Ensolite Advice

[Dawson Smith]

I came into the possession of a 1970's Trillium 1300 and I've been restoring it for about a year. Recently I tore everything out to do a deep cleaning and check for any holes that need filling, and I did the unthinkable.

I removed the ensolite from my Trillium.

I was ignorant and did not know you couldn't get it any more and was planning on replacing it with new stuff.

Now that it's gone and in the garbage, I need something else to cover the walls, and I had an idea.

I'm aware that the actual ensolite foam is still being sold and I know of a product called liquid vinyl. I've never used the stuff, but I'm sure someone on these forums at least knows what I'm talking about. Has anyone ever tried painting bare ensolite with liquid vinyl? Want to know if someone tried it or not so I don't end up wasting my time and/or money.

[David Tilston]

I have not logged onto this site for a while, but you have asked the question i would love to know the answer to. I would read the instructions on the vinyl paint regarding surface preparation. Also try to find an expert on the paint and discuss your idea. Maybe try a test piece. Something like 1m² and a small can of paint.

I'm fairly optimistic that your plan would work. However, installing the Ensolite will not be easy. I get the impression that Trillium had a jig for the job. The edges of the Enosolite panels seem better glued then the middle. The up side is, if you want more insulation, Ensolite is sold in various thicknesses.

I'm guessing that doing it on a hot day would make the Ensolite more pliable and stretchable. It would also make the job a bit hellish.

I would consider installing the Ensolite and then painting it. At least that way the paint is not being stretched.

Please take pictures. May the Force be with you.

[Dawson Smith]

I'd love to try on a test piece first, but I can't figure out where to get the stuff unless I'm buying multiple feet of length at a time lmao

[Dawson Smith]

Regardless, thank you for the suggestions! I'm used to working in sweaty environments, as I am a machinist lol. I'll try to post updates when I can lol

[Bsharp76]

You might be interested in cork insulation it sprays on walls then can be painted, I've seen that as an alternative to ensolite in Google searchs

[KARL PROUDE]

These folks may have the answer for you.https://trilliumtrailers.com/contact-us/

Calgary Alberta manufacturing Trillium Outback Campers

[Dawson Smith]

Originally Posted by Bsharp76

You might be interested in cork insulation it sprays on walls then can be painted, I've seen that as an alternative to ensolite in Google searchs

Can it be sanded flat, or do I need to be careful with the application?

[Dawson Smith]

Originally Posted by KARL PROUDE

These folks may have the answer for you.https://trilliumtrailers.com/contact-us/

Calgary Alberta manufacturing Trillium Outback Campers

I'll give them a shout, thank you!

[Bsharp76]

It's a textured finish but doesn't look bad at all

[Davestaf]

I'm currently renovating a Trillium 1300. I removed the "elephant skin" and ensolite foam. (And all of the old contact glue) I kept the old vinyl to use as a pattern. Ensolite foam is still sold in different thicknesses. My plan is to glue up new ensolite first, then glue textured marine vinyl to the ensolite. What to do about the seams will be an aesthetic choice I haven't decided on yet.

[Dawson Smith]

Interesting.

I've found a retailer in the city where I live that sells epoxy coatings and things and they sell this thing called UreCoat. It's seems like it's a two part urethane rubber, and some cosplayers use it to protect their foam creations. I have bought some ensolite and I'm going to try applying the UreCoat soon, I'll send another update when the success or failure strikes.

I have no idea how to replicate the pattern, so I wasn't really going to try �� all of my old stuff is in the trash at this point

[Christina2]

I'm super interested to see how you do. I just looked at a boler that's in good condition, but has no insulation. Just bare fiberglass walls. We're still considering buying it since options are limited, but would want to replace the insulation for winter camping. Good to know you can still buy the ensolite. Would love to see photos of your finished project.

[Davestaf]

Originally Posted by Dawson Smith

Interesting.

I've found a retailer in the city where I live that sells epoxy coatings and things and they sell this thing called UreCoat. It's seems like it's a two part urethane rubber, and some cosplayers use it to protect their foam creations. I have bought some ensolite and I'm going to try applying the UreCoat soon, I'll send another update when the success or failure strikes.

I have no idea how to replicate the pattern, so I wasn't really going to try �� all of my old stuff is in the trash at this point

Interested to hear/see your experience with th UreCoat product. Looks like a viable, durable alternative to vinyl.

[hollynn.trillium]

Interested to see what you find out.

In my Trillium, a previous owner glued marine headliner "rat fur" to the ensolite, and due to leaks, the rat fur/ensolite does not want to re-stretch and attach back to the roof in a pretty way. I am debating replacing the rat fur/ensolite monstrosity with ensolite in the future, but am not there in my project yet. If I do, I'll be trying the new ensolite with a liquid vinyl.