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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2017 22:10:20 GMT -8
I'm starting to think ahead on how I want to finish the interior of my Catalina. I do a fair amount of cabinetry work and the hardwood supplier I use has 1/8" Baltic Birch in 5' x 5' panels. I understand that is the norm based on a little bit of research I did on this forum. Obviously, that is too small to cover full width ceilings and full height walls.
So...what do you all suggest for interior plywood? I really want natural wood covering the complete interior - ceilings and walls, as that is how it was manufactured in the first place. I'm sure there are postings out there, and maybe someone can direct me to good options.
The supplier I use has 1/4" plywood in every species known to mankind, however only 1/8" in the aforementioned Baltic Birch. I'd love to use something unique like Hickory or Cherry, but not sure if 1/4" would work real well bending around the radius of the front and rear walls through the ceiling. The side walls wouldn't be a problem of course.
I can pick and choose anything I want for the cabinetry - maybe make out of the same hardwood as the ceiling/walls, or completely contrast with a different wood species altogether.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
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Post by vikx on Dec 16, 2017 1:08:31 GMT -8
The plywood won't be "interior" but be part of the unibody structure. Basically, you need to decide what species you like and build accordingly.
If you like birch, go with it overall. Off the same pallet would be good to keep the patterns similar.
Research Door Skins in your area; they are 1/8. When you decide what you want, then you'll know what to choose for the wall panels.
Also, if you are using the original skins, things need to be exact dimensions to have a good fit.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2017 1:19:48 GMT -8
What do you mean by researching "door skins"?
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shastatom
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Post by shastatom on Dec 16, 2017 6:53:46 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 16, 2017 9:35:12 GMT -8
Some places can order 1/8" in different grains. But then you get what you get. I ordered 20 pieces of birch sight-unseen because I couldn't find it locally.
People use 1/4" and kerf it. None would recommend it if you have a choice.
With curves like you're working with I'd stay with 1/8" if possible. Others may disagree.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2017 20:52:54 GMT -8
Has anyone tried real wood veneer of the species preferred, and then apply it to base 1/8" plywood? I haven't worked much with veneers, but I believe you can adhere with contact cement, or some already have adhesive applied that are ironed on?
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Post by vikx on Dec 16, 2017 21:51:45 GMT -8
Veneers are a little iffy in a sweaty trailer environment. Even today's ply isn't always glued as well as I like. The biggest trouble is poor quality and often.
Door skins are just that, used to skin an interior house door. Lumber yards will know what they are.
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Dec 18, 2017 11:55:50 GMT -8
am going to try birch veneer on a couple of spots in my trailer where the wood is fine, but there was some staining and delimitation of the existing veneer. I have the advantage that my walls have a fine cut every 6-10inches in the birch paneling. (yes its real birch, not particle board). This will make it easier for me to deal with the edge of the veneer. I don't have to worry about it blending in as much. I plan to re-veneer those sections. You can see the "damaged" veneer in this photo at the back corner, which I plan to reveneer.  I |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2017 12:25:25 GMT -8
Hi ladywendolyn...thanks for the response! I'm still strongly considering veneer as well - for walls and ceilings. I'm interested in doing Hickory for a different, more modern look. I'll be making all new Hickory cabinetry as well. A couple of questions for you... - Where are you getting your veneer from, and what is the thickness?
- What is the adhesive you are planning to use. I'm assuming a roll on contact adhesive, but want to confirm?
- Are you needing to stain your veneer to match existing? If so, what product?
- What final finish and what application method - rub on, brush on, spray on?
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Dec 18, 2017 14:10:41 GMT -8
Hi ladywendolyn...thanks for the response! I'm still strongly considering veneer as well - for walls and ceilings. I'm interested in doing Hickory for a different, more modern look. I'll be making all new Hickory cabinetry as well. A couple of questions for you... - Where are you getting your veneer from, and what is the thickness? I am buying it from a local supplier called windsor plywood here in Canada. They carry specialty wood and veneers of all kinds.
- What is the adhesive you are planning to use. I'm assuming a roll on contact adhesive, but want to confirm?
- I will attach it with contact cement, and use a roller to flatten. I will start the process under my benches, so I can practice.
- Are you needing to stain your veneer to match existing? If so, what product?
- My trailer has some kind of old shellac on it at least it appears that way. I plan to test with alcohol to confirm it is shellack. If it is, then I am going to simply sand everything and coat the old and new with amber shellac. Im told that amber shellac is the best choice for matching old and new wood. My cabinet doors are all mahogany so I plan to refinish those with something stronger, probably varathane, so they are really washable.
- What final finish and what application method - rub on, brush on, spray on?
- I am looking at switching out my ceiling panels to 1/8 birch as part of my ceiling is currently white vinyl and I don't like it. The big issue is, that my roof has no rot and does not need to be removed for rebuild reasons, so I am only looking at a cosmetic change. So then the question I have to sort out is am I comfortable simply adding a layer of 1/8 plywood or veneer over the existing white panels, or do I want to rip the roof out for a simple cosmetic change? If I simply veneer it or re-skin with 1/8 plywood then I will need to add a wood trim edge rather than the traditional gimp, unless I figure out a way to attach the gimp on top of the seam. I will brush on the shellac onto the existing walls, but I will pre-rub it onto the new ceiling panels before the go up. I have heard its a real mess trying to finish the panels once they are up.
- Here are a couple of shots of my trailer interior. Counter is pulled out in the last shot.
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