When repainting the false windows what paint should I use gloss, satin or flat. It’s hard to tell what was originally used by the factory. It seems gloss would be logical to shine like the glass windows. But after sanding them they are not really as smooth as they look.
When repainting the false windows what paint should I use gloss, satin or flat. It’s hard to tell what was originally used by the factory.
I hope you post some pictures and the results. This same project is on my list too.
"... gloss, satin or flat..."
When I had mine repainted this last year I seem to recall that we settled on 'satin' and the results say it was the right choice. ;D
Hi all,
Has anyone else done anything with those fake windows? The black is so boring.
tlbh2o
Not personally but some have had paintings of beach scenes with palm trees or whatnot done. Choose your artist carefully.
I am having my rig painted as I write. We found significant cracking on the front end cap so had to take the fiberglass down and refilled to completely fix the cracking. So we’re painting the whole front and I have chosen to paint the faux windows white. I think in the hot California sun, white will last better than black.
Jules
I am having my rig painted as I write. Jules
Jules ... what color and shade of white did you decide to use?
Faux windows, the best color for longevity of the cap is probably Colonial White. Other colors absorb more heat which contributes to the degradation of the paint and fiberglass caps.
Faux windows, the best color for longevity of the cap is probably Colonial White. Other colors absorb more heat which contributes to the degradation of the paint and fiberglass caps.
Yeah white is probably the most durable. But I really like the look of the black windows. To me it just looks right with the raised areas. If it was just flat it would be different.
I am heading out to visit my local sign maker, thinking of something fun but instead of paint a vinyl graphic that can be applied over those spaces. Sorry but it won't be a tropical beach. I'll post pics when it's done.
"But I really like the look of the black windows."
It's part of the trade mark! How else would you recognize a Lazy Daze coming at you from down the road???
I've thought about eyeballs or sunglasses...
Sand Castle, can you expand on your "vinyl graphic" idea--would that be something removable without permanent impact to whatever was underneath (black or white)? My dad had some flexible magnetic signs for his Real Estate office that he could remove from his car doors--that obviously wouldn't work with the fiberglass front cap, but it would be fun to have something to spruce up that area.
Lynne
Hi Duro. I used a gloss black on the front windows, to retain the original (almost) a trade mark Lazy Daze look, until they switched to the new look. There is enough sand blasting the front, and dirt dripping off of the front that it won't look too shiny for long. I did my windows in September of 2016. Many others on this forum shared pictures of their efforts also. RonB
A link to the past: Faux front window paint (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=29257.msg163622#msg163622)
Ron this is my second attempt at painting the front windows. My passenger window took an impact at some time before I got it. Looked like a baseball or something. But it left stress cracks around the impact site. I filled it with spot putty and repainted about 1 1/2 years ago. It looked good for about a year but the cracks have started showing through again. This time I am doing a more substantial job repairing the cracks. Ground them out and used filler with fiberglass in it. Hoping this time it lasts much longer LOL.
Sand Castle, can you expand on your "vinyl graphic" idea--would that be something removable
Lynne
Hi Lynne,
It would not be easily removable but would cause no permanent damage (holes for screws) to the fiberglass shell. It will be a printed sign graphic that is applied to the fiberglass kind of like graphics on other brands. Sign companies have access to tons of clipart that you can choose from.
tlbh2o
I wonder if a couple coats of clear coat over the black. Would increase the time before the fading starts.
I used flat black with a clear coat.
The clear coat added a bit of luster to the overall appearance but I am not a fan of shiny.
It seems to be holding up well, the key is the prep work before painting.
This link has a 2003 for sale with the false windows painted white if you want to see what it looks like.
2003 Lazy Daze 26.5 REAR BATH, SAN MARCOS CA - - RVtrader.com (http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2003-Lazy-Daze-26.5-REAR-BATH-5002464026)
Langton
. So we’re painting the whole front and I have chosen to paint the faux windows white. I think in the hot California sun, white will last better than black.
When ordering our LD, we asked for the fake windows to be painted white, the answer was a firm "NO".
They didn't want their motorhomes to look "like moving vans".
Ed wouldn't stand for that. Steve wasn't willing to disobey his father.
At this point, changing the front windows to white would require painting the whole front end to match, you will never get a good match just painting the windows themselves.
Larry
Tip #1 it’s much easier to work up there with the hood open. You can stand on the big brace and reach things so much better. Sanded and masked off. Now if the wind calms down I can spray primer.
Tip #2 Don’t believe the weatherman! Managed to get a coat of primer on. Then the clouds turned black (Weatherman said no rain) . The rain came but I managed to get a tarp on it just in time.
Got a break in the weather. All done. Two coats primer, three coats black and two coats of clear. I should have sanded more but it looks way better.
