Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

[dg512055]

I am in the process of replacing the wood bases for the back bench and the bow cushions. I have taken off the vinyl and found that the foam is covered with a very thin plastic bag material. I would like to replace the plastic for the water proofing effect that it must have. I do not know where to find anything like this. Or even if it is a good idea to replace. I am planning to cut new plywood and coat it with polyester resin before recovering.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

I too am in the process of doing some upolstry work on my 92 Euroline 195. Mine didn't have the plastice material you mentioned but when I reinstall the vinyl over the foam I plan to use some thinner mil visqueen (plasic) that is sold at nearly all big box stores like Home Depot.

Be sure to use stainless steel staples as well. The ones on my seat custions and seatbacks were just regular steel and they were rusted to nothing.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

Many times, the reason that plastic is there is for production purposes. They put the foam in plastic bags, then vacuum the air out, compressing the foam. They can then insert the compressed foam (still in the bag), into the mostly completed vinyl "shell" or skin". Air is let back into the bag/foam, it expands making a beautiful looking "full" cusion" with no wrinkles.

It does help with keeping water out though. I've found the closest relative to that plastic to be really cheap commercial 55-gallon trash bags (the clear or opaque ones). They should do the trick!

 

[dg512055]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

This stuff was not a complete bag that was vacuumed. It was just a layer of stretchy plastic film that was wrapped around the top of the foam and stapled with the vinyl. I need a large piece to cover ther rear bench seat. I don't know if a trash bag will be large enough. I guess I could find some of the large yard waste bags. I did get some stainless staples (T50 type) and a neat air stapler from Northern Tool for about $35.00. I would never have tried this with the standard T50 manual stapler.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

just do not use a plastic that is so thick that when finished it crackles and is stiff and wrinkles can be seen from outside the vinyl.
Are you using new foam?
Open or closed cell?
The factory may have used open cell foam and then covered it with plastic to keep water out of it.

 

[109jb]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

It was said on here that the plastic is there to prevent the rough backside of the vinyl from "sanding" the foam into crumbs. I just used plastic sheeting from Menards, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

DukesFin,
We use the plastic in our production process too. You may be able to get a large enough piece from a local dry cleaning place. It's thin enough that it won't show through.
Bob

 

[dg512055]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

Dry Cleaning. That's a great idea. I would have never thought of that. My pads and benches have the original mfg tags on them. They were made by Aldon Ind. I think they have since been bougth by another company, but I can't remember the name now.

Thanks
DG

 

[dg512055]

Re: Plastic Covering for Foam? Where?

I found some material at Wal-Mart. It is painting drop cloth material. I got a 10'x20' roll for about $3.00 It is 1 mil in thickness. I think it will be perfect for waterproofing the foam.

DG