Time for RV Debrassification | Organizing Made Fun: Time for RV Debrassification

Friday, September 11, 2015

Time for RV Debrassification

Updating our RV is a continuous journey. We bought our used RV about 9 months ago now. Let me interject here and just say we have LOVED the whole experience of RVing. And, we have never had so many little vacations! We travel about every 4-6 weeks to some campground and it has been a big de-stresser for us - especially my husband and I. Most campgrounds have little to no internet or cell capabilities - and that's GOOD! It has caused us to put down the technology and just relaxed and enjoy one another. Now, let me talk about something else I love - organizing and decorating - and in this case, debrassification. Yes, that's my word and I made it up but I bet you know what it means! 


RV Bathroom BEFORE with brass shower :: OrganizingMadeFun.com


And...I'm going to share how I changed the shower doors from brass to oil rubbed bronze!



RV BEFORE with brass fixtures :: OrganizingMadeFun.com
BEFORE the debrassifaction


So, our RV was flipped by a small dealer - that's what he does. He goes in and purchases older RVs and fixes them up and sells them for reasonable prices. It was ideal for us, since it was upgraded with new flat screen TVs, new tires and awnings, and new carpet and even recovered valances and cushions. But, it still is pretty bland for me - and if you know my style, you know I love pattern and color. I also do NOT like brass -- like the 80s shiny brass. I know brass is making somewhat of a come back, but I'm not falling for it! So, I got some of Rustoleum's spray paint in a Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish and sprayed every handle in there...there's a lot, by the way. 


RV living area after with updated, oil rubbed bronze fixtures and handles :: OrganizingMadeFun.com

And, I sprayed painted the wall lamp and put a new more modern shade on it. You may also notice the spot lighting is different - of course, no more brass. I decided to purchase new lights on Ebay for SO CHEAP. You can mix metals - it's OK. And, as you can see above, it looks great in a satin nickel. I could not find the reading lights in oil rubbed bronze and spray painting them would prove quite difficult and if you swiveled the light the paint would likely scrape off.


Before and After RV master bedroom with updated fixtures and handles in satin nickel and oil rubbed bronze :: OrganizingMadeFun.com

The bedroom lights also got a make over...well, we actually replaced them. They are dimming, reading lights that you can swivel and point easily. I also got those on Ebay to replace the ugly brass uplight/sconce that was in there - plus, those uplights are useless!


RV bathroom with updated shower in oil rubbed bronze :: OrganizingMadeFun.com


And last, I debrassified the shower door! YES! I know! It was tedious and took a long time, but it looks amazing {taking a photo of the shower is rather difficult, just so you know}. 


RV bathroom BEFORE with brass shower :: OrganizingMade Fun.com

But, look at the before and after? Isn't it amazing? So, here's how I did it:


How to turn brass into oil rubbed bronze :: OrganizingMadeFun.com


I used these THREE products for layers of paint. Nope, can't spray paint it - sadly. Spray paint would go EVERYWHERE and make a hug mess. I might have considered taking it all out and spraying it outside, but got a big thumb's down from my hubby so this is a compromise. 


  • First, I used the Rustoleum Leathered Brown paint directly on top of the brass shower {no, I didn't do any sanding or priming}. I did TWO coats of that with a brush and taped around everything in the world in there! Because it's oil based, you'll need to use mineral spirits to clean up, but it sticks GOOD to that brassy stuff. Also, it's sticky for a long time, so you'll have to wait about 24 hours after the second coat to start the next step. 
  • Second, I used the Ebony stain on top that once it was dried and no longer sticky. This helped further cover and give a richer look. I dabbed it around and wasn't as fussy about getting every nook and cranny. It's stain so it's thin and gives a nice look to it. 
  • Third, I used the Weathered Gray to finish it. Again, feathering and dabbing it. It just gives it the bronzy-silver finish I was looking for.
How to turn brass into oil rubbed bronze :: OrganizingMadeFun.com


I don't know if I'm brilliant or crazy because it was quite tedious. If you're looking for an easy way out, this isn't it. This is part of the way through {above} and it doesn't look great, but I didn't panic! Also, want to mention I didn't paint the inside of the brass part of the shower. And, we've used the shower on vacation over the Labor Day Weekend and had NO problems with peeling or coming off. It really is on there and doesn't look like it's going anywhere!

Before and After of brass fixtures in RV updated :: OrganizingMadeFun.com


There you have it! I'm debrassifying the RV, one handle and shower door at a time. I hope you like my tips and places I find things to make it less expensive, too!

Updated RV bathroom with tile and shower painted in oil rubbed  bronze :: OrganizingMadeFun.com


What do you think? That sink faucet is next...I may have to replace that too! Ha!

Want to know where I got that product? 
Go HERE and find it!



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9 comments:

  1. I just love how you are transforming your RV into an amazing little retreat. It sounds fabulous.

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    1. It really IS! I just can't live in boring...ha! Becky B.

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  2. Are those the peel and stick tiles? They look great!!

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  3. Wow that's a huge transformation, hope you get a chance to work on the faucet a well.-Patricia Stevens

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  4. Ugh, I cannot explain how much I hate the brass in ours. I've done a renovation as well, but now that we are full timing, its harder to get the remainder completed. I would love to do this but I want to check back in to see how it holds up with use. Hope you will post an update!

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    1. So far, it's fine! We don't live in it full time, but we use it often and have guests in there a bit...it's on there pretty good! Becky B.

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  5. Your RV is looking fabulous!! The make over of your RV is giving me the hope that if I buy a used tent trailer or RV that I might be able to make mine look just as good as yours.

    If you ever need to a new camping place, my family are members at Mountain Lakes Resort. It's more of Glamping than camping, but we love it. And they have a lot of different places throughout the US. So far we've only had time for our weekend trips, so we've only gone to the Lytle Creek location, but I'm sure the others are just as great!

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Please give me your organized thoughts!