vinyl repaint

[ted368]

I have a mid 60's AS that I has been closed up for years in the hot south Texas sun. The vinyl covering on the interior walls has become "sticky" and discolored from time and very hot temps. I don't want to remove it if I can simply paint over it. Does anyone have any suggestions? The trailer has survived in spite of almost no maintence for 30 or more years and I have decided to revamp the interior for use. Thanks for replys.Ted

[madrone]

Prime with Kilz original (xylene based ) primer then any paint will stick to it.

[dwightdi]

I think you should remove the sticky plasticizer before you start painting. It is actually a partially crosslinked liquid that was added to the vinyl to make it flexible. After many years the compound degrades and the plasticizer leaches to the surface. There are a number of cleaning products that will dissolve it including "Spray Nine". Then you can paint over it with the solvent based primer and not have the plasticizer dissolve in it and wreck the primer.

[Chaplain Kent]

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your purchase. Many of us have purchased a similar Airstream and know what you are going through. Sad so many people just left them sit with out using them. Sticky walls is a subject like polishing there are many ideas and suggestions. This is a good way for you to learn how to use the search function. Punch "search" and put in the word "sticky" you will get several hundred replies. One good reply is below. Good luck to you and again welcome.
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ghlight=sticky

[Jim & Susan]

I've read several of the painting threads and still have a basic question that has yet to be answered.

There are various methods to paint the vinyl walls. They range from the fairly simple "kilz and latex" to complicated spray on layers using various cleaning methods and primers and finish coats, etc, etc.

The question is this. Who has had long term acceptable results with any of the methods. Say, four or five years? I'm guessing that if not done properly, a few years down the road all of that vinyl will have to removed from the interior wall panels.

Anybody?

Jim