Adding vinyl to your van conversion or van build can make all the difference in the world. Marine vinyl (sometimes call Heavy Marine Vinyl) can add such a wonderful dimension to your build and raise the quality of the finished product. Vinyl makes things look professional and adds texture and colour that would otherwise not be available. Vinyl wall panels are easy to keep clean, if installed over foam can be a soft place to rest your body and create a van that is fun to show off. When marine vinyl is added to the ceiling it opens so many colour and texture choices suddenly the van designer can create a more open and airy feeling. While marine vinyl has almost limitless possibilities there is really only one way to install it. And that method is proving to have some issues when applied in van conversions. Sprayed on Contact cement is really the only glue that will work (www.lepage.ca/en/lepage-products/specialty-products/spray-adhesive/multipurpose-spray-adhesive.html or www.dap.com/products-projects/product-categories/adhesives/contact-cement/weldwood-contact-cem/) are 2 products that one may choose.
There are several important things to consider when planning on installing marine vinyl wall or ceiling panels in your van. One is the material you will b gluing the vinyl to. For best results use a clean dry plywood. A clean dry hard surface is the best possible place to glue vinyl. And while it would create a beautiful panel it would be hard and possibly uncomfortable. For that reason, for many adding a layer of foam between the plywood panel and the vinyl is the way to go. Using foam (rochfordsupply.com/collections/cushioncraft-upholstery-foam) will add texture and comfort to your van build. But then you are relying on the foam to hold the vinyl in place. This can be a challenge because all contact cement is activated by heat. When coupled with the potentially high temps of the van interior it’s possible for the glue to become soft and release the heavy marine vinyl from the wall and ceiling panels and create a saggy appearance.