I have a 1997 Four Winds 31’ Class C with a Norcold refrigerator that works great. Yea I know, that is a change that the refer works correctly but and there always is a but. My wife says it is a “sore thumb” and well yes I guess it is sort of but only from the outside? The issue is that the Sun has turned the plastic cover on the outside back of the refrigerator a nice file folder Yellow. I assume the UV radiation over time gave that once white cover a nice yellow glow. Repainting the cover would appear the most economical path and painting things have never been too strenuous. So the plan is to wash the cover with Dawn and a little TSP (new) TSPP (old before enviro regs.) and let it dry. Use a good primer and the final coats with a quality outdoor UV resistant paint.Question is: Who has done this before and can you recommend a type of paint? Enamel, Epoxy, Latex, something in a spray can preferably.How long has it stayed White or whatever the new color is?

Krylon make paints in a spray can specifically for use on plastic. It apparently works great as many forum members have used it with success. Follow the instructions on the can and you should be good for years to come.

Yellowing Slide Corners Solution « on: April 01, 2012, 10:03:12 AM » Quote The following is a post on the Carriage Forum about using a Sherwin Williams paint. Good Luck on your project. Let us know how it turns out.----------------------------------------------------------------------The pieces that fit diagonally on our slide corners had started turning yellow, mainly, I guess because they aren't Gelcoated. A fellow RV'er some years ago told us about a paint that works wonders for that problem. We used it on the rim of our Cedar Creek door window and it stayed white for 5 years until last year when we traded for our Cameo. Just painted the pieces on our slides and now they match the Gelcoat of the Cameo. The paint is Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel, Acrylic Latex High Gloss. We've noticed that every Carriage we've seen (without the full body paint) has the yellowing slide pieces. The paint goes on so well--I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

I've used Krylon for plastics (spray can) on several outside items. Works great. 3 years ago I spray painted all the shutters on our house. They are a vinyl you know. They were a dingy blue color. I took them all off, repainted with Krylon for plastic a bright red. When painted with the dark dingy blue under it, it actually came out more of an antique (rich color) red, which turned out beautiful and really gave the house that "zing" we wanted. I did 11 windows (22 shutters) some 3 years ago, and all of them still looks great, no pealing, no flaking after 3 weird winters, spring rains, high winds, and lots of corn and bean dust beating against them during harvest season.Krylon is the way to go.

I used Krylon Fusion on the white frames around the windows in my doors 3 years ago and they still look like I just painted them. It's holding up very good and shows no signs of fading or UV damage.

Help making my Refrigerator Cover White again.

Greentow
Explorer
May 22, 2013
AWESOME from the Dollar store is cheap, and easy to use.
super_camper
Explorer
May 22, 2013
ReelTime wrote:
I could completely replace the cover and trim and it is really not that expensive. But that is not me, through out life I have repaired, updated, and replaced a lot of things. I have found that that some things are either over or under engineered and some that are spot on. Now that is just my opinion and no reflection on engineers. They work for someone that gives them the specifications way before the product is marketed.
I take pride in the projects I undertake, a lot of sanctification can be derived from a job well done especially if it is for yourself.

I am going with the Krylon Fusion but I am also going to try the acetone on a small place on the back of the cover, just curious as I know the results I know the reaction plastic has when combined with acetone (tends to melt it).

There is probably some special technique used when mixing acetone with the Wife but the only melting would be yours truly so I will just table that idea.

Use acetone to clean first and then apply two light coats of Krylon Fusion. It will look good for a long time.

BTW: Acetone will not remove the yellowing the by itself.
ReelTime
Explorer
May 22, 2013
I could completely replace the cover and trim and it is really not that expensive. But that is not me, through out life I have repaired, updated, and replaced a lot of things. I have found that that some things are either over or under engineered and some that are spot on. Now that is just my opinion and no reflection on engineers. They work for someone that gives them the specifications way before the product is marketed.
I take pride in the projects I undertake, a lot of sanctification can be derived from a job well done especially if it is for yourself.

I am going with the Krylon Fusion but I am also going to try the acetone on a small place on the back of the cover, just curious as I know the results I know the reaction plastic has when combined with acetone (tends to melt it).

There is probably some special technique used when mixing acetone with the Wife but the only melting would be yours truly so I will just table that idea.
Lynnmor
Explorer
May 21, 2013
ReelTime wrote:
Thank you for the replies, and Krylon is the winner so far for longevity and a spray can is easy.
The Sherwin Williams does make great exterior house paint, in Latex, that is what I use but it is brush on, maybe they have the Enamel in spray?
The acetone comment did peak my interest as I have some in the utility room. Be forewarned if I mess up it is all your fault Lynnmor, at least that is the story the wife gets.
Thank you all again and I do like to make a quality repair or upgrade and I have found out you just cannot ask too many questions. Thank you for sharing.

The acetone is useful for wife problems as well.:W
The Fusion paint is good advice, but there may be places where the acetone trick will give you good results. Just try it in a small spot first, I think you will be amazed how well it works.
itsabouttime
Explorer
May 21, 2013
Another possibility would be to just replace the cover. Do an online search or just try a Camping World web site. It's amazing what is available and sometimes at reasonable prices.
Homer1
Explorer
May 21, 2013
You will not go wrong with Krylon Fusion. The prep is the secret to every paint job. It will last far beyong the time you own it. I had to repaint the mirror heads on my rear view mirrors. They had turned that ugly yellow from sun exposure. They looked lie brand new after prepping and using Krylon Fusion.
ReelTime
Explorer
May 21, 2013
Thank you for the replies, and Krylon is the winner so far for longevity and a spray can is easy.
The Sherwin Williams does make great exterior house paint, in Latex, that is what I use but it is brush on, maybe they have the Enamel in spray?
The acetone comment did peak my interest as I have some in the utility room. Be forewarned if I mess up it is all your fault Lynnmor, at least that is the story the wife gets.
Thank you all again and I do like to make a quality repair or upgrade and I have found out you just cannot ask too many questions. Thank you for sharing.
GTO66
Explorer II
May 21, 2013
another vote for krylon fusion painted my several years ago still looks great.
bob213
Explorer
May 21, 2013
"Awesome" from the Dollar Store will remove alot of the yellow if you don't want to paint it.
Lynnmor
Explorer
May 21, 2013
You can take the yellow off most plastics with acetone. Just dampen a paper towel with it and give it a quick wipe. Don't rub back and forth or continue to use the towel for very much or it will make a mess.