Looks good, nice job Lynn! Is that a new decal?
Greg nope that’s the original decal. I did order a new decal with the new skylight a few days ago.
Hi Lynn. Those windows look very good. I didn't use clear coat on mine, I opted for about 8 layers of black instead. Could I ask how much LD charged you for the decal? RonB
Hi Lynn. Those windows look very good. I didn't use clear coat on mine, I opted for about 8 layers of black instead. Could I ask how much LD charged you for the decal? RonB
Ron it was only $38 + shipping. Being that it is in the same order with the skylight I don't know the exact shipping cost.
Finally got the vinyl graphics done on the Faux Windows. Couldn't resist these friendly kids.
Nice,
As a kid, riding in the overhead bunk was the best ride in town, with the panoramic view of the world.
Larry
Was at the factory the other day. New models have no black faux Windows! Not even any indentation. Not sure but don't think I like it as well.
When did they change over?
Susie
According to the "Changes by Year" document, the last year for the black "faux" windows was 2010, but I think that some late 2009 models may also have the all-white front?
New models have no black faux Windows! Not even any indentation. Not sure but don't think I like it as well.
The cabover not having "even any indentation" must be very recent. If I understand Susie's observation, the cabover front is flat. I'd be interested when the Factory made this change too.
"The cabover not having "even any indentation" must be very recent. If I understand Susie's observation, the cabover front is flat."
----
The photos on the LD website still show the raised panels on the overcab, but LD does not necessarily update photos and/or specs to reflect current changes. ;)
Quickest way to resolve this would be to call Todd at the factory. '17's still had the bumps.
I sure don't miss the black cap paintwork. It was a maintenance PITA on our '04.
John
When I was at the factory in mid May I took the following photo. Both of the display models had the same front end.
JohnF
2003 T/K and 1987 MP w/roof sleeper(for sale)
And there you have it! Other than making the Lazy Daze more distinguishable, I’ve always thought the faux windows were a bit silly. I do miss the old paint scheme, tho. YMMV.
"Other than making the Lazy Daze more distinguishable, I've always thought the faux windows were a bit silly."
Old Ed Newton insisted that he did NOT want his motorhomes to look like bread trucks. His Son Steve never got past that until the old man was gone. ::) ;)
I like the idea of paint on the front. It is a Lazy Daze thing. I just do not care for the paint used. The shape of the new front doesn’t lend it self to a fake window, but I would like to see a swoop or a stylized swoosh in the individual LD’s colors that would be a nod to the past and at the same time make the brand more recognizable.
"...the new front doesn't lend it self to a fake window..."
The faux windows are the 1st thing I look for when spotting an oncoming RV before I blink my headlights to them.
My rig is now going on 15 and I have had the phony windows painted only once. That's the way I like them. :) ;)
Like Steve I like the windows as a way to recognize Lazy Dazes from afar. I got the same response from Ed and I blankly said "what's a bread truck?" The only thing I could come up with was a stepvan, hardly a motorhome 'look alike'. Most people don't realize they aren't windows, so in that '80's era, LD's fit in better with what people expected a class 'C' motorhome to look like. I appreciated the extra insulation, and still had the side windows with roof vent/escape hatch. Less chance for a broken window in front or water leaks. A lot of wind pressure on that window at 65 mph, and sun exposure also.
Mine is approaching 20 years and I've had to paint it once. RonB
Like Steve I like the windows as a way to recognize Lazy Dazes from afar. I got the same response from Ed and I blankly said "what's a bread truck?" The only thing I could come up with was a stepvan, hardly a motorhome 'look alike'. Most people don't realize they aren't windows, so in that '80's era, LD's fit in better with what people expected a class 'C' motorhome to look like. I appreciated the extra insulation, and still had the side windows with roof vent/escape hatch. Less chance for a broken window in front or water leaks. A lot of wind pressure on that window at 65 mph, and sun exposure also.
Mine is approaching 20 years and I've had to paint it once. RonB
Hi Ron and Steve,
I agree that the faux windows make LD's more identifiable on the road. I passed a LD yesterday on the 14 going east towards Mojave as I was heading towards Lancaster. It was a newer, gray 27-footer with a toad and I didn't recognize it as a Lazy Daze until I was passing it. I don't necessarily dislike the looks of the "windows," I'm just not into faux stuff. That being said, I don't miss the large, cracked front window on my '85 TK!
Nice,
As a kid, riding in the overhead bunk was the best ride in town, with the panoramic view of the world.
Larry
Growing up we had a 4 Star Truck Camper where all 4 of us kids rode laying on our bellies. Baby brother rode on Mom's lap.
Early 1970s.
There was a leather snap on cover applied to the camper where you could crawl from truck cab into the camper.