What to use to clean yellowed interior walls of my '62 Tradewind

[Mary Burris]

Hi there, feel like I am asking advice on EVERYTHING and grateful to this great website and all the helpful people. On my recently acquired 62 TW a former owner primed the front (kitchen forward) walls and ceilings and did a crappy job, 1. is there a way I can remove this primer? I sort of assume I just have to paint that area. As for the bedroom and bathroom the original zolotone finish is still there and in tact but it is very yellowed and discolored overall, not sure if that is from age, a smoker or old leaks but I need advice as to how to handle and clean up and freshen up. Thank you!! Mary in Florida

[goshawks00]

Hi Mary, congrats on the TW , long time comin".

Try Krud-cutter on the yellowed walls, worked great for us. Not sure what to tell you about the primer as there are many different types
GL
Barry

[dwightdi]

Good primers are usually thermal sets and can not be dissolved or easily removed without removing all the paint and zolo. A strong solution of Spic and Span is usually enough to get tobacco stains off. You need to go over it at least twice to get it all.

[68 TWind]

Mr. Clean Magic earasers have been usefull for me.

[Protagonist]

For an off-the-wall suggestion, Efferdent denture cleaner. Better for spot cleaning than wide-area cleaning because you'd need so much of it to cover a wide area.

I've also used Efferdent as a quick-and-easy toilet bowl cleaner. Fill the bowl, drop in half a dozen tablets, and come back later to flush.

[arlanan]

I also am pondering what do do with my 62 overlander, the interior has never been painted, original looks yellow and speckled...would rather just paint it but don't know if it will decrease the value....I just need some reassurance from a group of Airstream folks.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by arlanan

original looks yellow and speckled...

The "speckled" part is Zolotone, it's integral to the paint - the yellow is probably just 50 years of grime. Try cleaning it with any of the above and see if you can live with the results before resorting to painting over it. For some, the original Zolotone is an added bonus to the trailers of this era and plain ol' paint is not as desirable. But ultimately, it's your trailer to do with as you please.

Shari

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Mary Burris

is there a way I can remove this primer?

You may want to try a very mild paint stripper like Motsenbocker's Lift-Off to see if it will budge the "primer" and leave the Zolotone. I had pretty good luck with it on our trailer before we decided to strip the whole thing & re-do the Zolotone on the whole trailer.

Shari