Van builder reveals how to wrap wall panels

I'm using marine vinyl to wrap the wall panels in my van build. Durable, easy to clean and pretty to look at. My son Alex, the master woodworker, continues to amaze with under couch drawers trimmed in walnut and a fancy hand-made Art Deco ventilation grill.
Music: www.purple-planet.com
Licensed under Creative Commons 3.0 from Purple Planet Music : www.purple-planet.com
Hot Swing by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
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Artist: incompetech.com/
#ONAHUMBLEROAD

[@kathrynruckman1283]

Alex is an artist.

[@dudeleboski2692]

George, lets face it, the majority of the most talented, tend to left handed. This panel vid happens to just be one of my favourites by the way.

[@HumbleRoad]

I am a proud lefty, as are all the lefties in my family. Interesting that I have heard the same from several viewers, that this was a good instructional. I was afraid you would be bored with it. I can do more of these types of how to videos, based on my interpretations. The how and why of my decisions. I'll step it up once I move over to the Vagabond full time. Right now, 01 is my primary focus. I love that van.

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

I've been looking for someone to show me how to vinyl wrap 1/4" ply for months.. Subbed.

[@HumbleRoad]

Welcome to Humble Road!

[@suzyburke]

Holy smokes! Your son is an amazing wood worker!

[@julieplant444]

Ahhhh, “The Great Gatsby” of van builds. What a fantasy. I can just imaging being draped over the fouton with a Martini talking to Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio. What a stunning van. Can’t wait🌟. Love it. 💖 Thank you George and Brad. Where’s my long strand of pearls?

[@HumbleRoad]

Redford and DiCaprio were both on sinking ships! You're better off with the Mauro Boys..

[@elainemcnary2788]

Wow... I’m so impressed every time I watch a new video. 👍👍

[@katcankan7129]

I am loving the design & craftsmanship of this build. It is looking great guys.

[@birdnest5814]

Love those drawers under the bed😊

[@FreedomStrider]

The time and dedication in the build to make it the best it can be in truly inspiring

[@RachelinRealLife]

Beautiful work! Looking forward to the bathroom!!

[@jordanmiller9931]

Just stunning!

[@jkaucher1612]

Looking great!

[@vidguy007]

The aluminum and walnut is a great look.

[@wayneathorn9912]

Great video people very nice work

[@vizio213]

Great work!

[@meowzic]

Beautiful work.

[@testmonkey101]

Wow George very nice!! Love the "Art Deco" look.

[@michelouellette6451]

Nice!!!

[@dianes4858]

Wow! Looks fandamntastic!

[@grandmaris]

Beautiful work gentlemen.

[@berniekeene868]

I always appreciate and am fascinated by how much thought and care you put into your work. Gorgeous van!!

[@evelynrobles5513]

Awesome craftsmanship ❤️

[@divinemamagaia1727]

You are amazing! I’m so grateful for you and the knowledge that you share.

[@vangeezerexperience]

That build is outstanding, short and simple! :)

[@Video-tu4vn]

Outstanding attention to detail. Kudos to you.

[@jodymooney255]

Once again, incredible workmanship and the both of you so stand out!!!!!

[@shamrockgirl6595]

Always impeccable workmanship.

[@margaretmatteson-hammer7911]

I continue to be in awe of the quality of the work and the thought behind every aspect of the building of this van

[@hacksaw413]

0nce again beautiful work.

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Another great instructional video for all your DIY subscribers. The laborious, tedious work really paid off, those walls look fantastic. The Art Deco look on something as mundane as a refrigerator grate is genius. I don’t think anyone else would’ve thought of that. More amazing work by Alex. Can’t wait to see more. 👀

[@dudeleboski2692]

George, you must charge a fortune on your builds. Sooooo much work

[@HumbleRoad]

You know the old saying; you get what you pay for.

[@danwhiteman2529]

I like the Art Deco look, reminds me of Roycroft Designs. Van looks Great!

[@mayinnlin1879]

Wowww! Amazing watching build. 😍 love it everything. Very beautiful and awesome work. 👏👏👏👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. Enjoying the behind the scenes,, scenes. .. If it's Sunday it's Meet the Humble Road Artisans. .. Cheers, M/S

[@karenk7310]

Just...wow.....

[@susanscovill6817]

These are very important lessons George! No other 80\20 vlog (that I’ve come across) tells us flat out that we have to ground every section or to use rubber to stop heat\cold transfer. Vital information George! VITAL! We can’t fail with you at the helm of our builds. Cheers from Canader eh!

