Poor Mans Fiberglass PMF Tutorial, Tips to get PERFECT Corners! Foamie, Vespa Teardrop 

Your PMF technique is the definitive method. Lots of videos out there demonstrating awful end result. A stand alone PMF how to series would help lots of folks out there. Thanks for sharing.

Back in the 30s, Rosco Turner, a very famous air racing pilot used this same technique on his 300 mph race planes-however they were using Grade A cotton. Kudos to you for keeping this skill set alive!

Titebond 2 is only water resistant where as Titebond 3 is actually waterproof and lays down just as well as Titebond 2. It is just a bit thicker and the first coat (before you lay the cloth) can be deluted with as much as 50% water, but I go with only 1/3 water and 2/3 glue.

I’m almost sold on the idea of poor man’s fiberglass. It will give me the ability to make my first small camper.

Serious ASMR watching you iron those edges down (pleats smaller and smaller). Love this!

Very nice, great tips. Some of the best PMF work I’ve seen!

Thank you, for your time 👍👍👍💯🙏

I'm so impressed with your work!!!that turned out amazing

Thanks. I need to learn more about PMF and this has been very helpful.

Great video Lucy. You are truly the master of PMF. I've never seen it done better! Been sending RU-vidr's your way to view the build videos :) This was one of the very best collaborations I've ever done...thank you for everything my friend :)

Wooooow!!! You did an amazing job! You have inspired me so much. Thank you!

Excellent! Thanks for the tutorial and showing the details. I am starting a project using the PMFG on a truck camper inspired by your trailer video. Thanks for taking the time to show us how it's done.

Really well explained Lucy. I have no plans to attempt something like this but feel well informed to do so should I try. Thank you. 👍

Best explanation of the process I have seen. Thank you.

I love Vespa, and in combo with Teardrop Camper it's terrific! I will buy immediately.

Great looking finish!! I am about to skin my TD this next week and will use your technique. Thank you for posting. BTW, I also like your lazy susan stereo in your TD...I incorporated one into my build; very clever. Thanks for great videos!

Great video! Lots of tips and tricks to help with my own build!

Wow, very impressed. Great visual and verbal instructions. I really like the method too.

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I just bought a homemade teardrop trailer and am going to try this pmf technique to weatherproof it for my move to a state with much more inclement weather than where i am now in nebraska! Love your videos and style🙏🏼happy trails!

great tutorial! like all the details you point out

You are a genius! Great job!

I just found this video. What a cool build and what a great video. I think this is the most comprehensive video I've seen on Poor Man's fiberglass and how to apply it. Thank you.

This is the best PMF video. Others don't compare to yours. Thanks!

What an amazing job you did

You make it look so easy;)

Excellent Lucy, inspiring to see how well the PMF turned out and the clear detail on how to apply, glue and paint to get a smooth finish, inclusive of the preparation of washing and pre-ironing tips. Awesome work on the edge, pressing out the pleats to zero, I didn't know that could be achieved.

great techniques and tips, you're a true maker! Nice work.

Very informative and very cool! Thanks for the insight and instructions. 👍

I was having a hard time finding a good video like this, thank you!!!

I love it. Beautiful!

great video, the iron was new to me, and you made it look easy

Beautiful job on those edges!

You are amazing probably one of the best videos I've seen in diy not to mention a fascinating trick to a trending trade. Valuable information instructed so generously and effectively I'm seriously just blown away.good work I'm not a cridic I'm just seriously impressed

Im thinking of using this technique on a cedar strip planked boat, bottom only. Now I have to get the paint off it first ! Great videos ,Thanks !

Wow this is such a HUGE inspiration for me, I just subscribed! I’m wanting to do something like this for a dual sport motorcycle. Wish you had building plans for this ❤❤❤

I gotta say, you are awesome!

Thanx you showed me more than other vids

You both should be building cabinetry on spaceships.great video. Thank you. You're awesome.

