Exterior Covering: FORMICA - Good or Bad?

[John Ayers]

I was putting together some detail diagrams for my trailer... I had an idea and I can't decide it it's a good or bad idea. FORMICA sheets are a HPL (High Pressure Laminate) They come in sheets up to 5X12. If you use the heavy duty DAP glue and cover the edges in aluminum edging... do you guys think it will hold up long term? It does not expand and contract like aluminum, and as long as the edges are covered, sheering from the interstate drive should not be a big issue...

... am I missing the 800lb gorilla?

[caseydog]

It has been done, and it does not hold up to weather. It fades and gets dull.

I used FRP sheets for my roof skin, and it seems to be working. But, I store my TD in the garage.

CD

[markhusbands]

Sounds like the jury is out on this one. Anybody else?

[Gpike]

Anybody have a link to when or how this was done? I have the same idea to use Formica, and would love some details as to what went wrong. The sun-fade may not be the issue here in Maine this it is in Arizona.
Thanks in advance.

[Chpzenker]

It seems to me that Formica can be scratched / gouged. This would leave it open to moisture. Even a small scratch could go unnoticed until the water damage has been done.

[bobhenry]

DIRECTLY FROM FORMICA'S TECH SHEET......

Grade 10/HGS
Formica Brand Laminate – general purpose grade 10/HGS
is intended for application to interior horizontal or vertical surfaces
where design, appearance, quality, durability, resistance to stain,
and resistance to heat from ordinary sources are
important considerations.
Grade 12/HGP
Formica Brand Laminate – post-forming laminate grade 12/HGP
is intended for application to interior horizontal or vertical surfaces
requiring 1/2" (12.7mm) or greater outside radiused edges, and/or
3/16" (4.8mm) cove radii, where design, appearance, quality,
durability, resistance to stain, and resistance to heat from ordinary
sources are important considerations.
Grade 20/VGP
Formica Brand Laminate – post-forming grade 20/VGP is
intended for application to interior vertical surfaces requiring
3/8" (9.5mm) or greater outside radiused edges, where design,
appearance, quality, durability, resistance to stain, and resistance
to heat from ordinary sources are important considerations.

Preconditioning
Prior to fabrication, allow laminate sheet and substrate to
acclimate for at least 48 hours at the same ambient conditions.
Optimum conditions are approximately 75°F (24°C), and relative
humidity of 45% to 55%. Provisions should be made for the
circulation of air around the materials.
Substrates
Formica Brand Laminate sheet should be bonded to an
appropriate substrate, such as #45 density particleboard (ANSI
A208.1 - 1999), or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Due to the
potential for stress cracking, shrink-back, and surface telegraphing
problems, the use of plywood is strongly discouraged and not
recommended. The substrate should be sanded smooth, and
should be clean, free of oil or grease, and uniform in thickness.
Formica Brand Laminate sheet (grade 10/HGS) can be bonded
to metal substrates using contact adhesive (see recommendations
below, under Adhesives). Refer to Formica® Laminate Brief -
Veneered to Metal Substrates for General Information, Materials,
Conditions and Methods. Formica Corporation does not warranty
this particular application.

note the repeated word interior, interior, interior.....

I have had very good luck with the FRP Sequencia brand vinyl panels

[Gpike]

Thank you both for the replies. Scratch that from the ideas list! I appreciate the time you took to find that information.

Geoff

[halfdome, Danny]

If it's put on with contact cement it will hold up if stored inside when not in use.
This one is covered in a cherry plam (plastic laminate,Formica is one of many brand names ) in the gloss finish and standard grade.

I've camped with the owners several times and have had it in my shop to work on upgrades.
It looks as good as the day it was built.
If you want to keep it nice looking Countertop Magic will bring back the sheen since it has mineral oil in it.
The roof & galley hatch on this one is covered in stainless steel.
Personally I like anodized aluminum over plam or stainless steel.
Danny

[noseoil]

I would never put a formica type of laminate in an exterior application. It will shrink in the heat & sun, has no UV protection and will not hold up to extended use in the sun and weather. It is very brittle and would not hold up to the impact from rocks or gravel.

Aluminum would be a better choice in general. Coated, anodized or painted, it will be weather proof for many years of trouble free service.