Insulating Paint?

[vanofgypsies]

We have a large hi top, extended van with lots of windows.&nbsp; At the moment, it is just bare walls, because we are trying to decide the best way to take this.<br><br>We have a pretty big condensation problem right now, which has hindered our decision on how to insulate.&nbsp; Today I read about an additive that makes your paint a thermal paint that prevents condensation and deadens some sound.&nbsp; It got great testimonials, and is actually reasonably priced.&nbsp; I know there are many ways to insulate, and my inclination was styrofoam, however, with all of the windows in the van I think we're always going to have condensation problems no matter what we choose.<br><br>Does anyone know of this hytek additive?&nbsp; It sure sounds like just the thing we need even if it's just an addition to the styrofoam.&nbsp; Or is it just a gimmick?&nbsp; Our van doesn't have AC, either, and this hytek stuff touted to be wonderful in both cold and hot weather.&nbsp; <br><br>The type of insulation is the one thing none of us are agreeing on at the moment.... <img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>

 

[Guest]

Hi folks...I used the additive on my bus when I painted the roof. I don't think it actually provides and insulation b ut it make the surface better able to reflect the energy of the sun and I believe it makes it cooler inside.<br><br>I don't think it is insulative so to speak.&nbsp; I don't think it will do much if you are planning to use it inside...<br><br>I didn't mind using it on the roof of my bus since the cost of using it was $10 and I could afford to use it if there was a chance of it working for the heat....<br><br>On Vandwellers forum it has been brought up a couple of times I know of and there are plenty of folks there that make it a mission to disprove it...so....your call.<br><br>I think that the best chance of lessening condensation are good ventilation and less use of propane...it will put out tons of water vapor...<br><br>Another thing I think, would be to research spray insulations....<br><br>Best of luck<br><br>

 

[akphotobob]

The stuff is so cheap, I don't see what you have to loose, so give it a try. Three suggestions though. Most important is to use Reflectix on your windows. Heat pours in and out through them. They are also the first place to get condensation. Reflectix&nbsp; has a heavy aluminium on both sides and bubble wrap in-between. It works super well for insulating windows. If you cut it right it will just push in and stay in. Some people use velcro to attach it and others use magnets.&nbsp; You can buy it at Home Depot and most hardware stores. Second is to use styrofoam as insulation if you are going to add insulation to walls and roof. Third, you want an insulating and vapor barrier between the back (living area) of the van and the drivers area. All that glass up front is a nightmare for heating/cooling. So hang something across the van to seperate them. Reflectix or a space blanket is a good idea because it will give you both some insulation and a vapor barrier.&nbsp; Hang a curtain also for even more insulation. The better it seals around the roof/walls the better job it will do. Bob<br>

 

[vanofgypsies]

Thanks for the tips, guys.&nbsp; The windows are our big problem because there are so many.&nbsp; Definitely going with the reflectix there.&nbsp; I saw another member covered hers with some nice black material to keep it a bit more stealth.&nbsp; Much nicer than the blankets we've been using. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp;&nbsp; Personally, I would like to block out and permanently panel over the rear most side window, but I've got two others in my party that don't so reflectix it is.&nbsp; And I just made a new, thick curtain for the barrier between the cab and back.&nbsp; That made such a difference for warmth and privacy.<br><br>I didn't know that about the propane.&nbsp; I just thought the extra condensation was because it was so nice and toasty inside and so bloody cold on the outside.&nbsp; The temps on both sides of the wall were pretty extreme on the last trip and everything was dripping with condensation.&nbsp; Putting reflectix on the windows in the hi top will probably help this, too, I imagine.<br><br>I realize that an insulated vehicle will have little or way less condensation.&nbsp; However, I have the feeling we aren't going to be able to eliminate it, so is the styrofoam still the best?&nbsp; Worried about mold, mostly.&nbsp; We PNWers are a rusty, moldy bunch up here.&nbsp; <br><br>What would you use to make the insulation stay on the hi top since it's fiberglass?&nbsp; <br><br>Thanks again for the help. <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br><br>

 

[Guest]

To secure the Reflextix to the fiberglass ceiling - use the Red (hi-temp) Permatex (silicone). You can get it cheap at Walmart, AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advanced discount Auto parts.
I have a full-size 1987 K5 Blazer which is a giant metal box when it's hot out. Factory a/c never could keep up.
I tried all kinds of adhesives but none would hold up to the constant 100+ degrees of the south.
Out of complete frustration one day, I grabbed a tube of Hi-temp Permatex out of my toolbox and used it to put a fallen section back up. 5 years later - it hasn't fallen down yet.

 

[Guest]

To secure the Reflextix to the fiberglass ceiling - use the Red (hi-temp) Permatex (silicone). You can get it cheap at Walmart, AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advanced discount Auto parts.
I have a full-size 1987 K5 Blazer which is a giant metal box when it's hot out. Factory a/c never could keep up.
I tried all kinds of adhesives but none would hold up to the constant 100+ degrees of the south.
Out of complete frustration one day, I grabbed a tube of Hi-temp Permatex out of my toolbox and used it to put a fallen section back up. I replaced all the other sections as they fell with the Permatex, and 5 years later - none of it has fallen down.

 

[folkartannie]

You can get&nbsp; a fabric called Black Out at Joanns. I am currently using it to line my <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306590684_0">kitchen curtains</span> in my <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306590684_1">MH</span>. I really like it. The front <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1306590684_2">window curtains</span> have some black out on them but it is thinner and doesnt block out all the light so will either add more black out or make new.<br> I plan to line all my curtains with it. It is spose to&nbsp; help keep out Cold, Heat, and Light. About the same stuff they use in motels drapes. Great for privacy there is no way anyone can see through it.<br> It was 5.99 a yard and it is 54" wide. Joanns always has 50% off coupons in their flyers so I got a bunch of it for $3.00 a yard. I am new here but let me see if I can insert an image showing the back of the new curtain. It comes in either white or ivory and that is good as you want a light color to reflect heat.<br> Cheryl<br><br><img src="http://www.ladylucite.com/inprocess5forum.jpg"><br>