A recommendation for pulling your pleats is a mini set of needle nose pliers. A slight twist and tug works really well, especially if the material is wetted out. Good work . I’m looking at building a light weight trailer for a drag and drive setup , I will probably be going the same approach. Good job !

i loved it gunna build one my self now lol or buy one for a 60 day adventure lol

very cool...I am contemplating a build for my recumbent electric trike I mod'd to do some camping.

Real cool!

Wow .. thanks for sharing your method .. it was great to watch your process ! I used wood glue over thin skin 1/8 plywood like you did .. but I used cotton bed sheet that worked out great for my project . I did however use the wood glue thinned down to saturate the outer cloth once glued to plywood instead of reduced paint & after it wasn't tacky I introduced the latex paint layered the coats on to build up the finish I was looking for .. with that thin cotton bed sheet I brought at the second hand store it came out great just like a air plane cloth & doped sanded & finished with paint ! It's amazing how will it's holding up exposed now over two years to Florida weather extreme hot sun & extreme rain ..lol I sure was surprised how well it's doing !

I can see many bikers wanting one, like me!!😊 This would be an awesome addition to my motorcycling adventures!!! You should start a biz. I can see it becoming a smash hit, and a nice small biz.

You and your friend have inspired me. I have been looking for a trailer for me and the dogs to travel in on my CTX1300. Now I want to build a foamy like this. I would like to know how you attached the floor and some basic dimensions of this trailer. I look forward to following you further projects. This has been very enlightening for me.

My biggest error I did was stretch the cloth lol you are so right about not stretching the cloth it causes air pockets but still no failures ... I did use a stiff paint brush & dabbed the cloth tapping it with the stiff bristles of the brush like folks do with actual fiber-glassing the cloth to get out air bubbles & tight places .. I seen you used a iron .. way cool ! I'll have to use that method !

thank you.

How about a cycling camper trailer? I like the use of the PMF, nice job

fantastic

Very informative thanks. I am building my own modular trailer and am thinking of using the same technique. One concern I have is how to secure hinges (I will have a few because its modular) to the foam/glue/canvas body? I have some hinges that do carry a bit more weight than a door. Did you bolt through with the hinges or simply screw them on? Would you recommend additional trim work to better fasten the hinges? What has been your experience? Any info would be much appreciated.

Very good tutorial. As for the strength of PMF, I have a crazy story. I built a teardrop with a sandwich of luan on the inside with 3 layers of 3/4" foam and PMF on the outside. I had the unfortunate luck of being jarred awake one night while camping on the beach. I was awoken when a truck side swiped my trailer. Luckily, the only damage was paint transfer from the truck and my rear rack was a bit bent. I feel pretty fortunate to come out unscathed. I am not sure how the trailer would have faired if it was plywood sides.

I keep seeing people applying a thick layer of glue to the canvas afterwards. I’m with you on letting the paint absorb in rather than just paint sitting on glue

This is such a great video as I am reading different comments on whether the PMF can create a nice finish or not. You really show the practical details needed to make it work. I was wondering if you have tried using a paint sprayer, the type that does not need a separate compressor. I was going to experiment this but thought you might have tried or know others who did. I am making a larger foamy so any time savings on the painting would be wonderful. thank you again!

looking good...a project I need to try...wondering what gage aluminum tubeing was used?

Buen trabajo, me gustaría uno felicidades 😊

Fantastic video and your attention to detail is great! Can I ask you: Do you let the Titebond dry at all before draping the canvas upon the build and do you go straight to it? I'm trying to plan how much working time I'll have, and what size of sections I should be working with. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and skill!

Your camper looks great! Some recommend glue below and above canvas. Did you apply second coat of glue? Once again, your project looks great.

Hi Lucy thank you for sharing this very informative video. have you seen any signs of peeling or water damage? We just finished the frame work for our truck bed camper and we’re leaning towards this method. Any advise would be great!

LOVE TO HAVE PLANS FOR THIS TRAILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is so cute! My booger would love to have one :)

Wow, I've watched a ton of PMF videos and tutorials, this one is getting saved! Still in the planning stages on mine, but is there a certain weight canvas you prefer?

