Destination Unknown

Tag: paint

  • 6 Charming Skoolie Exterior Paint Schemes

    6 Charming Skoolie Exterior Paint Schemes

    Get Community-Led Inspiration for Skoolie Exterior Paint Schemes

    Skoolies, aka. schoolies, have become increasingly popular in recent years as a unique and creative way to live a mobile lifestyle. One of the most important decisions when it comes to skoolie conversions is choosing the perfect exterior paint scheme.

    In this blog, I’ve compiled five charming skoolie exterior paint jobs with examples of skoolies that fall into those categories to inspire your own school bus paint schemes! 

    I want to thank the lovely skoolie owners from the Skoolie Girls Facebook Group that volunteered to share photos of their skoolie exterior paint schemes for this blog. I’ve linked back to their social media and/or blogs, when provided.

    Add your Skoolie Exterior Photo to this Blog

    Do you love how your skoolie exterior looks? Share a photo of your skoolie and I may add it to this post. E-mail me at hello@destinationunknown.life.

    Find everything you need to build out your skoolie with our
    >> Skoolie Supply and Shopping List Essentials <<

    Table of Contents

    Comprehensive Answers to Common Skoolie Myths

    We aim to bust the common myths you read about school bus conversions by providing solid resources and research from the skoolie community.

    Charming Skoolie Exterior Paint Schemes

    Bohemian Dream

    The Bohemian Dream paint scheme is perfect for those who want to express their artistic side on their skoolie‘s exterior. This school bus paint job typically features a mix of bold colors, patterns, and textures, creating a playful and eclectic look. For this exterior paint for skoolie, you can use bright yellows, pinks, and blues with earthy tones such as orange and brown. Adding a mandala or flower design can further enhance the bohemian vibe.

    Rustic Charm

    The Rustic Charm paint scheme is a classic option that gives off a cozy and warm feel. This exterior paint for skoolie typically features earthy colors such as deep browns, greens, and reds, creating a rustic cabin-like look. Adding wood paneling to the exterior can make the skoolie feel even more authentic. This school bus paint job is perfect for those who want to embrace the great outdoors and live a rustic lifestyle.

    Coastal Cool

    If you love the beach and want to bring that coastal feel to your skoolie‘s exterior, then the Coastal Cool paint scheme is for you. This school bus paint job typically features light blues and greens, sandy beiges, and whites. Adding seashell or wave designs can further enhance the coastal vibe. This exterior paint for skoolie is great for those who want a relaxed and serene atmosphere.

    Wanda Bus: Thanks to Elizabeth for sharing a photo of her light blue shortie called Wanda Bus. Read about her skoolie adventures on her blog here.

    Industrial Chic

    The Industrial Chic paint scheme is perfect for those who love the look of industrial-style homes. This school bus paint job typically features shades of gray and black, with metal accents and sharp lines. Adding rivets or other metal details can enhance the industrial look even further.

    This exterior paint for skoolie is great for those who want a modern and edgy feel.

    Moira Rose
    Moira Rose
    Moira Rose

    Retro Revival

    The Retro Revival paint scheme is perfect for those who love the vintage aesthetic. This school bus paint job typically features bright colors such as teal, pink, and yellow, with a playful mix of patterns and textures. Adding chrome accents can enhance the retro feel even further.

    This exterior paint for skoolie is great for those who want to bring a touch of nostalgia to their skoolie.

    Wilderbus

    Modern Simplicity

    The Modern Simplicity paint scheme is for those who love prefer a more minimalistic design. This school bus paint job typically features a duotone palette like deep, saturated color paired with a neutral like soft white. Adding on-trend accents typically follow what you see in current home trends, like black or gold.

    This exterior paint for skoolie is great for those who want to be outdoors while keeping their modern taste in mind. This palette is personally what we chose to go with for our rig.

