Painting the roof

[Air83]

I have a 1983 Excella 31' and I would like to paint the roof white.
1. Should I tape off and cover the sidewalls and front?
2. What type of cleaning product should I use?
3. Should I remove the pharr bond and reapply or leave it off?
4. What type if any base coat should I apply?
5. What type of white paint?
6. What amount of time should I a lot for this project?

Any help or pictures would be helpful. I want to do this job right.
Ginger

[Melody Ranch]

Industrial and Marine Coatings – Ceramicoat

[Air83]

Impressive. Do they have a distribution office here in the US?

[J. Morgan]

For best results tape off everything that you don't want painted. Sand the surface with at least 220 or more coarse paper to insure proper adhesion.

I like Industrial Imron. It will brush or roll on and smooth out nice, super durable, and only about $130 a gallon. (Which is at least twice what the job will require. )

[shineybullet]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

For best results tape off everything that you don't want painted. Sand the surface with at least 220 or more coarse paper to insure proper adhesion.

I like Industrial Imron. It will brush or roll on and smooth out nice, super durable, and only about $130 a gallon. (Which is at least twice what the job will require. )

Where would you buy this product ? Auto paint store ?Also do you just roll it on with no primer or under coat ?

[J. Morgan]

I sprayed it on my roof about two years ago with no primer.

There are folks who will say that Aluminum must be primed before painting, but I have had good results without primer.

I just sand it really well.

A store that sells DuPont car paint should sell this product.

Industrial Imron 3500 HG.

One good coat is all you will need.

[Air83]

Any problem with white streaks running down the trailer.

[featherbedder]

A product called bus-kote, white has ceramic flakes, was developed from tech. for nasa, for school buses. Will not streak or chalk not expensive. Google bus-kote to get specs etc. it can be rolled on, or brushed. I do not rep.them or any other thing. It's what I read about it and testimonials [no bad ones]. #39.50 a gal. less than Imron plus ceramic to insulate not just white to reflect sun. I have used Imron with hardener, plus not flexible.

[aquinob]

I used a product called Ceramiflex that is an industrial coating, but I don't think they make it anymore. It was detailed here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f478...lex-98479.html

They have other similar coatings that you could probably use just as well. This company makes commercial products that can be applied to bare metal without the need for primers. The stuff wasn't cheap, but it works very well.

[J. Morgan]

Imron is an activated product that will stand the test of time period.

It will not streak, and it actually is quite flexible.

Perhaps insulation will make a difference of sorts, but as far as the use on my trailer, when parked in direct sun I can leave my hand on the painted surface without getting burned, not so on the bare aluminum.

I am just throwing it out there what I used and what I think worked well. It took less than a quart to cover my roof, and it works for me. (Buying just a quart costs quite a bit more per ounce than buying a gallon)

[Air83]

It appears Ceramiflex went bankrupt and has closed down.

[aquinob]

Originally Posted by Air83

It appears Ceramiflex went bankrupt and has closed down.

If you are referring to the product called Ceramiflex, it is no longer being produced. The company, Sealoflex is still alive and kicking, and has a product called reflectowhite which I think is what I would use if I didnt go with the ceramiflex initially. Here is a link to their website: ReflectoWhite | Sealoflex


They sell through distributors so you would need to find one local to your area.

HTH.

[aquinob]

I have no affiliation with the company, but am happy with their products. Here is pertinent info on the reflectowhite coating:

From the website:

Description
ReflectoWhite is a waterborne, single component roof coating.
It is a tough, flexible material, which displays good UV and
ozone resistance. ReflectoWhite is used as a protective coating
to existing roofing materials such as single ply, modified asphalt
membrane and metal roofs.
Uses
• To provide a highly reflective surface over roof surfaces
of all types
• For coating of all types of roof substrates
• To provide protection and add life expectancy to existing
roof surfaces

Advantages
• Energy Star Rating
• Ultraviolet and ozone resistant
• Mildew and algae resistant
• Expands and contracts with the roof surface
• FPL approved
• Ten Year Warranty
• LEED Compliant
• Excellent solar reflectance: 86%
• Reduces cooling costs
• Fast curing
• Excellent low temperature flexibility
• Adheres to almost any roof or wall substrate including
stucco, concrete, metal, wood, asphalt, foam, barrel tile,
PVC, TPO, EPDM, etc.

Instructions for Use
Surface Preparation
Surfaces must be free of dust, loosely adhering particles, oil,
grease and previously applied incompatible coatings.
Priming
Unpainted wooden surfaces, Asphalt, Weathered galvanized
steel, Non-ferrous metal and PVC:
No priming is necessary
Application
Apply coating by brush, roller or sprayer. Allow the first coat to
dry then apply the second coat perpendicular to the first.
Coverage
Smooth surfaces:
50 sq. ft./gal. (total for both coats)
Granular and Irregular Surfaces:
40 sq. ft./gal. (total for both coats)

All about the same as the ceramiflex I used almost 3 years ago.

