Almost all the walls and cabinets on the H31 are come kind of white plasticized coating over plywood some of which is coming off. I was searching for a maintenance free waterproof surface and all I could come up with was sheet linoleum [no seams, though the vinyl "planks" are a lot more attractive] on the all the exposed surfaces. I am concerned about whether anything will stick to the OEM surface. Perhaps a barrier coat of some kind? Or a very thin substrate of some kind?
Redoing Head
- Thread starter wufibugs
- Start date
If the covering is the same as an H34 it is HPL like is used for counter tops. It is waterproof, the weak link is the adhesive used to bond it to the wood.
You could try gorilla glue and clamps to hold the original HPL to the plywood. You will not have good success glueing over the HPL. Contact adhesive is what is typically used to glue HPL.
I'm afraid restoring the HPL is not an option. It has peeled off and disappeared in some places and just looks bad in others. It does not look quite the same as the countertops. The head walls are a sort of matte finish while the countertops and dining table is glossy. Seems to me that there were a variety of ways to cover the zillions of formica countertops that were installed in the 50s and 60s. Perhaps a rough sanding of the wall surface will facilitate an adhesive of some kind.
I have been working with HPL for over 30 years professionally and am sure you will not be happy trying to glue to it. You could consider 1/4 inch sheets of Starboard that you could cut and screw directly to the plywood not using adhesive. It comes in white and will never wear out.
a65, that is grim news. You are right about the durability of starboard, but I'm not too happy about the cost and appearance. I'm sure you've tried everything. I thought that if I sand and prime the hpl surface I might get it to take an adhesive?
I have considered using the 4x8 sheets of the white fiberglass panels from Lowes.They are textured and indestructible, at least on a boat. If you can get a perfect cut for every seam.And proper adhesion.I belive it should last a long time.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
I have considered using the 4x8 sheets of the white fiberglass panels from Lowes.They are textured and indestructible, at least on a boat. If you can get a perfect cut for every seam.And proper adhesion.I belive it should last a long time.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
I removed the cabinets and sanded down the walls fore and aft. I then primered with a product that claims to adhere to anything, including plastics. I am leaning toward using a waterproof adhesive with sheet linoleum in a plank pattern for the walls. I am replacing the hoses while I have easy access to them.
I am also looking for a replacement sink. The original is a cheap ugly plastic 10 X 13 that the PO managed to put a couple of burn marks on. I have searched in vain for a similar sized basin in stainless or ceramic without success. I can actually fit up to 11 X 15, particularly if I used a vessel type sink. If I could find a nice piece of ceramic bakeware, I could have a drain hole drilled into it and use it for a sink. I am going to get the faucet off the countertop and mount it on the wall. Could use a tub/shower diverter setup for the faucet/handheld shower wand. Will probably use formica or some other nice hpl for the countertop and the cabinet fronts.
I am also looking for a replacement sink. The original is a cheap ugly plastic 10 X 13 that the PO managed to put a couple of burn marks on. I have searched in vain for a similar sized basin in stainless or ceramic without success. I can actually fit up to 11 X 15, particularly if I used a vessel type sink. If I could find a nice piece of ceramic bakeware, I could have a drain hole drilled into it and use it for a sink. I am going to get the faucet off the countertop and mount it on the wall. Could use a tub/shower diverter setup for the faucet/handheld shower wand. Will probably use formica or some other nice hpl for the countertop and the cabinet fronts.
I too had the same problem and completely restored the head on my H31. Basically gutted the entire head area by removing the old boards, cabinet unit, head and used the HPLcovered wood as a template on a sheet of teak plywood. Send me an IM and can forrward pics to you. Jerry