Headlining Materials

[flyingscampi]

I'm planning on doing battle with the headlining in my Westerly soon and I'm not keen on using the same foam backed vinyl that was used originally. Who knows, I might have to do it all over again one day!

I was thinking about getting the vinyl kits (without the foam backing) from Hawke House to make a difficult job a little simpler but my question is whether there is an alternative material that would be suitable for the backing.

I saw an article on the web where neoprene was used? Is this suitable? Any alternatives?

 

[sarabande]

Consider the use of carpet tiles. They can flex easily, adapt to compound curvatures, and are easy to cut to shape and to put up. Take care in selecting the backing material, so that you avoid bitumen based tiles as a fire/health risk. Also check that the adhesive can resist high coachroof temperatures that occur in strong sun.

Edit.
yes - heed VicS' advice on ventilation very carefully (I forgot /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif) not only during installation but until the the adhesive has finished outgassing. The gas alarm may be triggered...

 

[VicS]

Neoprene? Seems an odd choice!

Alternatives :

Cheap synthetic (polypropylene probably) carpet. The corded stuff is particularly suitable but what ever takes your fancy.

Expensive polypropylene pile carpet specially for the purpose from places such as Hawke House.

Special linings from HH for heads compartments

My preference is for the smooth easily wiped clean vinyl surface which is why I relined my boat with the foam backed variety.

Solvent based adhesives are very hazardous in confined spaces. good ventilation combined with an "Organic vapours" mask is essential.

A water resistant PVA wood glue can be used for sticking materials onto ply panels to avoid at least some of the use of solvent based materials.

Hawke House is a good source of materials, including adhesives and the mask, and advice.

Your local cheap carpet shop for cheap carpet.

 

[Danny]

If you're going to get the un-backed vinyl from HH then AFAIR they also sell some white foam sheeting which they recommend for use behind their self adhesive carpet (which is a good alternative to head lining on vertical surfaces and alongside bunks, etc.). This stuff is about 5mm thick and looks far more substantial than the stuff on the back of the lined vinyl. Ask their advice though, as I've no idea if it's suitable for use behind vinyl.

 

[Talbot]

I used a felt backed carpet from CarpetRight.