Very interesting tutorial! Starting in the 80s, I had a property management business taking care of large estates on the ocean on Jupiter Island in Hobe Sound, FL. One of my places had a huge deck over the beach looking out at the ocean that was covered with PMF, there were about 1" overlaps at 8' widths with a double row of brass tacks spaced every 1/2" holding the seams tight, I think that was the key to the long life, not letting any separation get started. Every couple of years I would paint it but it just lasted and lasted in all the sun and salt air on the beach! The house was originally built in the 40s and I moved on after 25 years in the mid-2000s. I am sure it is still there if the place has been properly maintained, amazing stuff! I don't think fiberglass would have lasted near as long as it would have separated from the wood and developed blisters, the canvas and paint allowed the covering to expand and contract a little with the seasonal changes. I believe it was the best choice for covering a large deck like that.

Wow! That’s awesome work!!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Obviously, just discovered your channel and the video is close to a year old, how is it holding up? I love the foam idea and am curious about how strong it is with the PMF . Thank you!

Hey! This is incredible - makes so much sense! I have just Titebond 2’d the canvas on to my camping trailer build and am going to go and buy the paint soon. What brand of exterior paints did you use? I’m in the UK and everything here is labeled as “fence paint”, “masonry paint”, “Outdoor furniture paint” or “Decking paint”! Curious to know the brands you used to see if I can find an equivalent over here! Thanks again!

Thank you for clarifying that I need to wash and dry the canvas… do I do a straight water wash or is okay to use laundry detergent?

I have a Suzuki sidekick that only allows me to pull 1000 lbs max. I’m hoping to make a slightly larger version of this

just came across this. the PMF coating looks great, the whole trailer looks great. Do you water down the glue as well? and how many coats of paint did you end up using ? also, what are your thoughts on using bed sheets for the cloth?

Indoor or exterior paint works fine for first few coats... you can also use paint instead of the glue... basically does the same job...

Wow never seen it done better! 👍 Whats your tool of choice for scoring the foam? I've heard a wire dog brush works well 🤔

Nice work do think this is easier than using epoxy and real fiberglass? I worked with epoxy but its very expensive . Just wondering since you have done both? TY

That all looks amazing. The work you do to get the cotton flat is awesome. Have you tried any other materials besides cotton? I am wanting to make interior foam a little more durable, and cotton seems like overkill just for that. Anyway, good job!

Hi there, I have the budget for epoxy fiberglass on my next project but I was wondering about the maintenance with PMF. I will be using it mainly in the winter and the roads and salt have me concerned about wear. I have been wanting to try it out as its nicer in the shop and I dont need a mask.

Parabéns pelo belíssimo trabalho. Que produto é esse que você passa no trayler ? Também gostaria de saber que tecido foi usado ?

Awesome Tutorial Lucy! Was just wondering if you let the glue dry overnight before you add the 50:50 paint water mix or right after you iron down the glue and canvas ?

So many questions. On other how-to videos they apply a layer of glue to the outside of the canvas, then move to putting on the paint. You move directly to paint on the canvas. I suspect the glue layer to be somewhat hydroscopic (soaks in moisture from humidity), but I'm curious why the difference between methods. I'm also curious about your cure schedules for glue and thinned paints. Any guidance?

Thank you. Some of the links don't work anymore. Any updates on fabric, and roller covers?

100 years ago this is how most aircraft were made, minus the foam. A tubular steel frame was covered in cotton and painted with a flexible paint called dope. The base layer had aluminum powder. The thought was it would protect the cotton from sunlight. Then the final coats were the color. The dope had the added feature of shrinking when it dried so it removed any minor imperfections. Unfortunately, even with all the precautions cotton didn’t hold up well to the elements. Also the dope was made with nitrocellulose which is extremely flammable. A few years later someone figured out that Dacron lasted a lot longer and didn’t require that dangerous dope. Any imperfections could be taken out with a heat gun. The final evolution in the cloth covered airplane was to use fiberglass 😂. It was expensive and somewhat heavy but it would last the life of the plane. In fact it’s major drawback was the parts of the plane that normally got inspected during a recover job were now hidden permanently 😮 Anyway, I thought you would find this interesting. Thanks for these great videos! You are giving me ideas😅

Thanks for your excellent tutorial. How have been your experiences in the long term concerning the resistance against solvents? Does the PMF layer prevent accidental exposure, for example at gas stations, from diffusing through to the XPS, and therefore damage? Thanks, and best wishes.

