You may have noticed that the walls in your home look a bit drab and uninviting.
The good news is that there are several ways to make your manufactured home walls look better without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking to add some character to your space or simply want to freshen up the walls, there are plenty of options to choose from.
So, How Can You Make Your Manufactured Home Walls Look Better?
To improve your manufactured home walls, you can either paint them or add texture. Prepping the walls is crucial before painting, which involves cleaning, filling holes and sanding. Adding texture can be done using wallpaper, stencils, or textured paint. DIY wall art like gallery walls or murals can also be an option. Adding texture can make your home feel more personalized and inviting.
Preparation Steps
Before you start painting or texturing your manufactured home walls, you must prepare them properly. Here are some essential preparation steps to follow:
Cleaning the Walls
First, you need to clean the walls thoroughly. Use a sponge or a cloth to wipe down the walls, paying special attention to any areas with dirt, dust, or grime. You can use a mild soap and water solution to remove any stubborn stains.
Repairing the Walls
Next, you need to repair any damage to the walls. Check for any holes, cracks, or dents in the walls. Use spackle to fill in any holes or cracks, and sand the surface smooth. If you have water stains, you can use a stain-blocking primer to cover them up.
If your walls have vinyl-on-gypsum (VOG) wall panels, you may need to replace any damaged panels. Instead of using tape to cover the seams, as is done with drywall, the joints are covered with batten strips during assembly. You can use plastic strips or painter’s tape to protect the edges of the panels while you work.
Protective Measures
Before you start painting or texturing your walls, you need to protect your floors, furniture, and other surfaces.
Use drop cloths to cover your floors and furniture.
Use painter’s tape to protect your doors, windows, and hardware.
Texture or Paint?
If you are planning to texture your walls, you need to choose the right texture for your home. You can use wood filler to fill in the seams between the panels, or you can add wainscoting or wallpaper to create a unique look.
If you are planning to paint your walls, you need to choose the right paint color and brand.
Latex paint is a popular choice for manufactured homes because it is affordable and easy to clean. Look for high-quality brushes and rollers to ensure a smooth finish.
Painting the Walls
Here are some tips on how to paint your manufactured home walls effectively.
Choosing the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint is crucial to ensure that the paint job lasts long and looks great.
When it comes to painting mobile home walls, you need to use high-quality paint that is specifically designed for vinyl or vinyl on gypsum (VOG) walls.
Some of the best paint brands for vinyl walls in mobile homes include Behr, Sherwin-Williams, and Valspar.
Applying the Paint
When it comes to applying the paint, you need to use high-quality brushes and rollers.
Cheap brushes and rollers can leave streaks and make the paint job look uneven.
You should also apply the paint in light coats to avoid drips and ensure that the paint dries evenly.
Before you start painting, you should also tape off any areas that you don’t want to get paint on. This includes windows, doors, and trim. You can use painter’s tape to do this.
When it comes to choosing a paint color, you should consider the overall look and feel of your home. You can choose a color that complements your furniture and décor or go for a bold color that makes a statement.
Whatever color you choose, make sure to test it on a small area first to see how it looks in your home.
Adding Trim and Wainscoting
One way to enhance the look of your manufactured home walls is by adding trim and wainscoting. These decorative features can add depth and texture to your walls, making them look more elegant and stylish.
Trim
Trim is an easy and affordable way to add some character to your manufactured home walls. It comes in a variety of styles and materials, including wood, vinyl, and PVC. Adding trim to your walls can help break up large, flat surfaces and give your home a more polished look.
One popular type of trim for manufactured homes is batten strips. These lightweight, durable strips can be installed vertically or horizontally to create a board and batten look.
They can also be used to cover seams between vinyl-on-gypsum (VOG) wall panels, providing added protection and a more finished look.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting is another decorative feature that can add dimension and style to your manufactured home walls.
It involves covering the lower portion of a wall with panels or boards, often topped with a chair rail or molding.
Wainscoting is available in a variety of materials, including wood, PVC, and MDF. It can be painted or stained to match your existing decor, and it provides a durable layer of protection against scuffs and scratches.
In addition to adding visual interest to your walls, wainscoting can also help to reduce maintenance. The panels provide a barrier against dirt and moisture, making them easier to clean and maintain.
Installation
Both trim and wainscoting can be installed by a professional or as a DIY project. If you choose to install it yourself, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the appropriate tools and materials.
Wallpaper and Paneling
One of the easiest ways to make your mobile home walls look better is by using wallpaper or paneling. Both options are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great option for those who want to add some texture and color to their mobile home walls. There are many different types of wallpaper available, including paintable wallpaper that allows you to customize the color to your liking.
When choosing wallpaper, make sure to select a type that is thick enough to withstand the wet paint and keep the paper from showing the gap made by the batten strips. You can also opt for vinyl wallpaper, which is more durable and easier to clean.
Installing wallpaper is relatively easy and can be done by most homeowners. You will need to measure your walls and cut the wallpaper to size before applying it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Paneling
Paneling is another great option for those who want to add some texture to their mobile home walls. There are many different types of paneling available, including wood, PVC, and MDF.
When choosing paneling, make sure to select a type that is easy to install and maintain. PVC and MDF paneling are both great options for mobile homes, as they are lightweight and easy to work with.
Installing paneling is relatively easy and can be done by most homeowners. You will need to measure your walls and cut the paneling to size before installing it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Vinyl-on-Gypsum (VOG) Wall Panels and Paper on Gypsum (POG) Wallboards
If you have vinyl-on-gypsum (VOG) wall panels or paper on gypsum (POG) wallboards, you can still use wallpaper or paneling to improve the look of your walls. However, you will need to remove the batten strips before installing wallpaper or paneling.
Removing the batten strips can be a bit tricky, but it is a necessary step to ensure that your wallpaper or paneling looks its best. You can use a pry bar or putty knife to gently remove the strips, being careful not to damage the underlying wall.
Exterior Walls
The exterior walls of your mobile home play a vital role in protecting you from the elements and maintaining energy efficiency.
Unlike stick-built homes, mobile homes have thinner walls, but they still provide adequate protection from the weather.
Most mobile home exterior walls are constructed with standard 2×4″ studs, but they could also be constructed with 2×3″ or 2×6″ studs depending on a variety of factors such as the home site thermal zone, wind zone, and price point of your home.
One of the most common ways to improve the look of your mobile home exterior walls is to replace the siding. Vinyl siding is a popular choice as it is durable, low-maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It is also energy-efficient and can help reduce your energy bills. Another option is fiber cement siding, which is also durable and low-maintenance. However, it is more expensive than vinyl siding.
If you are on a budget, painting your mobile home exterior walls is a cost-effective way to give it a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure to clean the walls thoroughly and repair any damage.
You can use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime. Once the walls are clean and dry, apply a coat of primer and then paint with a high-quality exterior paint.
In addition to improving the look of your mobile home exterior walls, you can also make them more energy-efficient.
Adding insulation to the walls can help reduce your energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. You can also install energy-efficient windows and doors to further improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Overall, there are many ways to improve the look and energy efficiency of your mobile home exterior walls. Whether you choose to replace the siding, paint, or add insulation, these improvements can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your home.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many ways to make your manufactured home walls look better.
By using a combination of techniques, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Whether you choose to paint, panel, or add some decorative touches, your walls are sure to be a focal point in your home.
For more information, check out this post on how to maintain manufactured home walls and ceilings.