[@janina8559]

Wow i learn so much jus watchin U and I love the look of the vented board on the bottom.☮️❤️🤗

[@mainelyastro4694]

Use a profile sander to round over the edges of the plywood. Works great!

[@007nadineL]

I swear yr a van teaser. Love the vent cuts. .

[@pamscola645]

Beautiful work!! PS Your narration in this video reminded me of Rick Steves of PBS travel tours game.

[@MNHemiGuy]

If I was going to pay for build, Humble would be the one. I'm a DIY kinda guy and not to shabby at it to say the least, but your attention to detail, care and passion is next level. A guy that says you need to listen to the van, let it speak to you is my kinda guy! Amazing work my friend!!!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you!👍

[@derrecktravers3105]

Might be one of the most helpful episodes yet. I wonder how well the panels would work if you just used the insulation and not the plywood?

[@HumbleRoad]

I thought about wrapping 1" foam board and no plywood. the foam board will ding and dent. And the edges will deform.

[@barbkelly3524]

That's what I call craftsman 👌🏽

[@m67t438]

You are the Michelangelo of van built...

[@anthonycbrown1952]

When I see many Class B vans with wood my initial thought is 'why all of that wood when plastic would do?' In this design, the wood, wrapped panels, and metal are beautiful. The color palette is diverse (floor, ceiling, wood, panels, metal) but they all come together. Did you use a design color board before the work started? George, you are a testament that a professional photographer sees color and lighting in a way that a lay-person may not fully understand but will appreciate the end result. This is before you start playing around with the lighting scenarios in the van. Have you decided on how you will be managing lighting in the van (as you mentioned wanting to keep things simple for the owner)? Stunning.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Anthony. My puck lights are all installed with dimmers. I still have to run some strip lighting for accent and mood. Romantic lighting, climate controlled, Bose sound, nice view, fine wine. Yeah, this is camping...

[@esparka]

Thnx George

[@ovmn]

So beautiful.. definitely a class A of class Bs :)

[@DrShonto]

👍…Lookin’ GOOD.guys!!!…”Easy Peasy”…😎

[@joshuajones3475]

Eggs in carriage? We call them - one eyed jacks!!

[@lyfandeth]

Makita makes an incredible 1" wide belt sander. A great way to round over edges in tight spots, if you use fine grit.

[@HumbleRoad]

Ima check that out, thank you!

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. Ever consider an introduction to Jay Leno? .. The "The Jay Leno's Garage" show viewer would eat this custom, hand-built artistry Class B Van shit up. .. Cheers,

[@HumbleRoad]

Great idea! If you know Jay, hook me up! :-)

[@michaelschneider-]

@@HumbleRoad .. I'll be sure to reach out to ya mid-week. .. We're two hours behind for whatever it's worth; Mountain Time. .. Is an AM call good for ya? I recall the Airstream trailer shown on Jay's Garage Show. .. An honest to goodness good ole USA built & designed, emerging small firm constructed Class B motorcoach should go over well. ... Cheer's Mike

[@theresalind8031]

❤

[@carlredmond3642]

Great video production and lighting. Fantastic design and building work. A question: how do you, or do you manage fire risk of the cabin interior ?... are all materials selected to be as non flammable as possible....or are such material selections not possible and you have to use the materials that are available for their insulation/fit/finish qualities ete ?

[@johnvancamper9581]

George & son ..Hi from the UK. Super job guys. Question ...3:10 is that the final fit with what looks like screws and cup washers holding those vinyl wrapped panels on ? An alternative (if there's no way to hidden fix) is to use the chrome capped screws sometimes used for mirror fixings or the larger versions sometimes used for holding down toilet pans. They come domed or flat topped and in other finishes than chrome. It's an easy swap out from screws and cup washers. Brass cup washers tend to go dull fairly quickly whereas chrome doesn't. Also the pressure required to hold down the panels can sometimes result in distortion of the smooth vinyl surface. Pre drilling an over size hole in the vinyl ONLY aleviates the bunching but allows full screw tightness and strength of fix. The woodscrew then fixes the timber and foam in place and then ...the engineering screw on decorative head gently sets it onto the vinyl 'pinching' it lightly between woodscrew head and decorative cap. Takes a bit of practice to not rotate the vinyl on the final turn so bunching it anyway but as this cap is not performing a structural function it only needs the lightest of contact with the vinyl anyway. Hope this is useful. Happy travels everyone. John.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks John. These screws are only for fitment. I will be using 8-32 Riv-Nuts and stainless steel machine screws with a stainless steel decorative washer. Similar to the ceiling treatment. That way, repeated removal does not compromise the holding power. Options!

