vanlife: what type of material to use for ceiling covering?

So far we had the reflectic insulation on the ceiling working well will lights except it doesn't have a quite finished look. It's silver and kinda too reflecting for sleeping even if the area is dark. Looking for a finished affordable material that will not sag or have a problem with precipitation and moisture. We considered just painting it, but not sure what type of paint will actually last on the reflectic. It also may look tacky.... The material will have to be easy to cut since we don't have a garage to work in and will have to basically do it on the go.
Any helpful tips greatly appreciated.
Trolls and spammers save your breath.

A painted reflectic ceiling wouldn't look any less tacky than a non painted reflectic one.

YMMV.

Ed.

Try painting each individual bubble a different color.

That way it would look like someone spilled jelly beans on the ceiling.

Look at the way conversion vans do the ceilings.... A foam-backed velour-type material. I am not sure how they tack the center parts in place, but it seems to be some sort of rivet that doesn't go through the roof. Should be able to find out online.

I have finished two vans over the years. I used a tan burlap looking stuff on one and a velour on the other (not mine). I glued it onto a very thin plywood and mounted that to the structural beams with self tapping screws with snap on button heads. Probably the best bet for really good job is to stop in and get advice from a custom van outfit - I'm sure they can advise you on a do it yourself you'd be proud of.

Remember to choose a material that doesn't mold easily, or absorb body odor.

Ellenor wrote:Trolls and spammers save your breath.

So we won't be hearing from you anymore?

It might set a dangerous precedent, but perhaps we could get a Hellenor-specific forum with an ignore button?

I use thin particle board and tight weave indoor-outdoor carpet on my vehicles (www.basecampervans.com). Use Loctite 300 spray adhesive to attach the carpet to the board, wrap the edges and trim with scissors, and staple the perimeter.

Attach wood stringers to the sheet metal ribs of the roof of the vehicle and attach the panels to the stringers with #8 wood screws and finishing washers about every 16 inches. A few extra sets of hands or cabinet hanging clamps help to line everything up. Headliners are a PITA. Be brave.

suede

Purchase, remove from frame, glue gun, done.

How about a mirror on the ceiling?

I'm a van fan.

Haven't done what you're wanting but have plans so following some stuff.

Take a look at 3M 90 Adhesive spray for your sticky needs.

Here are some less shiny options from another forum:

advrider.com/forums/showpos…;postcount=2577

And one more source for materials that may help (I haven't bought from these guys yet - future project list...)

gencosupplies.com/index.cfm