Alternative to Ensolite

[David Tilston]

Went to Home Depot at lunch. Eco Foam was sold out, but they still had samples. The stuff is definitely lighter then neoprene. The online info says that it is closed cell. It would be interesting to get an R value for it. It is about the same price, $120/ 20 Sq yards.

[freddie b]

Eco Foam is closed cell. It insulates well, hot, cold and sound. The 20 sq yd roll did my Trillium 1300 with enough left over for ONE cutting mistake.
It is somewhat stiff which makes it a bit tricky to install on the compound curves in the top corners but not bad if you take your time.
Being polyethelene it won't take latex paint so you need a good oil base for a primer. I used Tremclad flat white with 2 topcoats of tinted Zinser Ultra-White self priming latex.
One year and so far so good.

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by freddie b

Eco Foam is closed cell. It insulates well, hot, cold and sound. The 20 sq yd roll did my Trillium 1300 with enough left over for ONE cutting mistake.
It is somewhat stiff which makes it a bit tricky to install on the compound curves in the top corners but not bad if you take your time.
Being polyethelene it won't take latex paint so you need a good oil base for a primer. I used Tremclad flat white with 2 topcoats of tinted Zinser Ultra-White self priming latex.
One year and so far so good.

Do you have any pictures of the install?

[freddie b]

This is all I have right now of the installation.
The seams are caulked with acrylic latex.

[David Tilston]

Very nice!

[freddie b]

One problem to consider with this stuff is the 1/4 inch thickness. Any open edges have to be trimmed out somehow. I was able to use plastic panel edging (Home Depot) in most places except along the door where I had to use caulking.

[Marlena]

What did you use to glue the eco foam to the fiberglass? It looks great!

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by freddie b

Eco Foam is closed cell. ...
Being polyethelene it won't take latex paint so you need a good oil base for a primer.

I wonder how the aliphatic Grizzly grip would work?
Grizzly Grip
It would be tougher than paint.

[Cat futrell]

Roy,

how do you think that Grizzly Grip would work to paint "elephant hide" onto a regular ensolite installation. Is it too coarse?

[Ashleetina]

I am looking to replace my ensolite as well, I am not totally against re-installing ensolite but don't even know where to start looking for new. Has anyone ever installed something over top that is a harder easier to wipe down surface? I'm not a huge fan of the softness of the walls.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Cat futrell

Roy,

how do you think that Grizzly Grip would work to paint "elephant hide" onto a regular ensolite installation. Is it too coarse?

Sorry I missed this last year Cat,

They do make a version without any filler, so it would be smoother than the fine. Before investing the time and money doing so, I'd be tempted sending a sample of ensolite to grizzly grip and get their opinion. They are in the chemical coating business.

I will be getting the fine to put on the lower front of my Trillium and the no filler to put on the window guard. I do have a small scrap of ensolite so I could try a test patch. That probably won't be until this fall or next spring though.

When I did my ensolite, I cleaned it well, primed with Kilz and used One Touch sign paint. If I were to do it again, I'd use 2 coats of the top of the line Kilz primer and use the modifer for one touch that brings the sheen down from a high gloss.