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How to Change the Color of an RV Awning

by Barbara Dear
(Charleston, SC USA)

How to Change the Color of an RV Awning

How to Change the Color of an RV Awning

I have a 1999 Winnebago Chieftain (35') we have replaced the faded stripes and it is beautiful, however, the awning does not match. The awning is in very good condition....is there any way we can change the color without replacing the awning?

ANSWER: Hi Barbara yes, if your existing awning is made of vinyl you can change the color of the awning and if you are planning to make it all one color then you should be able to do it yourself. If you are planning to add different color stripes etc. then it may not be a do-it-yourself job.

Since your RV's awning is probably made of Vinyl you will need to get a good Vinyl Dye such as Varikote. Here are some of the other items you will also need:


* Paint Sprayer

* Paint Mask

* Safety Goggles

* RV Awning Cleaner

* Lacquer thinner

I would advise that you remove the awning material from the RV before starting to dye it as this will prevent any over spray from getting on your RV.

Once you have removed the awning thoroughly clean it with the awning cleaner and let it dry completely. Then clean it again using the lacquer thinner on a clean lint free cloth.

Now you are ready to mix the dye per the manufacturer's instructions and add it to your paint sprayer. Make sure that the area you are painting/dying the awning in is away from any wind or dirt as the awning will have to stay in that area for several hours to dry.

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Once the awning material has dried you can re-install it on the RV.

If you are not comfortable with how to remove your RV's awning material or with the dying steps listed above or have not done a lot of spray painting on larger surface areas, you may want to see if an upholstery shop in your area has experience in doing these types of large dye jobs and hire them to do it for you.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

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