CMJ
Member
Hi – Happy New Year to you all!
I’m currently in the process of removing the old foam-backed internal wall coverings from the boat where they’ve become unstuck in places after 10 years. This I understand is due to a particular eco-adhesive Azimut were using at the time (circa 2006) that lets go after about 10 years. This has resulted in bubbles (say apple/melon size) appearing in the wall coverings all over. The wall covering is ‘Majilite Novasuede’ with a 3mm open cell foam backing and reading the install guide for this, it details that the material contracts and expands significantly with humidity changes (which explains how I could get the bubbles to magically disappear with the dehumidifier switched on). The install guide says apply in high humidity so that the material can only contract and tighten rather than expand further and cause potential bubbles again.
I’ve already done the required dismantling of the boat interior to allow me to remove or part remove the covering – this is the most time-consuming bit…and I’m ready to either re-apply the old wall covering where it’s still in good condition or replace where it’s been marked over the years. The foam backing BTW has not disintegrated and is still in good shape.
Anyway, my question is:
Are there any insider tips and tricks as to the installing of foam backed materials like this?
The boat builders obviously do this flawlessly every day. The install manual for the material just says use a suitable adhesive and apply firm pressure. The problem is when you apply firm pressure, it squashes the foam that has a light covering of contact adhesive on it leaving it permanently dented in places due to the glue sticking the foam together (not sure why they use open cell foam rather than closed as this would solve that problem I’m sure……must be a reason for it though).
I’m guessing that the boat builders apply contact adhesive on both sides (spray-type on the foam backed wall covering and either spray or liquid on the GRP/ Plywood wall) and then just very lightly apply the foam backed material, perhaps smoothing it with a window squeegee or soft painter’s roller or something. I’ve done a couple of tests though and this light approach results in a weaker bond…….so I’m scratching my head as I definitely want to get this right first time due to the amount of dismantling and re-assembling that goes into all of this!
So, any tips and tricks really appreciated! Also any thoughts on contact adhesive brands/types? I’m thinking a 17kg canister type setup with hose and spray gun rather than aerosols…..just need to work out which type because there are loads to choose from!
Cheers,
Chris.
I’m currently in the process of removing the old foam-backed internal wall coverings from the boat where they’ve become unstuck in places after 10 years. This I understand is due to a particular eco-adhesive Azimut were using at the time (circa 2006) that lets go after about 10 years. This has resulted in bubbles (say apple/melon size) appearing in the wall coverings all over. The wall covering is ‘Majilite Novasuede’ with a 3mm open cell foam backing and reading the install guide for this, it details that the material contracts and expands significantly with humidity changes (which explains how I could get the bubbles to magically disappear with the dehumidifier switched on). The install guide says apply in high humidity so that the material can only contract and tighten rather than expand further and cause potential bubbles again.
I’ve already done the required dismantling of the boat interior to allow me to remove or part remove the covering – this is the most time-consuming bit…and I’m ready to either re-apply the old wall covering where it’s still in good condition or replace where it’s been marked over the years. The foam backing BTW has not disintegrated and is still in good shape.
Anyway, my question is:
Are there any insider tips and tricks as to the installing of foam backed materials like this?
The boat builders obviously do this flawlessly every day. The install manual for the material just says use a suitable adhesive and apply firm pressure. The problem is when you apply firm pressure, it squashes the foam that has a light covering of contact adhesive on it leaving it permanently dented in places due to the glue sticking the foam together (not sure why they use open cell foam rather than closed as this would solve that problem I’m sure……must be a reason for it though).
I’m guessing that the boat builders apply contact adhesive on both sides (spray-type on the foam backed wall covering and either spray or liquid on the GRP/ Plywood wall) and then just very lightly apply the foam backed material, perhaps smoothing it with a window squeegee or soft painter’s roller or something. I’ve done a couple of tests though and this light approach results in a weaker bond…….so I’m scratching my head as I definitely want to get this right first time due to the amount of dismantling and re-assembling that goes into all of this!
So, any tips and tricks really appreciated! Also any thoughts on contact adhesive brands/types? I’m thinking a 17kg canister type setup with hose and spray gun rather than aerosols…..just need to work out which type because there are loads to choose from!
Cheers,
Chris.