Canvas alternative ...

[Thelgord]

So I ordered a bunch of swatches (one of each color) from http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Kits/ ... on-Fabrics

Since it is almost completely water proof all by itself, it is abrasion resistant, it can be "welded" (found a cool video on youtube) instead of stitched, would this make a god alternative for a foamy?

[KCStudly]

Waterproof and other non-organic fibers won't absorb the glue or paint like cotton canvas, so adhesion can be a big problem. Blistering, delamination and weakness are much more likely.

Better to stick with cotton, or step up to epoxy and fiberglass.

[GPW]

Years ago we used a product called Balsarite on “Micafilm” ... It was a heat activated adhesive used to iron the film onto foam and Balsa frameworks ... Low heat means it didn’t melt foam when applied ... I don’t know if something like that would work here but it sure is a good sounding idea anyway ... KC’s likely right again though , best stick to what we know works ...

[KennethW]

So I ordered a bunch of swatches (one of each color) from http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Kits/ ... on-Fabrics

Since it is almost completely water proof all by itself, it is abrasion resistant, it can be "welded" (found a cool video on youtube) instead of stitched, would this make a god alternative for a foamy?

I don't see anything about UV.

[Thelgord]

Thanks for the response You guys are a veritable fountain of knowledge

[rowerwet]

Not sure which fabric you meant from the link. My experience has found that synthetic fabrics will not work very well with PMF. The glue will not stick to the fabric.
IMO you want a natural fiber, one that will soften and swell when wet, this allows the TBII and paint to soak into the fabric strands, locking the glue and paint into the fabric.

[tac422]

best stick to what we know works ...

That's not the Foamie mantra
We would have never built with foam if that were the case....
I say, experiment with it, and let us know the results !

[Thelgord]

It was the 1680 Denier Coated Ballistic Nylon Fabric with Durable Water Repellent Finish

As I said I already ordered the swatches. When they come in I will do a couple of test to see if I can do anything with it.

[GPW]

Uh Tac, the reason we did all the experimenting for the last 5 years was to find out WHAT WORKS and what doesn’t .... No reason to throw all that out the window just so we can be “different” .. It was “different" in the beginning , but now there are “things that work and work well “ .... Not to discourage experimenting to find better materials .... just on scrap first eh ???
I think everybody here wants to build a proven trailer that WILL work , not Maybe ... We do know there is plenty that doesn’t work ... Fortunately , they’re Not Foamies ....

[Socal Tom]

I'm skinning my TD with a polyester cloth that is made for use on roofs. It doesn't absorb well, but I think a coat of full strength glue after its on will make a sturdy layer. You are correct that the synthetic doesn't absorb as much, so with the first coat, the glue is just on the bottom of the fibre, its not in the matrix like it should be. Fibreglass doesn't absorb epoxy, but the epoxy is thick, so the fibres are still in the epoxy when it cures.
Tom

[Talia62]

I would suggest that you email Wacker, and ask them what they recommend. They manufacture a great deal of adhesives that can be used on all sorts of products including nylon fabrics. I suspect what you need is Elastosil E952, but I'm not sure since I've only used it on making ultralight sil-nylon backpacking gear, and not the type of ballistic nylon you are looking at.

http://www.wacker.com/cms/en/nafta/nafta_home/home.jsp

[Socal Tom]

I would suggest that you email Wacker, and ask them what they recommend. They manufacture a great deal of adhesives that can be used on all sorts of products including nylon fabrics. I suspect what you need is Elastosil E952, but I'm not sure since I've only used it on making ultralight sil-nylon backpacking gear, and not the type of ballistic nylon you are looking at.

http://www.wacker.com/cms/en/nafta/nafta_home/home.jsp

That's a good point. Synthetics would probably absorb non-water based glues better than something like TB2

[KCStudly]

Just be reminded that non-water based glues are going to be solvent based... and XPS foam doesn't play nice with most solvents; it melts.

[Talia62]

Just be reminded that non-water based glues are going to be solvent based... and XPS foam doesn't play nice with most solvents; it melts.

Yup, which is why I suggested to actually talk to a company that is in the business of making adhesives, because they should be able to tell you if one of their products will work with the fabric AND the foam.

[Mary C]

Maybe I don't get it but havent we been through alot of different fabrics, Glues and paints ? Either im guessing here but a lot of people are not reading the thrifty thread because if they were the questions about glues and other materials were answered. not only that but the reasons for each has been covered. Like part of the reason we used Glidden Gripper was beause it filled in the open squares in the canvas providing a smoother finish. I know I tried a third coat of it in some areas and it really did a nice job. The main idea of this was to build a camper cheaply, using all the things we could to build making the build thrifty. I bought a cheap aluminum hinge well it is falling apart litertly, the little bar going down the middle of the hinge is rusting on the ends and has come apart. I have to replace it. That is what made the Thrifty thread so important we have discussed these things and others as they have come up Through expierence and trial an error. So you all can go out an try your plastic fabric and you can get all crazy with your different glues and paints. We have been doing this for four years and we kinda know the things that work. Builders have built here but some have not stuck around or revisited to give us updates on the different things they have used. Most of us that are still here give periodic updates on our campers and how they are holding up in the weather and since they live in different climates we are getting the detailed info on what really works and holds up. I am currently doing an expierment with a product called Big Strech. I t is a type of silicone rubber, water resiistant and can be used with a painted ssurface and a wood surface I know that it works but my question is how will it hold up? Look for my report towards the end of the summer at least I will know how it holds up outside in the weather. First understand the premis, a foam that melts with some glues, a fabrick that will asorbe the glue and glue to the foam. A paint that will smooth out the material and a finish paint that will be cleanable and hold up in all kinds of weather. And build this without spending a lot, it be light weight and use products easily found, scrounged, and known.

My 2 cents

Mary C.