Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'm almost finished with a non traditional tear that has a slide out drawer instead of a galley. It is time to install panels in my slide out cabinet and have both Formica and diamond plate in quantities I can use. Has anyone installed any Formica in a place where it is exposed to UV rays at least part time? I guess if I am asking I should probably paint some diamond plate and avoid a redo later when the Formica fails or fades. I'm sure I wouldn't keep my slide out closed to preserve the Formica - just too much trouble.

I made a table top with formica, the laminate itself has been holding up fine, but the glue tends to give out ( 3m contact cement) from the heat. Not sure if you are glueing it or floating, but I thought I would throw that out

Which 3M adhesive and what was the source of the heat?

I hope you say that it was the heat from your camp stove, and not just the sun.

I glued my floor up using the Fastbond Green 30NF and am planning on using it for the bulkhead, walls and probably the roof, too.

How did you apply the adhesive; spray, brush or roller? Light, medium, or heavy application? Any issues during the glue up as far as time to dry or time before bonding?

Of course I'm sure you can appreciate the concern I have at this stage in my build. I am already a little concerned about solar heat issues with the Foamie style of build, have to pick a light color for the paint.

I have seen formica fade from prolonged sun exposure. A workbench in my garage near a window has faded quite a bit, but to be fair it's been in that spot for several years.

Thanks for the feedback - I've decided to use some diamond plate I have on hand. I'm screwing the cabinet insert panels in so I can add or change color at any time without much trouble.

KCStudly wrote:Which 3M adhesive and what was the source of the heat?

I hope you say that it was the heat from your camp stove, and not just the sun.

I glued my floor up using the Fastbond Green 30NF and am planning on using it for the bulkhead, walls and probably the roof, too.

How did you apply the adhesive; spray, brush or roller? Light, medium, or heavy application? Any issues during the glue up as far as time to dry or time before bonding?

Of course I'm sure you can appreciate the concern I have at this stage in my build. I am already a little concerned about solar heat issues with the Foamie style of build, have to pick a light color for the paint.

Sorry I'vr been out of town.
I used Dap Weldwood contact cement,( sorry, not 3M) it's what I had laying around. The heatsource is from the sun, It gets pretty hot where I camp, and the table just sits outside.
Tabletops are onething, but I wouldn't suggest glueing any exterior siding/roof with it.