Poor Mans Fibreglass - How much Glue?

[kayak-camper]

Does anyone have a rough idea how much glue per sq metre I need to order?

....using medium weight drop cloth....

Thanks, very much!

[TimC]

I used less than a US gallon (3.8ish L) to do 512 sq ft, or 47.5 sq meters. That's cutting Titebond II by 1 part water to 3 parts glue.

I used TBII throughout the camper with PMF only on the roof and hatch. Walls are cedar t&g. I used about 1.5 US gallons total on my woodie with about 12 tubes of PL Premium polyurethane adhesive.

Hope that helps.

Tim

[kayak-camper]

Thanks TIm, that gives me a rough idea....

Can I ask what grade canvas you used also? There seems to be lightweight "twill" available but it's quite stretchy not sure if I should be going for that or somethign closer to canvas with a trighter weave.....

[Pmullen503]

I used quality canvas duck fabric (I can't remember if it was 8 or 10 oz.) and it made a huge difference. I had not quite enough to finish and used some drop cloth canvas on the inside of a door. Big difference in the quality of the surfaces. Buy a yard and do a comparison before you decide. I felt the extra cost was well worth it.

[TimC]

I used quality canvas duck fabric (I can't remember if it was 8 or 10 oz.) and it made a huge difference. I had not quite enough to finish and used some drop cloth canvas on the inside of a door. Big difference in the quality of the surfaces. Buy a yard and do a comparison before you decide. I felt the extra cost was well worth it.

Unlike Pat I used standard big box store drop cloth for my teardrop. It had a fairly open weave. Was probably 8oz. (Sorry, I don't know how you'se guys measure fabric : ) I would not use that variety canvas again.

Is the twill you are referring to the same as what is called hussain cloth? That is a very loose weave and while it may work it will take many coats of paint to fill the weave. Unless you are going for a fabric look finish you'd be better off getting something with a tighter weave.

On my son's teardrop we used better quality 10oz canvas and the weave was a lot tighter. Not sure if that meant using less or more glue. That was purchased online in the states from a place called Big Duck Canvas. As far as glue use on his foamie we coated the foam with a roller liberally then placed the canvas on it and saturated the fabric with two coats with a roller letting the glue set a bit between coats. We did not pre-condition (wet, then dry or pre-wash) the canvas as some folks do. The folds that were in the fabric when applied pulled out quickly as the glue dried. If you don't pre-condition the canvas make sure you have generous overlaps on edges because if you cut flush with an edge it will shrink short.

On my teardrop with the cheaper drop cloth the method was the same except the canvas was glued on bendy plywood and just on the roof. The walls are cedar tongue and groove. My Son's will be completely wrapped roof and walls.

Good luck. Post some photos as you build in a build journal...

Tim