3rd of the way at first. Wait until it dries, then spray the next third, and so on. This will prevent it from expanding too much and pushing out on its surroundings. After its dried, use a utility knife to cut away excess foam.
Cut 2 inches (5. 1 cm) x 2 inches (5. 1 cm) wood studs the height of your wall. Glue the studs to wall of your van just inside of where your upholstered paneling will go. Screw the paneling into the studs, after it has been upholstered. Cover the screws with screwcaps.
Tape a large sheet of paper to the wall or floor. Cut out the shape of the area you wish to cover.
Tape your template to a sheet of plywood. Using a saw, cut the plywood into the shape of the template. Be sure to use thin plywood that can bend to the curvature of your walls.
Roll out the bunting overtop the plywood. Cut the bunting so that it is exactly the size and shape of the wood it is going to cover. Glue the bunting and wood together with upholstery adhesive. [8] X Research source
Leaving at least 3 inches of fabric around the sides will allow you to stretch the upholstery and glue it to the back of the plywood.
Pull the fabric taught, and fold it over the edge of the plywood. Press down with a drywall knife to ensure the glue dries flat. [10] X Research source
These struts can be found most easily online, but it is safer to order them from a home improvement store, the better to know what you’re getting.
Open the cover of your futon mattress and pull back the cushioning until you reach the springs. Using heavy duty wire clippers, clip the springs to the desired length. Replace the cushioning and sew the cover closed. [12] X Research source
Building a garbage can that doubles as a stool. Installing drawers under your bed.
