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Bob_Vaughn's avatar
Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Feb 15, 2015

Window shades

The window shades that came in our 5th wheel do not keep out the light. I was thinking about removing them and spraying the back side with black paint to reduce the light coming thru the fabric. I wonder if this is a viable idea or not. When we were in Alaska we had to put a sun screen between the shade and the window to keep out the light as it never got dark and that was a PITA......
  • I don't think I would use paint. perhaps one of the plastic vinyl spray stuff?
    bumpy
  • Bob Vaughn wrote:
    The window shades that came in our 5th wheel do not keep out the light. I was thinking about removing them and spraying the back side with black paint to reduce the light coming thru the fabric. I wonder if this is a viable idea or not. When we were in Alaska we had to put a sun screen between the shade and the window to keep out the light as it never got dark and that was a PITA......


    You didn't say what kind of shades you have. Day/night?

    IMO - your plan is a PITA..:(

    For your 24 hrs of sun in Alaska, foil on the inside of the window/s
    where you needed darkness would have temporarily solved the problem "on the cheap".

    Research the forums (search box - including "archives") for solutions that best work for you.
    "Window shades" should yield many pages of threads & posts..;)

    .
  • I don't think I would try that. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
    Don
  • If you want to block heat/cold and light get a roll of Reflectix (sp?) at Lowes or Homedepot. You can mount it with Velcro on the inside behind the shades. It blocks everything and helps with keeping that Florida heat out too


    Outside view....

  • flguppie wrote:
    If you want to block heat/cold and light get a roll of Reflectix (sp?) at Lowes or Homedepot. You can mount it with Velcro on the inside behind the shades. It blocks everything and helps with keeping that Florida heat out too


    Outside view....


    This is what I currently do but that is a pain to do on a nightly basis...
  • buy some black out drapes... you can get them anywhere from the dollar store to high end department store. You can make enough for several RV windows from a single drape. mount them with velcro inside your valances. When you want them open tie to side or either fanfold up and tie up like roman shades.

    I personally use the reflectix.. It is not that difficult to slide behind the blinds. the one piece I have issues with is the one on the door in the bedroom of my TT. The southern sun keeps softening the glue on my velcro. Guess I need to buy a better grade. oh yeah I don't use velcro on the other windows. push under the shades and valance and sit bottom on window sill.

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