Maintenance & Restoration

neauone · 06-29-2013, 10:19 AM

My nephew and I had a conversation about painting my Scamp. Little did I know he did boat repairs and had fiberglass knowledge.
However my issue was with having the Scamp professionally painted to my liking.
But he offered an affordable alternative to painting and I must say I was thoroughly impressed.
The product is called Plasti Dip and for about 400.00 DIYer's will be blown away.
The material is not only a cheaper alternative to professionally painting, but is extremely durable.
There are YouTube videos on the use's colors and options.
The website is DipYourCar.com
Just thought someone facing the same future decisions I am will want to have some alternatives to having their fiberglass units painted.
Another benefit of this material is that it actually is sealing in the unit.
Now heres the greatest part of all, if you don't like it say at any time.
The material can be pulled off simply by getting under the skin.
Like a plastic balloon it just peels right off.

RRJR · 06-29-2013, 11:21 AM

I would be afraid it may come loose while driving and the wind get under and that would make for some sight and damage.

Donna D. · 06-29-2013, 11:28 AM

I've used Dip It on a couple of tools. I can't imagine using it for a surface material on a trailer. Wow, would a run really show!

Folks worry about road rash (AKA rock chips) to the front of their trailer. What happens if a rock punctures this stuff... will it start peeling off? Hummmm.

willisworms · 06-29-2013, 11:50 AM

I have used it on a few things. It is quite durable, and actually very easy to apply. Runs are not really a problem as you apply it in many thin coats, working your way around the project. A tear will not result in it flapping off in the wind. This is in no way a permanent product though. It is meant to be able to remove. "tuners" use it to mod their cars, without permanently harming the finish. You want a matte finish on your car? paint this stuff on, when you get sick of the look, pull it off.

carlkeigley · 06-29-2013, 12:35 PM

That's a unique product and very interesting.
Pretty good videos on the site.

neauone · 06-29-2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I've used Dip It on a couple of tools. I can't imagine using it for a surface material on a trailer. Wow, would a run really show!

Folks worry about road rash (AKA rock chips) to the front of their trailer. What happens if a rock punctures this stuff... will it start peeling off? Hummmm.

I think we would be well served to check out the Youtube videos on the product and in particular the durability of the product.
I was thoroughly impressed.
Thanks Donna

Donna D. · 06-29-2013, 01:59 PM

From the FAQs:
How long does Plasti Dip® last? If properly applied, Plasti Dip® will last as long as 3 years without having to be retouched. It is very durable and will not lose it's bond. The spray distance when applying as well as the amount of coats applied will heavily determine the longevity of the product. After 3 years, or during the three years if desired, a new refresher coat can be easily applied.

Read more here: https://www.dipyourcar.com/pages.php?pageid=1

Cheyanna83 · 05-23-2015, 06:42 PM

Did you try it out? My hubby is tempted to do this to are camper like to know if it works

Bob Miller · 05-23-2015, 08:42 PM

Gotta say, using a coating designed to peel off if you don't like it, sounds like something they might come up with at a local amusement park (in Anaheim, CA) that is celebrating it's 60th anniversary this weekend..... LOL

For a lot less, about $250, you can do it right by using Interlux Topside Marine Coating, using the roll and tip application method, and you still don't need it applied by a shop.

I am sure that anyone in the fiberglass boat repair business is familiar with both the product and the technique.

Cheyanna83 · 05-23-2015, 10:20 PM

Good to know! I'll tell hubbers about that paint

EllPea in CA · 05-23-2015, 11:44 PM

Another alternative I've been thinking of is the kind of "wrap" that businesses do on their vehicles to advertise. My son is a graphic designer and creates images and text to WRAP onto a vehicle. You could have any image, any color, any words you want. And it's removable, replaceable, upgradeable. This isn't something you could do yourself, they apply it in their shop; I think it's something like a shrink wrap. They can also carry the image onto windows, using a different material which is more like a screen. So from the outside you just see the continuous image; from the inside you can see out just fine. The screen does help block sun, however.

Son works for Signarama, and they do an amazing business here in Redding, CA, but I can't speak for the quality or customer service elsewhere.

LP

neauone · 05-24-2015, 07:13 AM

Sorry for the late reply, I did use the product, but in a small area. Actually around the side windows of the Scamp for privacy. I also use the product around the window frame for added waterproofing. After using the product I found somethings that would lead me to think twice as far as an alternative to painting. The product is easily damaged either by a rock, tree limb, etc, also it is easily removed with W2 metal solvent. So any deranged individual could come by spray it on and it becomes like putty. I would not recommend using Plastic Dip, plastidip on the trailer.

neauone · 05-24-2015, 07:14 AM

WD 40

Donna D. · 05-24-2015, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neauone

Sorry for the late reply, I did use the product, but in a small area. Actually around the side windows of the Scamp for privacy. I also use the product around the window frame for added waterproofing. After using the product I found somethings that would lead me to think twice as far as an alternative to painting. The product is easily damaged either by a rock, tree limb, etc, also it is easily removed with W2 metal solvent. So any deranged individual could come by spray it on and it becomes like putty. I would not recommend using Plastic Dip, plastidip on the trailer.

Thanks for the real world experience Guy. That's what folks need to hear. Whether to paint or use lots of wax or floor polish or a wrap, it gets down to expectations and how much work someone wants to do.

I'm not thrilled at the lasting properties when reading about wraps. For the money, if a person is willing to do the prep, a paint job will last decades (with cleaning/wax maintenance) compared to wraps. But that's just my thoughts. YMMV

Bob Miller · 05-24-2015, 08:04 AM

A car wrap, from an existing format file, will cost several $1000 applied. Doing one for a multi compound curved surface would be uber expensive, at least when compared to a paint job.

But Wait.... Maybe one could get someone interested in doing an ad wrap on an FGRV, maybe a company like ......? Well there must be someone....LOL

Fay Wambolt · 05-26-2015, 06:08 PM

Hi folks I went through many options last year I had my boler painted then decided to do a tartan wrap it turned out awesome but yes expensive two grand but well worth it. I have also used plasti dip but only on the roof vent and it is a great product that will move with your trailer it solved the leak problem that all other products failed at and trust me when I say all other products. Back to my wrap I decided to order some carbon fibre and do all the seats and cupboards myself I have to say it turned out great but not without a whole new verbiage added it was easy on the straight flat areas on the curves it was like, remember the sticky fly paper things that hung from the cottage ceiling well like that but an adventure none the less. So you stick it on and use a heat gun to mold and stretch. My boler is all Celtic and being from Cape Breton Island we have to represent lol. I would attempt a paint job my self someday I think the trick would be to go with a theme to hide any mistakes or imperfections. Just my thoughts but there is no one right way. Happy camping. Cheers!

Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

Cheyanna83 · 05-26-2015, 06:58 PM

Your camper sounds very interesting !! You should post a pic

Mines kinda ugly lol she's a bare shell pretty much atm

Fay Wambolt · 05-26-2015, 07:50 PM

Hey I am not at home this week and am working from my iPad so as soon as I'm back I will post some pics

Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

Keaner · 06-05-2015, 07:20 AM

I threw different ideas around as well but opted for Interlux Topside. I used the roll and tip method and the finish is fantastic...looks sprayed on. It's relatively easy as well, I did a coat top and bottom in about 3 hours. Here's a before and after with just one coat of blue glo white and sapphire blue applied.