| FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301173] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 02:16  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma:
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I have seen other people mention this stuff but never looked at or worked with it. At the GMC Eastern states rally I installed (with help) some CR Lawrence side windows. In the process I found that the existing walls around the windows were deteriorated to the point that they need to be replaced. I originally was looking for something that would not rot or deteriorate over time.
I found FRP at Menards and Home Depot and decided to give it a try. I originally was going to use it and glue some 1/4 headliner foam to it. Then I was going to cover it with a textured vinyl fabric. As I proceeded through this project I decided to just use the FRP as it is and forgo foam and fabric covering. I could always add the foam and fabric later if desired. I also had some valances that I did not like so I made new ones out of the FRP scraps. I have not completed this yet but hope to do so in a day or two.
I am impressed with FRP. I bought one sheet of the "Crushed ICE version" FRP for about $24.00. I also bought some 8 foot long edge strip for corners, joining sheets, end end trim. The strips were $2.24 each.
This stuff is indestructible. I do not know it's insulation value. Since it is hard surfaced I also do not know how it will be on sound.
It is very thin and flexible. I think it is about .090". The nice thing is it works just like wood. I tried a hole punch on it because my 50 year old 1/2" drill just died. I could not dent the stuff. So after buying a new 1/2" drill, I drilled it just like wood. I cut it using my radial arm saw and my saber saw just like wood. I was able to plane it, file it, and sand it just like wood. I also glued it, using $1.99 polyester epoxy from Harbor Freight. I glued corner pieces made from curved FRP to some corner trim strips to make each of my valances. It set up perfectly. Now my valances can snap together into the corner trim and could be taken apart at will in the future. I have not done the cross piece on the bottom yet, but I intend to make it the same way.
I intended to mount the valances with screws but decided to try double faced semi-permanent foam tape instead. If this does not work then I will screw then on but so far I have used zero screws in this project
So if you are remodeling consider using this FRP stuff.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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