A Step-by-Step Guide to Reupholstering Your Campervan

Your campervan is your home on wheels, a place for adventure and relaxation. But after years of use, the upholstery can become faded, worn, or simply not to your taste. Reupholstering your campervan is a fantastic way to breathe new life into the interior, improve comfort, and personalise your space. It may seem daunting, but with careful planning and this step-by-step guide, you can transform your campervan’s interior yourself.

Before You Begin

1. Planning and Preparation:

• Measure and Assess: Start by meticulously measuring all the surfaces you plan to reupholster. This includes seats, cushions, backrests, and any headboards. Sketch a layout to visualise the project and fabric requirements. Carefully assess the condition of the existing upholstery and underlying foam. If the foam is flattened or damaged, consider replacing it for optimal comfort.

2. Choosing Your Fabric:

• Durability is Key: Select a fabric specifically designed for upholstery. Look for materials resistant to wear and tear, fading, and moisture. Popular options include marine-grade vinyl, canvas, or a combination of both. Consider the amount of traffic each area will receive and choose a fabric weight accordingly.
• Style and Comfort: Don’t forget about aesthetics! Choose a fabric that complements your campervan’s overall design and reflects your personal style. Remember, lighter colours tend to make the space feel larger, while darker tones can hide dirt better. Consider incorporating contrasting piping or stitching for a touch of detail.
• Order Fabric Wisely: Order at least 10-15% more fabric than your measurements indicate. This allows for errors during cutting and pattern matching for stripes or plaids.

3. Gather the Tools:

• Essentials: You’ll need a staple gun with heavy-duty staples, a utility knife or upholstery scissors, a hammer, pliers, a screwdriver set, and masking tape.
• Sewing Supplies (Optional): If your project involves intricate seams, piping, or button tufting, invest in a sewing machine with upholstery thread and needles.
• Helpful Extras: A staple remover will come in handy for correcting mistakes. Spray adhesive can be helpful for attaching piping or foam.

Reupholstering Your Campervan

1. Removal of Old Upholstery:

• Safety First: Wear gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust and debris.
• Start with the Easy Stuff: Begin by removing any removable cushions and headrests.
• Tackling Fixed Upholstery: For fixed upholstery, carefully remove staples using the staple remover. Work slowly and meticulously to avoid damaging the underlying foam or wood frame.
• Labelling and Organisation: As you remove the old fabric, label each piece with its corresponding location on the campervan. This will be crucial during reassembly.

2. Preparing the New Fabric:

• Template Time: Lay the old fabric pieces flat on the new fabric, ensuring the right side of the new fabric faces down. Secure them with pins or weights. Use a marker to trace the outline of the old pieces onto the new fabric, adding an extra 1-2 inches for seam allowances.
• Cutting with Care: Use a sharp utility knife or upholstery scissors to carefully cut out the new fabric pieces. Be mindful of pattern matching for stripes or plaids.

3. Reupholstering the Seats and Cushions:

• Foam Replacement (Optional): If replacing the foam, cut new pieces to match the size and shape of the seat bases and cushions. You can purchase upholstery foam by the yard at fabric stores.
• Securing the Fabric: Here’s where the staple gun comes in! Begin stapling the new fabric to the underside of the plywood base or frame. Start in the centre of a flat surface and work your way outwards. Ensure the fabric is taut but not overly stretched.
• Corners are Key: Corners require special attention for a clean finish. Make small folds or pleats in the fabric to achieve a smooth fit. Staple these folds down securely.
• Buttons (Optional): If your project involves button tufting, create buttonholes and sew buttons onto the new fabric before stapling it down.

4. Reupholstering Backrests and Headboards:

• The Process Continues: The basic principles remain the same for backrests and headboards. Follow the steps outlined for seats and cushions, making adjustments for the specific shape and size of the panels.
• Piping (Optional): For a touch of elegance, consider adding piping along the edges of the panels. You can purchase pre-made piping or create your own using cording and fabric scraps. Secure the piping in place using spray adhesive or by carefully sewing it onto the fabric before stapling it down.

5. Reassembly and Finishing Touches:

• Putting it Back Together: Once all the panels are upholstered, carefully reattach them to the campervan’s frame using screws, bolts, or brackets depending on the original design.
• Trim Time: Use a sharp utility knife to trim away any excess fabric around the edges. You can also use upholstery trim or ribbon to cover any raw edges for a polished look.
• Cleaning Up: Vacuum the interior of your campervan thoroughly to remove any dust or debris left behind from the project.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Working with Curves: For curved surfaces, like headrests or armrests, it’s helpful to use a heat gun to gently warm the fabric, making it more pliable and easier to conform to the shape.
• Power Tools: While a manual staple gun can get the job done, an electric staple gun can make the process faster and less tiring, especially for larger projects.
• Professional Help: If you’re unsure about tackling complex seams, piping, or button tufting, consider seeking help from an upholsterer for those specific sections.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Before diving into your campervan, practice your stapling technique and seam work on scrap fabric to ensure a professional finish.

The Satisfaction of a Revamped Campervan

Reupholstering your campervan may require some time and effort, but the rewards are immense. Not only will you have a refreshed and comfortable interior that reflects your personal style, but you’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in having completed the project yourself. So, grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and get ready to transform your campervan into a haven for your next adventure!

For more information on Reupholstering Your Campervan contact Hill Upholstery.