PMF Questions

[Jwh92020]

After spending the past few years doing multiple cargo trailer conversions, I want to try building a small trailer and covering it with PMF. I've seen and read countless PMF ideas and they seem to be specific to the individual applying it. I grasp the basics, apply the glue to the camper, attach the canvas to the glued portion, rub, iron cut, etc. Once the canvas is applied, re-coat it with glue, then paint or use 50/50 paint & water, then top coat with exterior paint? I will be applying corner trim with Dicor Edge Seal tape under it, so is overlapping the corners necessary? Will PMF hold up to golf ball+ size hail (I live in Oklahoma City, so hail is a fact to life). On other trailers I have built (like my profile pic), I've used metal roofing and it's held up well. Any info you can pride will be appreciated.

 

[philpom]

After spending the past few years doing multiple cargo trailer conversions, I want to try building a small trailer and covering it with PMF. I've seen and read countless PMF ideas and they seem to be specific to the individual applying it. I grasp the basics, apply the glue to the camper, attach the canvas to the glued portion, rub, iron cut, etc. Once the canvas is applied, re-coat it with glue, then paint or use 50/50 paint & water, then top coat with exterior paint? I will be applying corner trim with Dicor Edge Seal tape under it, so is overlapping the corners necessary? Will PMF hold up to golf ball+ size hail (I live in Oklahoma City, so hail is a fact to life). On other trailers I have built (like my profile pic), I've used metal roofing and it's held up well. Any info you can pride will be appreciated.

I happen to have a cutout from my PMF covered camper handy so I struck it twice with a framing hammer. I don't wanna make the call for you but it looks repairable.

This strike was very hard, think driving an 8 penny nail. Still appears water tight.

This was a very very hard strike, think anger.... it did create a split but could be repaired.

These results are based on my methods and material. Happy to share if interested. Seems pretty durable.

 

[Jwh92020]

Thank you. I'll probably use the metal. The metal roofs on my large builds have stood up to multiple hail storms and still look good. The metal in sheet form is not expensive at all.

 

[amydub]

I'm trying to decide between two PMF techniques for my foamie.

Technique 1. Sand foam, roll it with a wallpaper roller, roll TBII on foam, add canvas, then another layer of TBII, then several coats of paint with sanding in between.

Technique 2. Prep foam as in technique 1, thin coat of TBII to adhere canvas to foam, then 50/50 exterior latex and water, then 75/25 exterior latex and water, then a couple more coats 100% exterior latex, sanding between coats.

What are the pros and cons of these two techniques? Which is the most durable? Does one provide a smoother finish?

 

[Jwh92020]

I'm trying to decide between two PMF techniques for my foamie.

Technique 1. Sand foam, roll it with a wallpaper roller, roll TBII on foam, add canvas, then another layer of TBII, then several coats of paint with sanding in between.

Technique 2. Prep foam as in technique 1, thin coat of TBII to adhere canvas to foam, then 50/50 exterior latex and water, then 75/25 exterior latex and water, then a couple more coats 100% exterior latex, sanding between coats.

What are the pros and cons of these two techniques? Which is the most durable? Does one provide a smoother finish?

I haven't covered foam, just wood. I used TB2 full strength to adhere the canvas. I used 2 coats Kilz2 mixed 75/25 for the primer coats, sanded in between with 150. The 5 coats of full strength exterior latex, sanded in between with 220. Mine has always come out great. I can't speak to the idea of TB2 thinned or not on the canvas before painting.

 

[Pmullen503]

.............................? I will be applying corner trim with Dicor Edge Seal tape under it, so is overlapping the corners necessary?

Foam/PMF works because the continuous layer of canvas holds the foam walls and roof together and to the floor. You should have continuous layer of canvas from floor to floor either by using wide canvas or overlaps of at least a couple inches.

Will PMF hold up to golf ball+ size hail (I live in Oklahoma City, so hail is a fact to life). ............

Yes. Dents that do not break the canvas will self heal over time or can be largely steamed out. Metal, once dented, stays dented.