I’m looking for advice on interior wall refinishing. I have a 1993 21’
Sovereign that is due for a number repairs and upgrades. One area in need of attention is the rear corner bathroom.
I’ve read several wall refinishing posts here which have been helpful, however, I’m still unsure about the best approach for my enclosed shower and toilet area. I’d like to convert the vinyl covered walls and wall papered panels to an aluminum finish. In both the shower and toilet area (see attached photos).
1. My first choice would be to strip and use the existing aluminum panels. I understand stripping is a big job, but my bathroom small and I’m willing to give it a try. Assuming I can successfully strip and apply wax(?) to the aluminum, will the aluminum panels hold up ok in the wet environment? I’ve read here that clear coating aluminum is complicated and that some people have had success waxing interior aluminum walls. We don’t use the shower that often and we wipe down the walls after use, therefore I wonder if we might get away with uncoated & waxed aluminum.
2. If the above is unlikely to work and I will regularly deal with oxidation, I believe an alternative is to install new panels. Based on my reading here it appears stainless would be the way to go or alclad aluminum? If replacing the panels is best option, would it be best to simply overlay new panels on the existing or remove the existing panels and replace with new? Something I find unusual is there are very few visible rivets on the shower aluminum panels. I’m unsure how Airstream installed the panels.....my shower is in the drivers side rear corner of the trailer.
Thanks in advance for any insights.
Tom