Hey guys, After a bit of your expertise when it comes to cupboard units. Currently we have a devon conversion RHD with the cooker next to the door and two bench seats facing each other. It really needs a cupboard set running down the far side and a 3/4 RR bed. I have found some affordable units that are made from moisture resistant MDF. As a complete novice what complete prep would I need to do to get these from the state you buy them -> finished product undercoat/paint/gloss/wrap?? I didn't want to end up with rings everywhere when you put mugs down or discolouration when wet. Are these worth completely avoiding (hence the price) because they are not built to last. Any handy hints about completely stripping back and starting again would be greatly appreciated. Haven't even considered what needs to go down when we take up the floor and whatever is underneath that. Thanks
It depends on the look you're going for! Painted or not. A car body sprayer would be able to give you an awesome finish but is likely to be expensive & what happens when you chip or scratch it for the first time... MDF can look quite effective with a varnish or lacquer finish. A low cost but effective coating against stains etc is No Nonsense satin floor varnish from Screwfix. About 20 quid for 5 litres & when rolled on with a gloss roller it gives an even, durable finish. Not everyone's cup of tea though... You could buy it, take it apart & laminate it. Laminate sheets come in all colours & finishes & are by far & away the most durable surface finish. You could mix & match the doors, cupboard sides & work surfaces with different colours depending on your style. Spray contact adhesive in cans is perfectly acceptable for bondinglaminate in a home finished interior.
I think if I was to laminate the worktop and paint the rest with a high quality hard wearing paint I should be okay..? I haven't even considered what you screw it all into?
Is this going to be a winter project or are you looking to get the inside fitted to your specifications ASAP? From the look of your van, it seems in pretty good shape - even if the interior isn't quite what you want, so my thought on the subject would be to just use it for the summer. Go camping. Work out what you need and where by actually trying what you've got. The units all down the side are great - it's what I've got because it's how the van came, but a 3/4 width bed isn't everyone's cup of tea and if you take out your full width bed and refit without trying it first, it could potentially make future camping trips much less enjoyable. If you have the chance to nose around other people's campers, you will get some great ideas... Techenders in September would be a perfect opportunity if you can wait that long. Good luck with the van, and have a great summer camping
^^^^^^ Great advice from @scrooge95. I have had my bus 3 years now and am only just getting round to finalising how I want my interior! Firstly we decided that we weren't comfortable with the 3/4 bed so put in a full width. I then spent last summer and winter camping when I could to work out what I want and where. Each trip it changed but I think I am nearly there and currently looking at furniture companies
Ive been doing the same for the last 20 odd years. Its a fun hobby and you stop being precious about stuff. If it need summat screwing to it then do so. Each to their own but couldnt cope with having a mint original interior that didnt work for me. Had that and flogged it (i was skint at the time though)
Thanks for the input guys. Part of me just wants it rejigged and redone so I can enjoy the summer in it. The problem is that there's me, the Mrs and the hound, all the useable cupboard and storage space is under the bench seats in the back. It is a ball ache at the least to do anything in the van. Cooking is a bit of a mare too. I am in no way precious or not used to camping. The layout is just very inconvenient. 3/4 bed shouldn't be an issue, we both work shifts and can sleep pretty much anywhere (hence why I'm on here at 2am) I guess I didn't want to get me or the Mrs put off or fed up before we get started by something that we could easily (ha) change. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
