Latex or Oil Paint?

[Postal_Dave]

My camper has exterior grade, plywood sides and I'm going to paint them. I'd like advise from people with experience.

In your opinion. What is the Best paint for use on my camper, Latex or Oil based paint?
Also, in your opinion. What brand paint do you recommend?

Thanks,
Dave

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I've had really good success using an exterior mildew resistant primer such as Kilz Premium (water-based), followed with Rustoleum High Performance Enamel (oil-based). Both are readily available, although the color selection of the Rustoleum is limited.

[GuitarPhotog]

I have come to realize that for surfaces exposed to weather or wear, an oil-based paint provides much superior durability over similar latex finishes.

I primer everything and use Rustoleum oil-base enamels on all exposed wood and most metal surfaces.

<Chas>

[campmaster-k]

Plywood is very very devilish. The very best system in my opinion is the epoxy sealer with latex primer and paint. For the primer I used a product called STIX ($50gal), and for the finish I used P29 DTM acrylic ($40) . Both are made by Benjamin Moore.

[Postal_Dave]

Since 2 out of 3 recommended Rustoleum, that's what I went with. The only problem is shaking all those spray cans.

Just kidding. I used the rustoleum that comes in a paint can. However, this is thick paint. From trial and error, I can say this.
1) use a small amount of thinner so this paint lays down right. Two cap fulls per gallon might be a little too much, but that's what I used.
2) use a 1/4 inch nap roller. Don't use the standard 3/8ths inch nap, it's too thick.

Thanks for the recommendations guys.
Dave

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Since 2 out of 3 recommended Rustoleum, that's what I went with. The only problem is shaking all those spray cans.

Just kidding. I used the rustoleum that comes in a paint can. However, this is thick paint. From trial and error, I can say this.
1) use a small amount of thinner so this paint lays down right. Two cap fulls per gallon might be a little too much, but that's what I used.
2) use a 1/4 inch nap roller. Don't use the standard 3/8ths inch nap, it's too thick.

Thanks for the recommendations guys.
Dave

Dave you had me for a second with the spray can remark

That Rustoleum definitely is a thick paint. I didn't thin it out and I used the heavy nap roller, so I'd be interested to see what texture your finished paint has.

The texture of my finish somewhat resembles FRP panels. I tried to find a good pic, but this was probably the best one I could find. Next time I get my trailer out I'll try to remember to take a picture specifically to show the texture better.

[LWW]

I'm a Rustoleum fan myself. I've always used the roll and tip method. Some use the foam brusthes but I've always used the biggest fine bristle brush I can find. Thats what works for me.Larry

[les45]

I've had really good success using an exterior mildew resistant primer such as Kilz Premium (water-based), followed with Rustoleum High Performance Enamel (oil-based). Both are readily available, although the color selection of the Rustoleum is limited.

I like the looks of your paint in your picture. I'm not going for a smooth glassy finish on my weekender. How is your paint system at covering small grain lines and other small imperfections? I'm trying to figure out how much of that small stuff I need to apply filler to and how much the paint system itself (especially the primer) will cover up after a few coats.

[GPW]

Les , even on a textured finish , surface preparation is Critical ... Fill those holes and lines , etc. so you have a nice uniform surface to paint on ...

[eddie6775]

I concur with the Rustolium crowd my self. in 1995 I spayed my old Celica with and it's still holding up. Only problem is it got kind of chalky looking after 4 or 5 years but cleans up nice. From what I understand Rustolium isn't the most UV resistant paint out there but it's 2012 and my car still looks half way decent....out behind the barn..ouch, but that's another story of a different project lol.. I did the bottom of the floor with it too. good paint.

[Roly Nelson]

Since I keep my tears undercover all of the time, and my house-paint has held up just fine on the exterior of my house in this So Calif weather, I simply painted both of my non-woody tears with 3 coats of house paint and so far no problems. I am not suggesting others do the same, but it works for me, besides I hate oil-based paint and the clean-up required. When it looks a little weather-worn, I just add another coat of the same stuff. Just my 2 cents.
Roly ~~

[Fishingtomatoseed]

I've had really good success using an exterior mildew resistant primer such as Kilz Premium (water-based), followed with Rustoleum High Performance Enamel (oil-based). Both are readily available, although the color selection of the Rustoleum is limited.

Is everyone that is using the rustoleum are you also using it on the roof or just the sides? Also is this with or without using some sort of epoxy sealer first?

[whitefishpoint]

Exterior Latex house paint. No problems.

[cracker39]

I agree that surface prep is critical to a good finish. I prefer latex over oil based enamel, after putting down an epoxy sealer and then a latex primer. Latex withstands temperature changes better (at least that's my opinion) as it will expand and shrink without cracking. Latex won't have the gloss finish that you get with oil based enamel, but, then, it won't show imperfections as much as with oil based enamel. Use whatever works for you. You know what they say about opinions...