Exterior latex paint is made to weather away like chalk over time in order to keep the exterior of a house looking fresh. You might consider interior gloss bathroom paint. It is much harder and less water permeable.

Do you water down the glue and can you use bedsheets for the canvas Love the video Grts from Belgium

Thank you for this clear explanation! Looking forward to trying it myself. I had a question about the curve of the teardrop. You said you did the inside walls, did you mean only the upright parts, or did you do the "ceiling" too? I'm just trying to figure out if it'd be possible without having it already mounted on the walls somehow.

New subscriber......What sheen of latex paint did you use? I know flat a paint will adhere better than say a semi-gloss or gloss, but flat paints don't have flexibility. Just wondering if you experimented on the sheen. Thanks!

Hello again. Can you confirm couple things please. You coat the foam/ply in 1 good coat of tight bond 2 with smooth roller . It's only 1 coat? And isnt watered down? Then your first coat of paint is 50/50 2nd 75/25 top 3 coats straight water based exterior paint? Thanks again.

How rigid is the trailer after applying the PMF (especially after the kerfing)? I'm going to start a project and I'm wondering how much extra bracing I'm going to need.

Has anyone thought of applying Flex Seal as the final coat once paint is done? Is it needed?

Hey Lucy, we are about to start our camper build, do you think it would affect the strength and or look if we joined two pieces of canvas on one side? our canvas is 5meters long and its really hard to find seamless canvas at that size.

When you washed and dried the canvas, did you just use regular detergent and high heat in the dryer?

i like you ,you are the best

Any benefit to using primer as your first coat? Got a can of exterior water based primer I’d like to use up

where can I get patterns for sides, windows, door ect. I wan to make one that looks like a cabin car trailer for my scooter

What kind of ambient temperature do I want when performing this work? I want to make one of these over the winter in my garage and I can heat it to a certain extent but do I have to worry about drying issues if it's a really cold one?

Hey Lucy, great tutorial! How much woodglue did you use to create the shell?

There are many weight of cotton canvas drop cloth available. from 8 to 18 oz. Which would you recommend? The thickest the better?

6:35 Do you have any experience with oil alkyd paints? I assume they would need to be mixed with a suitable thinner instead of water. I have an affinity for for metal and wood finishing with Tremclad - Canadian Rustoleum

Hey! If I have a bunch of exterior primer would that work as the fist 50/50 coat? Also how long did you wait on the glue before paint - thank you!

First off, I love your videos. They're very clear and I have learned *so* much from these. (I also love the name of your channel!) Wondering if I can ask your thoughts on something based on the technique used here: I am about to start a "squaredrop" build using PMF so I will have a few angles but no curve. Any thoughts on what one might do to decrease overlap folds on that? Seems like I might get some no matter what I do, but wanted to pick your brain on this. Thanks for any help you can give, and thanks again for so much great content!

You said that you scored the foam after sanding for better adhesion of the fabric to the foam - how did you score the foam?

Great video. I see a lot of people putting another glue coat over the Canvas. Is that a wasted step or is it even extra protection? I am going to PMF my Camper Build because it is cheaper, but I don't know if I should install the glue on top of the canvas, sand then paint? What are your thoughts Lucy?

I am currently building a square drop camper on an old pop up trailer base. Will be doing PMF and had some questions. Is there a way to email you my questions!!!

Great project. Which state are you at? It seems somewhere in the Southwest. I am in Arizona and I was wondering if you are planning to do another project like this one and how much could be the cost? I loved the Idea of the teardrop. I have a Vespa as well. I also wonder about any type of insulation used. Great work and thanks