    Hildebus school bus conversion parked on the waterfront in the evening in Glouchester, Massachusetts
    Glouchester, Massachusetts
    Skoolie parked in sunflower field | Magical Skoolie Glamping In A Sunflower Field | Pitts, Georgia, USA
    Sunflower field in Pitts, Georgia
    School bus tiny home sitting on the streets in Rockaway, New York, overlooking the channel to downtown Manhattan at sunset. The sky is orange and yellow. | What is a skoolie roof raise? | Destination Unknown
    What is a skoolie roof raise? | Destination Unknown

    The Beauty of Skoolie Paint Jobs

    Despite the negative opinions that some people have about skoolies, those of us within the community understand the charm and character that these unique RVs possess. To showcase the beauty and creativity of skoolie paint jobs, we’ve highlighted five charming exterior paint schemes in this blog. Whether you’re drawn to the bohemian, rustic, coastal, industrial, or retro style, there’s a school bus paint scheme out there for everyone.

    Share your School Bus Paint Color

    If you have a skoolie with an amazing exterior paint job that you’d like to share, we invite you to add it to our Skoolie Exterior Paint Palette List. Shoot us a message at Hello@DestinationUnknown.Life with a few photos of your rig and some details about the school bus paint color and application method. We’ll be happy to include your skoolie and link back to you!

    Additional Skoolie Paint Resources

    I’ve detailed out some of my best skoolie painting tips and supplies in these blogs below:

    FAQ

    What is the best bus color for boondocking?

    The correct answer to this question is whatever you choose! With that being said, if your goal is to blend into your surroundings while boondocking, then going with a color palette inspired by nature would be a good choice. If you’re parked in a wooded area, those colors could be deep greens. If you’re parked in a desert, beiges and tans would be a lovely pick. If you’re parked on a beach, a coastal vibe with teals, light greens and yellows would be great for a tropical vibe.

    How much paint do I need to paint a Skoolie?

    The amount of paint you’ll need to paint a skoolie will vary on several factors, such as paint type (oil versus latex), priming, condition of the old paint (if any), and the size of the vehicle.

    With that being said, a handy paint calculator will give you a starting point on how much paint you’ll need to get the job done.

    What is the best exterior paint for a skoolie?

    The topic of the best exterior paint for a skoolie is highly debatable and personal. The best paint for you will depend on a number of factors like budget, time, and experience.

    In our school bus conversion, we used an oil-based tintable exterior paint by Valspar. Other skoolie owners rave about using costly truck bed liner or affordable Rustoleum.

    Read the Best Exterior Paint for Skoolies blog for more information when deciding the best paint for your rig.

    Skoolie Paint Jobs are One-of-a-Kind!

    In conclusion, selecting the right exterior paint for skoolie can be a fun and exciting way to express your personality and style. Whether you want to embrace the bohemian vibe, rustic charm, coastal feel, industrial look, or retro aesthetic, there is a school bus paint scheme out there that’s perfect for you.

    So, don’t be afraid to get creative with your skoolie paint job and let it stand out!

  • Best Exterior Paint for Skoolies

    Best Exterior Paint for Skoolies

    Best Exterior Paint for Skoolies

    Come with me as we dive into the best exterior paint for skoolies. I share what products we used and where you can buy them for your upcoming paint project.

    Having painted our rig myself in 2021 and seeing the long-lasting finish of the products I used, I feel confident that the information I’m sharing will help you make the best decision for your upcoming paint project!

    Additional Skoolie Paint Resources

    Are you going deep into the rabbit hole on skoolie paint? Check out these blogs.

    What type of exterior paint should I buy for my school bus conversion?

    The type of paint you need for your rig depends on the body construction. If you purchased a retired school bus, the exterior is likely stainless steel or some other metal. In this case, it’s imperative that you choose a paint primer and tinted enamel paint that is made for:

    • Exterior
    • Durable, long-lasting finish
    • Metal
    • Rust-resistant
    • Oil-based
    • Budget-friendly

    You can also use an automotive primer and paint, though these may come at a higher price point than the other oil-based paints that you can find at your hardware store. 