[Air83]

I got a brainstorm and went to the bus conversion forum sites. It appears Bus-kote is their product of choice. I’m going to contact the company and see what they suggest for the AS. Will keep you posted.

[Air83]

Bob,
Thank you so much. I have contacted SealoFlex about their product. Asked a few questions of the flexibility, application and durability (Texas sun). I will try to post their replies on the forum.

[J. Morgan]

Turns out I just had to buy a gallon today....

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by aquinob

I have no affiliation with the company, but am happy with their products. Here is pertinent info on the reflectowhite coating:

From the website:.....................

All about the same as the ceramiflex I used almost 3 years ago.

I suppose any white paint will reflect most of the sunlight away. Ceramiflex had micro ceramic particles which enhances reflection and heat reduction I don't know how much difference it makes but what is missing from the Reflectolite description is any mention of reflectivity, particularly when it comes to heat.

[Air83]

Ginger,
The answers to your questions are highlighted in red below.

Sincerely,
Burt Roth



I have a vintage Airstream Travel Trailer. This is a aluminum body travel trailer.

1. Would this product adhere to the aluminum. Our Sealoflex Finish Coat will bond directly to aluminum without a primer, but I would recommend the area to be coated is pressure washed clean.
2. What is its life expectancy with such harsh elements here in the Texas sun. With two coats of Sealoflex Finish Coat applied at 100 sq ft per gallon per coat; this would be considered a 10 year coating.
3. Is it flexible enough to stand up to the constant motion of moving and traveling down the highways and back roads. Yes, this is an elastomeric coating and has been used on Airstreams in the past with great success.
4. what type of prep work to install & how do I apply this to aluminum? Simply but thoroughly pressure wash clean the area and apply in two coats by brush, roller or paint sprayer using a 525 size tip. I would recommend running a tape line so that you create a nice clean edge.


My goal is to paint the roof 8’ x 30’ to help reflect the suns heat and help control the temperatures inside. A 5 gallon bucket of Sealoflex Finish Coat will be enough to coat the roof.
Would it be okay for me to publish your answer on our Airstream Forum? Yes

Sincerely,
Ginger Zeringue
The Woodlands, TX.



Sent By:
Burt Roth

Sealoflex, Inc.
Technical Representative
2520 Oscar Johnson Drive
Charleston, SC 29405

843-266-8622 Direct
843-718-7177 Cell
800-770-6466 Office
843-554-6458 FAX
http://www.sealoflex.com
email: broth@sealoflex.com

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Air83

Ginger,
The answers to your questions are highlighted in red below.

Sincerely,
Burt Roth



I have a vintage Airstream Travel Trailer. This is a aluminum body travel trailer.

1. Would this product adhere to the aluminum. Our Sealoflex Finish Coat will bond directly to aluminum without a primer, but I would recommend the area to be coated is pressure washed clean.
2. What is its life expectancy with such harsh elements here in the Texas sun. With two coats of Sealoflex Finish Coat applied at 100 sq ft per gallon per coat; this would be considered a 10 year coating.
3. Is it flexible enough to stand up to the constant motion of moving and traveling down the highways and back roads. Yes, this is an elastomeric coating and has been used on Airstreams in the past with great success.
4. what type of prep work to install & how do I apply this to aluminum? Simply but thoroughly pressure wash clean the area and apply in two coats by brush, roller or paint sprayer using a 525 size tip. I would recommend running a tape line so that you create a nice clean edge.


My goal is to paint the roof 8’ x 30’ to help reflect the suns heat and help control the temperatures inside. A 5 gallon bucket of Sealoflex Finish Coat will be enough to coat the roof.
Would it be okay for me to publish your answer on our Airstream Forum? Yes

Sincerely,
Ginger Zeringue
The Woodlands, TX.



Sent By:
Burt Roth

Sealoflex, Inc.
Technical Representative
2520 Oscar Johnson Drive
Charleston, SC 29405

843-266-8622 Direct
843-718-7177 Cell
800-770-6466 Office
843-554-6458 FAX
http://www.sealoflex.com
email: broth@sealoflex.com

Ginger, based on my experience with Ceramiflex I did my roof on my Tradewind with less than a gallon. I would buy any extra finish coat you have if you can get it to me in New Mexico.

[aquinob]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

I suppose any white paint will reflect most of the sunlight away. Ceramiflex had micro ceramic particles which enhances reflection and heat reduction I don't know how much difference it makes but what is missing from the Reflectolite description is any mention of reflectivity, particularly when it comes to heat.

According to what I read on their website, its supposed to be highly reflective if that helps out any. I think most of the benefit comes from the color and the fact it moves with the metal and is easy to apply. I'm sure there are other paints/coatings that work well too, but I've been happy with the ceramiflex so far. Its probably one of the best things you can do to improve livability in the summer if the roof isnt already painted.