Pop Up Camper Valances Step 11

Almost done with all the curtains at this time. I purchased a single pack of sheer curtains panels to make the valances for the 2 bed pop out areas.  I  didn’t like the full privacy curtains that were there previously and didn’t see a need for them. I liked the idea of the sheer valances to let in more light, a/c or heat and a more open feel.  I just cut the panels in 4 sections and sewed the top with bias tape in navy blue. I used the same concept with the curtain tabs and used the zig zag stitch for added strength. They turned out light and airy. I planned to put some other thing with some print and color in that area. Coming soon…..

Pop Up Camper curtains tabs in track

Sheer Curtain Panels to make bedding area valances

Pop Up Camper new sheer valances made from sheer curtain panels

Pop Up Camper Curtains Step 10

Curtains Curtains Curtains! Curtains for the 2 sides of the pop up.

I love making curtains. I think it is my 2nd best thing to make.  I just hated the curtains in our pop up. It needed a fresh updated brighter look. The tabs were all there so I wanted to recycle them if possible.  The old curtains would sag and didn’t look secure so I bought some more tabs on Amazon. I know I mention Amazon a lot but for the price and the convenience of having items ship directly to my home is a win win situation. Nothing like getting home from a long day at work and having a box waiting on you to finish a product 🙂 Seam rippers are great tools. I ripped off all the tabs and used the old curtains as templates. With buying more tabs it made the spacing smaller which made them look better when hung.  I wanted the valences to be sewn on top of the panels instead of them being another separate thing to attach. Like I mentioned earlier I used the bottom of the thermal panels I bought and made the valences from the king size flat sheet. The colors are close to what was on there but they much more brighter and solid.  Below are pictures of the process from start to finish.

The old curtains on the right window side

The old curtains were a bit too short and narrow

The original curtains.

Tabs on curtains before being recycled.

These were great for block out light and helping to block the heat

I only used the bottoms for the curtain panels

New Tabs sewed in for added strength and spacing

Originial curtain tabs recycled

Sewing on the recycled tabs

The weight of the thermal panels makes it hang much better

Since they are thermal backed it helps to insult the camper

Complete panels

Pop Up Camper Redo Inspiration idea- Step 9

I wanted to repurpose whatever I had on hand to do the redo first but still needed to purchase a few things.  After taking inventory I wanted to get some items that I can purchase and modify to make work in the camper. The Beach shop house really inspired me to go with these colors. There are  bright and airy and nothing like the faded colors that were in there.  At the same store I saw a sheet set that I knew would go a long way making other things such as: Valences and pillows. I didn’t want to make new curtains that were above the  2 bed pop outs but wanted a light and airy valance so the a/c or heat could pass thru freely.   I was able to make all the side window curtains curtains with the thermal blackout panels and had plans for the top part with the rings. All the scraps were used for other projects for the camper.

I guess you could call it a somewhat of a   “Beach Cottage shabby chic “ theme. The shades of colors are  blues, yellow, white, and black mostly. What has inspired your color choices for your pop up?

Inspiration for colors and style

Curtain top will be used for another project

I picked these because of the thermal and black out feature

I can make 2 sets of above the bed areas with one package of sheer panels

I am using these for the cushion covers. The perfect color and texture

This sheet set will cover the king mattress, all the window valances, pillows and scraps for projects

Pop Up Camper Redo knobs Step 8

It was time to finish the cabinets but I had a decision to make about the knobs. There were 9 that needed to either be reused, painted or replaced. After looking online, and going to a few of the hardware/lumber yards and saw the prices I had just about decided to try painting them. I was at Walmart and happened to be in the hardware section and saw this 10 pack for around  8.00. I was worried about the screw being too long but knew I could  reuse the original screws. I as able to use the 10th one for the under sink utensil drawer.  The pictures show the original knob style and color and then the finished cabinets with the painted hinges and new knobs. I am thrilled with how it turned out.  How knobs do you have in your pop up? 

Pop Up Camper Cabinet Knobs

Pop Up Camper Cabinet after (paint,hinges,knobs)

Pop Up Camper Redo Hinges Step 7

Hello, Here is the next step with the cabinet doors. I didn’t want to buy all  new hinges that I would need and knew the color would not match my color scheme.  After checking out the spray paint section  and talking to the paint section employee I decided to go this route. I did sand  lightly  before spraying them. This paint worked great and they looked  like new after 2 coats.  So for about 10 bucks I think the results turned out pretty good. Would you replace yours or recycle the ones you have?