    Oil-Based vs. Latex Paint for a Skoolie

    I recommend that you use an oil-based primer and paint (enamel) rather than a latex product for the exterior. Oil-based paint can be more forgiving, if and when you need to do sanding and touch-ups. Oil paint does smell so you’ll want to work with this in an open spaces with ventilation.

    For the interior, I recommend using latex paint since it’s indoors and doesn’t put off the same odor as oil paint does.

    In both cases, if you’re working on an unpainted surface like metal or wood, prime before applying the top coat.

    What is the best exterior paint to buy for a school bus conversion?

    We recommend products like Rustoleum and Valspar Anti-Rust Armor Enamel. Rustoleum products aren’t tintable but do come in a wide range of colors, especially for farming equipment like tractors. 

    Valspar Anti-Rust Armor Enamel is tintable and comes in several finishes (gloss, semi-gloss).  

    Valspar Anti-Rust Armor (Oil-base) vs. Rust-Oleum (Oil-base) 

    If we hadn’t come across Valspar Anti-Rust Armor, we would have chosen a Rust-Oleum product, which has a good history and is easy to find at hardware stores. However, we wanted to make a custom color choice and the Rust-Oleum products on the market cannot be tinted though they offer a wide range of colors.

    Valspar is the Lowe’s paint brand and you can purchase it there or on Amazon. Rustoleum is found at most hardware and paint stores, and on Amazon.

    Both of these products are affordable, falling in about the same price range as a normal can of household paint. 

    Valspar is the home brand for Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, and you can only purchase it in their paint department or on Amazon. 

    How do I calculate how much paint I need for my Skoolie?

    We recommend using a paint calculator to determine how much primer and paint enamel you will need to paint your school bus conversion. 

    Sherwin Williams has a paint calculator and I’ve linked that below.

    Paint Calculator

    Cost to paint a skoolie interior

    We hired a professional painter to prep, prime, and paint the interior of our school bus. It took him two days (a total of 8 hours) to do the work and we paid him $750. The cost included paint and labor.

    The prep work took the longest because he had to protect all of the products and fixtures in our completed rig. We also removed all cushions and personal belongings so he could work around everything.

    Conclusion

    Did you paint your skoolie with latex or oil paint? Let me know in the comments below.

  • How to Paint A Skoolie Roof

    How to Paint A Skoolie Roof

    Painting the roof of your rig is an important step in protecting the interior contents that you put so much work into remodeling. This blog details the product we purchased to paint our roof, why we purchased it, how it’s holding up after 2+ years, and how we applied it. 

    Are you going deep into the rabbit hole on skoolie paint? Check out these blogs.

    Table of Contents

    Comprehensive Answers to Common Skoolie Myths

    We aim to bust the common myths you read about school bus conversions by providing solid resources and research from the skoolie community.

    Public Poll on Skoolie Roof Paint Used

    It’s worth noting that there are a number of ways that you can protect your skoolie roof, and this was how we did it.

    I created a poll in the Skoolie Girls forum asking what products they used on their roof, and the majority used Henry’s Tropicool.

    If you did yours differently, please comment below what product(s) you used, how it’s holding up, and why you went with it.

    Poll on Skoolie Roof Paint Product Used

    White Elastomeric Paint for our Skoolie Roof

    Henry’s Tropicool

    Our home base is in Florida, which has heavy rainstorms and high temperatures. We purchased a product that is well-rated for these conditions following feedback from others within the skoolie and mobile home communities.

    We settled on a white elastomeric paint called Henry’s Tropicool. It helps to seal cracks and it also reflects heat and high temperatures with the white finish.

    The paint dries to a tacky texture, so just be aware of that. If you need to do any touch-up paint, it doesn’t sand all that easily. With that being said, I feel safer with the tacky texture when I have to be up on the roof because I feel like it grips my feet better than normal paint would. 

    How to Paint A Skoolie Roof

    Prep a Skoolie Roof for Paint

    Patch Any Holes

    This is kind of a no-brainer. Patch any holes from light fixtures that have been removed before you can properly seal your house. 

