Our 2nd Sprite Restoration. It's addictive!

There has been a slight delay in the restoration of Miss Potter but with good cause...

We decided to save another Sprite 400. It's addictive!

BEFORE

Arrival.

AFTER

Completed.

BEFORE

First impressions of interior.

AFTER

Completed interior.

Home from home.

Tea for two.

I renovated the interior in Farrow & Ball paints and Laura Ashley fabrics whilst Mr. Grubby Cottage did the all important messy and greasy mechanical work on the chassis and body. Whilst being quite a challenge, in many ways, this restoration has been a true labour of love. What should have gone to scrap now has a new lease of life. Born 1968 and still going strong... Perfect!

Vintage Caravan - Interior Clean, Prep and Prime.

What a difference two days can make...

Before

After

Step 1: 'Sugar Soap' wash of walls, ceiling, cupboards.

Step 2: Remove any *bolts/hooks from surfaces that will be painted. 

Tip * Place these in a named food bag for safe keeping. You will forget where they have originally come from.

Step 3: light sand of doors and wall cupboard.

Step 4: masking tape - for any surfaces you do not wish to paint.

Step 5: seal & prime using brushes and roller (foam roller for gloss).

Step 6: light sand (fine grade sandpaper) all cupboard doors and cupboard frames.

You are now ready to paint your top coat.

Tip * Keep your tiny work space clean, tidy and organised. Maximise your work space by removing tables and foam cushions.

Products used and recommended: Zinsser BIN

Vintage Caravan - Interior BEFORE images

We all love the before and after images so here goes...

BEFORE.

Time travelling back to the 1970's...  My little Sprite 400 has been sat in a barn for over 30 years.

The previous owners must have took so much care and pride with their little 4 berth Sprite. Even the gas lamp has attention to detail with a hand-painted flower.

...And the flower theme continues on the veneered kitchen cupboards. 

Completely stripped back of the 1970's decor. The dangerous foam of the 1970's has been removed. The turquoise curtains too and green carpet. 

There is NO going back now!

Keep checking for regular updates of Miss Potter - the vintage caravan renovation.

Vintage Caravan - Exterior Colour?

It's still a frustratingly slow start. I have so many ideas and hopes for the renovation but just can't seem to fit it all in with work and home life and when I do have the spare time I always seem to be at the mercy of the weather.

The tiny Sprite 400 caravan still has a partially primed exterior surface. All my hard work of cleaning her is now undone and I will have to start again and give her yet another good clean to finish the priming. As with all projects you really do need to be consistent and hands on until it's finished.

I'm really looking forward to a good days work on the exterior. In the meantime, whilst it's snowing outside, I've been busy painting my vintage van in photoshop! I'm a photographer and have been using my skill's to help me choose an exterior colour. I recommend anyone embarking on a painting project to try the photoshop colour testing.

Here goes... Miss Potter as she is right now...

Here she is in Farrow & Ball French Gray...

And in Farrow & Ball Old White...

Again in Farrow & Ball Pigeon...

We can never really match how the true colour will be in photoshop, natural light will effect the overall appearance, but nevertheless it can give you a nod in the right direction.