Repairs to leaking van

If the stained panels are ceiling panels, paint shouldn't be any problem but I'd be reluctant to use it on any high-wear areas that are likely to be bumped and get chipped/scratched.
It might also pay to find out what sort of paint they are planning to use as many paints would have trouble adhering to the panel lining on most caravans.

Bunny,
just a thought before you get the interior all done up.
Make sure that the leak HAS been fixed.
Caravan leaks are notoriously difficult to find, the evidence is often a long way from the actual leak.

Water stains can be the result of the glues breaking down and no amount of paint will repair this, it just hides it.

If you can access the van before anything is started, have a good look at the stained areas, if there is any indication of surface bubbling or cracking it may indicate water damage rather than just staining. No amount of painting will fix that, it only camouflages it.

Usually the damage to panels is not structural, only aesthetic, so what you choose to do about it will depend on how you feel about it (Can you live in the van with the end result, whichever option you choose.)

Hope this helps your thoughts.

Disco.

Have just had a panel replaced in our toilet.

It was just showing stains and slight cracking.
When removed was stuffed.
We just cut it across level with the loo and replaced the bottom bit.
Leak was caused by sealant between wall and cassette frame parting and letting water in behind the wall.
On other side put a hatch in at rear and installer said there was water staining.
Found it was coming from around the wheel arch where builder had not sealed edges of exterior sheeting.
If yours in in the kitchen and it has a window check the sealing on that otherwise could be getting in on the top edge sealing at roof level.

Pays to find leak before you fix the panelling as covering it up wont stop it leaking.

goodday bunny
q1 how old is van and how far out of warranty
q2 is van insured
q3 if manufacturer is involved do they admit liabilty due to faulty manufacture of van

steve

Sorry, should have replied, van is now nearly 4 years old, and we are the second owners.

Hi Bunny,

It would pay to get the services ie electrics and plumbing looked at as well for signs of rust and corrosion. This would probably mean having panels removed so everything can be eye-balled, not guessed.

Leaks are a pain but so will be faulty sockets etc 6 - 12 months down the track when the original problem has been fixed.


Good luck, SB.