    If your body is a stainless steel construction, you can buy new or reuse stainless steel sheets from your conversion to patch holes. We used an automotive grade caulk to seal small patches, like a sandwich. We went around the exterior seams of those patches with Henry’s Tropicool caulk. 

    If a larger area needs to be sealed, then you may need to use a rivet gun with rivets, or a welding kit with solder to complete the job.

    Caulk the Seams

    We used two products to caulk the seams on the roof of our rig. The first was a product made by Henry’s Tropicool, and we put that in all the exterior seams and edges where there would be movement. On areas where we had patches or had drilled through the interior to the exterior like when we installed our solar panels or roof-mount fans, we used an automotive sealant to create a strong bond.

    Sand the Roof

    We weren’t so concerned about a smooth finish on a roof, since no one would see it. You can sand earlier in the prep process or just before rolling the paint. We used an orbital sander with 80 to 120-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the existing top coat. We did this so the new product would have better adhesion. 

    Do not sand heavily and take off the paint down to the metal.

    Wash and Scrub

    You’ll want to be very careful when you do this step since water on a slick metal surface can be slippery! My best practice was to scrub the surface on my hands and knees with a household scrubby brush. 

    The cleaning product I used was Evergreen. After you scrub the surface with a detergent of some kind, then rinse the roof two or three times and make sure there is no debris collecting in the drip rails (lip on the edge of the roof), so that way you have a clean service to paint.

    Paint the Skoolie Roof

    Once your surface is completely dry, you’ll use a paint roller with a thick nap on an extendable pole to roll your product while on the roof. If you’re not sure what nap to use, check to see what the product manufacturer or your paint supply store recommends.

    We applied two coats for an even finish. On the hard-to-reach places, I used a regular brush to apply. 

    Safety Tips

    When painting the drip edge of the bus, I climbed on a ladder from the ground so I didn’t have to lean over the edge from the roof.

    This product is not like most paints I’ve worked with. It has a rubbery texture and doesn’t wash off easily like latex paint does. I would highly recommend protecting yourself by wearing gloves and protective goggles.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why Should I Paint My Skoolie RV Roof White?

    It’s widely known that white surfaces reflect sunlight and heat much better than darker surfaces. Reflecting the heat reduces the inside temperatures of the bus, making it more comfortable for passengers and more energy-efficient for powering the A/C.

    In temperate climates like Florida, anything we can do to reflect the sun’s harsh rays is a win for us and the internal temperature of our mobile home!

    There is science behind it, specific to the bus community.

    Ten years ago, the Transport for London introduced a programme for the installation of white panels atop the capital’s trademark red buses in the framework of further climate-adaptation plans. More specifically, white panels reflect the rays of the summer sun, thus keeping the vehicles cooler. After 10 years, 98.5 percent of the fleet of 8,700 has white roofs, thus improving the overall conditions for passengers and drivers as well as reducing fuel consumption for air conditioning systems.

    Bus & Coach

    How often should I repaint or recaulk the seams on my skoolie roof?

    Depending on the conditions where you live, manufacturer recommendations, and how you store your rig, you may need to repaint a skoolie roof every 3 to 5 years and recaulk the seams every 2 to 4 years. 

    We store our rig in an uncovered location in Florida year-round. In our scenario, we need to recaulk the roof seams every one to two years and repaint the entire roof in five years. 

    We recommend inspecting your interior and exterior for leaks every three to six months, depending on usage and storage.

    How much skoolie roof paint do I need?

    I recommend buying one to two gallons, depending on your rig size. We purchased a 5-gallon container of Henry’s Tropicool for our 37-foot rig. I used about two gallons over two coats and gave the rest away to a friend!  

    For details on the paint we purchased for our skoolie exterior body, read this blog.

    How do I calculate how much paint I need for my Skoolie roof?

    We recommend using a paint calculator to determine how much primer and paint enamel you will need to paint your school bus conversion. 

    Sherwin Williams has a paint calculator and I’ve linked that below.

    Paint Calculator

    Conclusion

    What products did you use to paint your skoolie roof? How has it held up? Let me know in the comments!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. Thank you, if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.