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Materials question

Posted:
Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:30 am
by War Eagle
I have a friend that is opening a catering business soon. I stopped by to see his construction progress yesterday and noticed the material he was using on the walls. He said it was a fiberglass material, can't remember the name but I'll bet someone here knows. It's about 1/8 thick, white glossy, textured finish. I have noticed it in the receiving area at work on the lower parts of the walls. I assume it's a durable material put there incase boxes, pallets, handtrucks hit the walls. Does anyone know what this is? Has anyone used it for the exterior skin of a tear? Can it be painted?
I was thinking it would be a great application for the exterior roof. Like I said it seems like it would be durable against road debris and would clean easily. The guy installing it said it comes in 4x9 sheets..

Posted:
Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:47 am
by Ira
Filon?

Posted:
Thu Mar 22, 2007 1:08 pm
by sandman
I think I know what you are talking about. I found the same thing at Home Depot a few weeks ago on the aisle with the door trim stuff. They had 3 FRP type panels available-1-Smooth Glossy White, 2. Textured White-Like Ceiling Texture, and an checkerboard type pattern. These are panels that you use in a bathroom like in and around the walls on the shower. They are resistant to moisture and won't warp. They are fiberglass with a hardboard type backer board and the panels are 4x8 feet and are 1/8" thick. I bought 5 of them to use as the inside ceiling for my teardrop. They were only like $18-22 per panel. I opted for the smooth white. they bend easily and come there are several types of plastic molding sold to complement them. Hope this helps.

Posted:
Thu Mar 22, 2007 1:20 pm
by War Eagle
Yes Ira, or atleast something very similar. Infact see the link below.
http://www.outbackteardrop.com/body4.html
Thanks Sandman, I'll be interested to see how those panels work for you.

Posted:
Thu Mar 22, 2007 1:23 pm
by glassice
I found the same thing at Home Depot Don't use on the out side they fall a part there a trailer manufacture out west that make there trailer out of them I have payed for my house and more fixing them

Posted:
Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:28 pm
by JunkMan
They are FRP panels (fiberglass reinforced plastic) and are not UV protected. The sun will destroy them in very little time if you leave your trailer outside all of the time. If you store it indoors, it may work Ok for you. There are a few people on the forum that have used them.
I have used them for years in food service applications, and they work pretty good most of the time, but they can crack if you bang into them with something. They will also yellow over time, when used indoors.

Posted:
Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:28 am
by War Eagle
Thanks for the input junkman. I just noticed, I think Jeff (jje507) used the FRP on the exterior of his TD. I would be interested in hearing from him, maybe I'll PM him and ask him to chime in with his experiences.