Landau foam/Custom panels
  • Zakk Easley
    0
    So, I have asked a few trimmers and they have the same issue I have with no real fix. I figured I would ask here.
    I have been trying to get laser straight foam for my custom panels. Ive used Landau until recently after talking to Shannon (Interiors by Shannon) and he recommended using crosslink foam. I block sand foam using a dry guide coat and have had decent results. But no matter what, I get little indentations from handling the panel after is has been wrapped. It ends up looking like it has cellulite. This is especially noticeable when using vinyl (which is rare for me).
    Ive tried using a really light coat of glue and letting it dry completely. I figured I wasn't letting the glue dry long enough and that was causing the foam to stick to itself when handling. That isn't the issue. I would even let the panel sit overnight after wrapping to let the glue really set. Even after 4 days, the lightest touch causes a permanent indention.The crosslink seems to be less prone to this because it is much more firm but still happens when using vinyl.
    I am losing my mind about this. Ive been watching Gabes Customs videos on youtube and they seem to only use landau, they sand the foam with what looks like 80 grit 3M discs and glue their materials directly to the foam. Their panels always look laser straight.
    I am out of ideas and am hoping someone here knows the fix.
    Thanks in advance everyone
    Zakk Easley Options
  • Michael McKean
    5
    Following. I too have often times struggled with this same thing.
    Michael McKean Options
  • Jesse carr
    5
    So i have this issue as well, but i was told once to not glue to the foam... i forget this during the time of need of course... but i use landau and i dont have this issue a whole lot. But i do use also prestocell foam and this is a major issue. I get it from Miami corp because its black and works well under perforated materials so you dont get the white from the landau foam. But the indentations kill me... but next time i made myself a note on the project i need to do next to not glue on the foam. This was told to me, but leather was the material i was using when I asked the person the question. But like yourself vinyl is a big issue for this
    Jesse carr Options
  • Scott Bruns
    2
    I too have had this issue, I did some extensive research on foam and I did come up with a dense landau foam that will not impress like the standard landau from fabric suppliers. Have had much better luck with it, I purchased a whole roll and will sell by the yard. Anyone wanting a sample I will gladly send one.
    Scott Bruns Options
  • Gareth Judd
    12
    I would google close cell foam, find a manufacturer/supplier and ask for a sample card, there’s loads of variants
    Gareth Judd Options
  • Steve Ingram
    36
    Get some Ensolite(sp) from Skandia
    Steve Ingram Options
  • Todd Aho
    3
    Closed cell foam is the answer. I f you're trying for a puffy or less rigid look look, don't glue to the foam, just at the edges and around on the back to complete.
    Todd Aho Options
  • James Ayres
    6
    Don’t glue the vinyl to the foam, when touched it will leave indentations stitch the vinyl to foam around the edge outside the seam edge
    James Ayres Options
  • todd Boucher
    0
    ↪Scott Bruns
    ↪Scott Bruns
    can I get a sample? Expert auto upholstery 25779 Jefferson Ave. Murrieta Ca. 92562 thanks!
    todd Boucher Options
  • Scott Bruns
    2
    Todd Boucher, yes i will get it sent to you.
    Scott Bruns Options
  • Jay Johnson
    0
    I've had good luck using the 4 pound closed cell. It's a lot easier to sand then the 2 pound closed cell and doesn't "dent" as easy.
    Jay Johnson Options
  • Tyler Resch
    6
    Anyone tried the Volara foam? It is a closed-celled, irradiation cross-linked polyolefin foam..
    Just got started on a full custom interior in a 65 Riviera, might give this stuff a try
    Tyler Resch Options
  • Jason Bos
    2
    I used the 1/4” volara on this door panel , and it went well. Under the alcantara it’s 3/8 or 1/2”nrn6z62uj71u1mc7.jpeg
    Jason Bos Options
  • Eduardo sanchez
    1
    The solution I found that works best for me is using a brush to brush the glue on like the older days before the spray gun. The reason it looks like cellulite it’s the spray of the gun the glue spreads like that. I had a dashboard I had a neighbor upholsterer do and he uses that and I had to redo it because the customer didn’t like it. The only way is sanding it and using a brush to spread the contact adhesive to both sides.
    Eduardo sanchez Options
  • Tyler Resch
    6
    ↪Jason Bos
    looks great
    Tyler Resch Options
  • Tyler Resch
    6
    this was 1/8 and 1/4" landau
    usxs6yy21qpsjgjc.jpeg
    5cch0qmj623aupxn.jpeg
    Tyler Resch Options
  • Justin L Rash
    9
    @Zakk Easley@Jesse carr

    The reason you shouldn’t spray the open cell foam is because the glue when in liquid form seeps into the foam. Then once you lay your material on and it drys… any pressure to the foam after curing pushes any air bubble out of the pores/ open cells making an indentation. This normally only happens on anything with a solid back like a panel.

    Other wise I’ve never had an issue…
    Best bet is to glue to material and cure.

    I’ve also learned contact cement is an amazing thing if you know when and how to use it in different situations.

    For example I’d never spray glue on Ultra leather to hold it down to Scrim/sew foam… even if it was a light coating on one side.
    Justin L Rash Options
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