 

Pop Up Cabinet Cabinet hinge before

Pop Up Camper Cabinet Hinges before

Pop Up Camper Cabinet Hinges Paint

Pop Up Camper Cabinet Hinges painted after

Pop Up Camper Cabinet Hinges After paint

Pop Up Camper Redo Cabinets Step 6

Now that most of the outside was done and the weather was cooperating it was time to bring some of the inside work outside.  The cabinets were in great shape but needed some updating. I wanted something different and bright. I went with white for 2 reasons. The first was I had some good white paint on hand from another project and because of the color scheme I had in mind.  First removing the cabinets wasn’t too bad for a tight space. I took all the cabinets off first then removed all the hardware. I cleaned them first and let them dry. After that I sanded them lightly so the paint would adhere better. I used primer in a can and sprayed it thoroughly and let it dry. I painted them using a mini roller so it would go on smoothly with less streaking. I  put 3 coats on the front and back just to make sure there was good coverage. I think they turned out nicely.  I will share next about the hinges and hardware and how I decided to deal with those.  What color would you use? Something you had on hand or would you splurge?

Cabinet doors before

Cabinets before

Cabinet doors being sanded

Cabinet doors removing hardware

Cabinet doors ready for prep

Cabinet doors getting primed

Cabinet doors time to prime

Cabinet doors sanded & ready for prime

Cabinet door primer

Cabinet doors primed ready for paint

Cabinet door paint Glidden High Endurance Plus

Cabinet doors 2nd coat

Cabinet doors, smallest ones

Cabinet doors drying

Cabinet doors last coat of paint

Pop Up Camper Redo Canvas repair/tear Step 5

Even though the camper is in good shape it had a few very small tears in the canvas. Again with research I decided to patch it with  a product called RV Awning Repair tape 3 X 15 I bought at Amazon for 15.96. As you can see in the pictures they weren’t big holes so this worked just great. I put a piece on the inside and outside for double protection.You do need sharp scissors to cut it and get a good straight edge for sealing. It has been on it for a couple weeks in heavy rain and it worked just fine. Now she is sealed up and ready to go.  What are your experiences with small tears in your canvas?

This tape was bought on amazon for 15.96. It was plenty for my project and I am keeping it in the camper tool box.

I started on the inside first.

It wasn’t a huge place to cover. So I felt comfortable with this repair.

The outside held the tape very well. It was tested with a recent rain storm and wind and it held up.

This was another very small hole in the canvas. It used the same tape to cover it on the inside and outside.

Pop Up Camper Redo Vinyl windows Step 4

I had never really dealt with “vinyl” windows before and didn’t want to mess these up. After much research I first started with a product called Protect All. I bought it at Walmart in the RV section close to the auto supplies. It was about 7.00 a bottle. We had the camper open and aired out for several days while we were working on it.  This product really worked great as you can see from the before and after pictures. I was very impressed till I learned that I might have done harm rather than good. I had posted on a FB forum about it till someone came back and said it could be harmful to my vinyl in the long run.  She had suggested  the product 303 Aerospace Protectant because it doesn’t have the chemicals in it that can break down the vinyl. I did some checking on it and decided to purchase it and use it the next time it is opened. I happen to find it at our local camper/lid store for 11.49 a bottle for 10 oz which is about the going rate on Amazon.  I am very happy with the outcome so far  and it is like looking out real windows.   Ready to see nature!  What do you think?

This was the before. It was quite dirty because it has been set up for a while.

This compares the before and after. Like looking out a window!

This is the first product I am using. Bought at Walmart for about 7.00.

This is what I will use next. It was found at a local camper store for 11.49 a bottle.

303 Aerospace Protectant spray.There are many size and styles to chose from.

 

 

Pop up Camper Redo- Waterproofing the canvas Step 3

We have getting so much done! After cleaning the shell and the canvas it is time to waterproof the canvas. I bought 3 cans  of Atsko Water guard from Amazon.com.

  

Silicone Water-Guard was spray on during a dry clear day. I put 2 coats on it.

It is fairly easy to spray on. Just make sure you spray down wind and/or in a well ventilated area.

The after picture after 2 coats. It didn’t discolor it at all.

It had great reviews so I gave it a shot.  It doesn’t smell very pleasant so make sure you have plenty of ventilation. Ours is out in the open so I just stood back and sprayed it away from me. I sprayed on one coat and let it dry over night. It took about  1 1/2 cans to do the whole thing. I did another coat after that. MAKE sure you do not spray the vinyl. I read online to not get it  on there because it would break down the vinyl and ruin it. So either cover it up or be extra careful. I will be sharing what I used on the vinyl later. We had some very very heavy rain several times  after I sprayed it with this and it was good and dry. NO water seeped through :). Good luck! 

 

Pop Up Camper Redo cleaning the canvas Step 2

It was time to clean the canvas part of the pup. Since I didn’t want anything harsh like bleach to break down the fibers I had read to use something gentle. I used regular liquid Woolite and a medium sponge. I used 2 capfuls to a bucket of water. I didn’t think it would be strong enough but it did a great job and it smells good too. The sponge was strong enough to do the scrubbing but gentle enough not to tear or fray the fabric. I rinsed it all off when I was finished. It looks nice  and clean now.  Even got most of the grease marks off. 

AS you can see it was in need of cleaning.

This is strong enough to clean but gentle enough not to hurt the fibers of the canvas

It looks so much better after a cleaning.