Penthouse roof coating - Page 2

**BroncoHauler** · 10-24-2009, 07:18 PM

So SMBDAD, any follow-up observations on your roof paint? Still holding up well and still happy with the reduced temps?

I'm still contemplating painting my roof white, but I also need to get some heat-control window tinting on my numerous windows which i think contributes significantly to the heat load in the van.

Herb

SMBDAD · 10-24-2009, 09:52 PM

I am still very happy with the coating. Seems very durable. Easy to clean. Color is still a pure white. The temp difference is is very noticable.

When you apply the last coat, I would advise that you do it when it is cool. Apply a thick last coat. This will make is very smooth so that the surface will not hold dirt and it is much easier to clean.

**BroncoHauler** · 10-24-2009, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the info. Two more questions. The product website mentions the product finish can be smooth or anti-slip. Is that determined by the thickness of material applied? Also, has the flexibility held up? I'd hate to paint the roof and then have cracks develop.

Herb

SMBDAD · 10-24-2009, 10:34 PM

The difference between the two is that they add some material into the anti slip. Anti slip would be good on boat decks (one of it purposes), but in my opinion it would collect a lot of dirt, and be a SOB to clean well. It seems to be holding up very well. I am not noticing any cracks/ cracking. It has only been a few months.

PatO · 10-24-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMBDAD

SMB West said they use a water based coating on there stuff nowadays. I forgot the name and figured I would run across it in my searches (dont believe I did).

I was told it is product called Raptor

**BroncoHauler** · 12-19-2010, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMBDAD

I just coated the top of my penthouse roof. I noticed it had cracking in the gel coat, so I figured I would coat it. I found this product CHIRIENTERPRISE Roof it-RV'S. It went on real nice. Sanded the top with a 60 grit sanding sponge. Cleaned/ wipped off. Applied thinned out first coat (as per instructions), then applied two full coats. Seems to of bonded very well. Hardens to a nice smooth protective shell. It took half a gallon, leaving me half for the future.

Just ordered two samples of this stuff online earlier today. One was the white in a smooth finish, and one was the gray in the anti-slip finish. If I paint the PH top, I'm not sure I'd want the white or something less stark like the gray, and I wasn't decided on the smooth or anti-slip finish (some concerns over cleanability). Had a minor issue with the online order since it's a very rudimentary ordering system, and I actually received a phonecall tonight (Sunday) to clear up the situation. Gives me a good feeling and confidence that this company understands customer service if nothing else.

I have to decide on a sample material to paint with both the paints and decide between the colors (though they can custom match Benjamin More colors) and between the smooth and anti-slip finishes. Aside from scavenging a junkyard for an old fiberglass top, any recommendations on something I should try the paint on?

Herb

**daveb** · 12-20-2010, 11:28 AM

Any old fiberglass surface would do provided your top is gel coated. My guess is yours is a painted top which might change the bonding state. Maybe SMB can tell you what they used to paint it. I would think it's not going to matter. Most of those coating are for a variety of surfaces. Good luck. Just curious, why not line-x or rhino?

vwteleman · 12-20-2010, 12:33 PM

Herb,

Why not the most obvious place, your top itself? How often do you see the middle of your top? And if you're ultimately going to paint it anyway, why not? That way, there are no questions about adhesion or performance.

Just a thought.

Brent

joey2cool · 12-21-2010, 01:32 PM

I think you should use whatever surface type you plan on painting. I've got the line-x painted to match the van and I think the dimply surface makes the paint look darker in the right light (like shady areas). I don't mind the mismatch, it's not bad looking, but it is noticable - like different shades of gray.

**BroncoHauler** · 12-21-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwteleman

Herb,

Why not the most obvious place, your top itself? How often do you see the middle of your top? And if you're ultimately going to paint it anyway, why not? That way, there are no questions about adhesion or performance.

Just a thought.

Brent

Brent,

Not a bad idea, but if I decide I don't like the anti-slip texture, I will have to sand it down. Not a big deal, and I may just end up painting a couple spots on top. Would also help incentivize me to actually fully paint the top and not just have another never completed project.

Herb