Gideon33w
Well-known member
So, in this recent build I decided I would use a highly reflective elastomeric roof coating. I used a regular HomeDepot brand of a product very similar to Kool Seal.
- Initial layer was VERY thin just to ensure it stuck well to the roof. Then I added a heavy second coat and waited all day to add a third coat (also heavy).
- The white coating on the white van is essentially invisable. Would have to look pretty closely to notice the texture (like less aggressive bed liner).
- Bugs were VERY attracted to the coating while applying. Many are entombed. Do it when no bugs are around if possible.
- With the van being white I really only needed 1 gallon ($35) and even on an extended van 1gal would be enough. Likely need more if you have a dark van.
- Keep in mind, this was done in July in Arizona so the results are under the most extreme solar conditions.
- When the hood is so hot you can't leave your hand on it the roof is warm to hot but you can leave your hand on it no problem.
- During the less direct solar times the roof is SUBSTANTIALLY cooler than the other body panels. Uncoated panels hot and roof is warmish.
- Interior temps while building the interior was greatly improved after I added the coating. A few days with and without showed a CLEAR difference.
- While this product is thinner than Kool Seal it is still very ***** and something of a pain to work with but rollable for sure.
This is DEFINITELY a must. The difference is so clear it really leaves no question. If you're in a less brutal environment it will be that much better too. I can't speak to it's lifespan yet but guessing on how well it stuck to the roof and itself I'm willing to bet it will hold up very well over time. Once hardened (or, as hard as it gets) it is surprisingly tough stuff. If it were easier to get a smooth finish I would spend the money to coat every square inch of the van. And I'm cheap, haha. Easy to clean off your hands but will ruin any clothing it touches. Be sure to let it harden well between coats or it will be pretty tacky.
So ... $50 and a day gets you the coating, a 4" roller, a rolling tray, a few bottles of water (it's extra hot up there once you get a coat down) and the results are worth 10x more easily. DO IT !!!
- Initial layer was VERY thin just to ensure it stuck well to the roof. Then I added a heavy second coat and waited all day to add a third coat (also heavy).
- The white coating on the white van is essentially invisable. Would have to look pretty closely to notice the texture (like less aggressive bed liner).
- Bugs were VERY attracted to the coating while applying. Many are entombed. Do it when no bugs are around if possible.
- With the van being white I really only needed 1 gallon ($35) and even on an extended van 1gal would be enough. Likely need more if you have a dark van.
- Keep in mind, this was done in July in Arizona so the results are under the most extreme solar conditions.
- When the hood is so hot you can't leave your hand on it the roof is warm to hot but you can leave your hand on it no problem.
- During the less direct solar times the roof is SUBSTANTIALLY cooler than the other body panels. Uncoated panels hot and roof is warmish.
- Interior temps while building the interior was greatly improved after I added the coating. A few days with and without showed a CLEAR difference.
- While this product is thinner than Kool Seal it is still very ***** and something of a pain to work with but rollable for sure.
This is DEFINITELY a must. The difference is so clear it really leaves no question. If you're in a less brutal environment it will be that much better too. I can't speak to it's lifespan yet but guessing on how well it stuck to the roof and itself I'm willing to bet it will hold up very well over time. Once hardened (or, as hard as it gets) it is surprisingly tough stuff. If it were easier to get a smooth finish I would spend the money to coat every square inch of the van. And I'm cheap, haha. Easy to clean off your hands but will ruin any clothing it touches. Be sure to let it harden well between coats or it will be pretty tacky.
So ... $50 and a day gets you the coating, a 4" roller, a rolling tray, a few bottles of water (it's extra hot up there once you get a coat down) and the results are worth 10x more easily. DO IT !!!
