Wallpapering a camper van might seem to many like an unconventional choice, but it’s one that is becoming popular among a new generation of vanlifers and RV enthusiasts looking for ways to combine their wanderlust with a chance to showcase their styles.
For some, however, creating an environment on the road that feels like a home is essential for their psychological well-being. This is the case of the Casaniers family, which contacted me for help with their project, transforming a 1979 MAN KAT 1, a military truck once belonging to the German Army, into a welcoming mobile home, a place where their nine-year-old daughter, Hinatea, could feel secure and happy, no matter where they were in the world.
Originally from the quiet town of Loire-Atlantique, the Casaniers were about to make a dramatic choice and live on the road. A health scare had jolted the couple into action, and they no longer wanted to be tethered to one place. Having sold their home and cleared their debts, they purchased the truck they had always dreamed of: a MAN KAT 1. This is no ordinary camper van but a rugged, off-road beast capable of traversing diverse terrains. Air-cooled, sporting a Deutz engine, it is still widely used in the agricultural sector, meaning that spare parts are relatively easy to source, no matter the country they are in.
Their goal was to transform it from a utilitarian war machine into a reflection of their former house’s original 1970s design, and that’s where wallpaper, a seemingly mundane detail, came into play. They had installed wallpaper before, but wallpapering a truck is an entirely different challenge. The truck was completely empty, so interior walls had to be created with laminated plywood panels and sandwich panels with a gel coat finish for the perimeter. This gave them a smooth, white surface, which presented a new challenge: getting anything to stick to such a slick surface. All traces of glue, grease, or other residues had to be removed using a degreasing product before prepping the gel-coated walls.
While they knew which patterns they wanted on their wallpaper, its characteristics— such as being washable, lightfast, compatible with damp rooms and flame retardant—need to be considered when living in a converted truck. Wallpapering the tight spaces of an RV, with its unique contours, requires having a clean plan.
They carefully considered how the wallpaper would fit and then marked the measurements and lines on the wallpaper. To cater to the irregular joints in the corners, they drew reference points with a wooden pencil to ensure the wallpaper stayed straight and didn’t adhere to the joints. They also marked where to apply the glue to ensure everything was perfectly aligned.
As the standard wallpapering roller proved unsuitable for the project, I suggested they use a narrower one made of foam, similar to a varnish roller. It turned out to be just right, as it didn’t soak up too much glue, allowing them to apply just the right amount to the wall.
The most challenging task for them was finding the right glue—an adhesive capable of working with their surface constraints and handling temperature changes. The recommendation was to use a glue called Metylan Ovalit TM, which is suitable for most types of non-woven wallpapers and free from strong odours, an essential quality for the confined spaces of a truck.
With the adhesive prepared and the walls ready, the delicate task of hanging the wallpaper was started. Using a wallpapering spatula and their hands to smooth out each section, they carefully removed any excess glue. The process was slow and meticulous, but the results were worth it.
Over the years, many fellow campers like the Casaniers asked me whether it made sense to wallpaper their RV, and my answer is, in most cases, a yes, as it is a very versatile design tool. In the confined spaces of a camper van, every inch counts, and wallpaper can make the space feel larger and more inviting, thanks to a few visual tricks. Light-colored models with subtle patterns visually expand the interior, making it appear more open and airier, while vertical stripes create the illusion of higher ceilings.
Another compelling reason to opt for wallpaper is its ability to breathe new life into an older vehicle. The second-hand market is thriving, and many people find themselves in possession of a camper that’s perfectly functional but perhaps a bit outdated on the inside. Wallpapering is a cost-effective way to cover any imperfections or old stains.
Beyond aesthetics, wallpaper offers practical benefits, such as providing an added layer of sound and heat insulation, which is especially useful when you’re parked up at a noisy campsite or trying to keep warm during a chilly night on the road.
If you decide to take the plunge, it’s important to consider more than just one pattern or colour. The small, mobile nature of a camper demands a thoughtful selection that balances aesthetics with practicality. Opting for moisture-resistant wallpaper, like vinyl, is crucial in preventing issues like peeling, mold, and mildew due to fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Durability is another key factor, as the constant movement and tight spaces in a camper can cause wear and tear. Non-woven wallpapers are a great choice for their robustness and tear resistance. Additionally, since living in a confined space often leads to surfaces getting dirty, it’s wise to select a wallpaper that’s easy to clean, ensuring it stays looking fresh over time.
Read more: Master the Art of Wallpapering Camper Vans
Images: Sven Rohleder, wallpaperfromthe70s.com
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