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. Man,,, the Devil is in the details. .. Solutions, solutions. .. A good way to start a day. .. Impressive outcomes fellas... Cheers,

[@johnvancamper9581]

@@HumbleRoad Of course....I remember what you said about the ceiling now. I should have known you had it sussed out 😎 Maybe my comment will help someone else to change out their fitments. That's the great thing about this van build community....everyone shares so generously...yourself included. I really admire the way you think through the whole process including possible processes for later ammendments .( Then you manage to condense the thinking into concise explanations.....no mean feat ! Then there's the vidoegraphy. ..what can I say ?) The mainstream builders seem to glue and screw for cheap and lightweight knowing very well that future changes will be extortionate and of course only they can do the work. In the UK Gadget John (youtube) has shown us his problems with a manufacturer who he calls "Auto-Fail" . Watching and learning here George. Thanks again for sharing and also for taking the time to reply. John

[@javsmith86]

ONE TIP: you mention using a router bit for roundover and it splintering the ply. One thing you might want to try is putting down some blue masking tape where you want to do the roundover. This might help minimize splintering. I use that method when cutting plywood so both sides end up not splintering on the cut.

[@HumbleRoad]

j smith thank you Jim.

[@stevelandsberg6951]

... nice 'how-to' ... tx ~ S

[@loda9510]

Creative and delicate work shows off in your design. Has the shower pan been completed with the corner drains?

[@HumbleRoad]

I will bring the final design to the fabricator this week. Some tweaking had to be done. I much prefer to do all work in house to maintain complete control.

[@mxwlj6974]

I can't believe there are 7 morons that gave this a thumbs down. Great job guys.

[@HumbleRoad]

No worries. Can't please everyone and some people can't be pleased at all...

[@pamflowers8364]

What is that thing called that Alex is using to protect his hand when he cut the slots in the grill? It looks like something very useful to have. Thanks for another great video.

[@HumbleRoad]

www.amazon.com/GRR-RIPPER-Pushblock-Router-Jointers-MICROJIG/dp/B001I9UNWC/ref=asc_df_B001I9UNWC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312003160272&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7723439176143715353&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003465&hvtargid=pla-383691585001&psc=1

[@KathrynFritze]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@as6709]

So good - it’s like buttah! ;-)

[@Allemay]

I love your videos! I'm planning on wrapping my panels in vinyl just like you're doing. I really wanted to use Sileather but it's 4x the cost of vinyl. Can I use pretty much any vinyl in a color I like? I'm a dummy about fabrics and vinyl. Any help you can give me about what to look for and where to get it would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@HumbleRoad]

There are different types of vinyl for different applications. Thank goodness for the internet!

[@itzhaktzvishohat7490]

My wife and I love your channel, your creativity and your style. Just a thought. Nothing serious in the meantime. Would you consider converting a 20' enclosed aluminum cargo trailer into a travel trailer?

[@HumbleRoad]

I've thought about it, but it's not in the immediate future. Thanks for watching!

[@NicholasMaietta]

The old school hand built Ferrari of vans.

[@omjaye]

What insulation foam do you use? It looks pretty thin. I want some.

[@ronlanway6667]

I want a van like that minus composting toilet. I’d rather have a cassette toilet. Nice work!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks! 👍

[@MykSr]

😎

[@anthonycbrown1952]

Russ Garfin @Winnebago is probably asking himself why do we have hundreds of employees doing design work for our Class B / C division when Colonel George and General Alex are a two-man design army representing Team Humble Road? Look forward to the next installment.

[@HumbleRoad]

Ha! We were just discussing who to hire for the next season of van builds.

[@robin6564]

You are very patient. I would not want to wrap those panels. Very time consuming. Very stylish van.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

1. What glue did you use? Any 3M spray adhesive? What great workmanship. Nothing like walnut for sheer class. Beautiful.

[@HumbleRoad]

Lass-in Angeles 3M90 contact adhesive. Spray both sides let it tack slightly . Heat gun softens vinyl and reactivates glue

[@lass-inangeles7564]

@@HumbleRoad Thank you! These small details are good to know and save a lot of research.

[@turnpike420]

@@HumbleRoad evening George! I am doing a test panel to experiment with the wrapping technique you shared here. I found the 3M90 eats through the 1/4” Foamular no matter which side of the Foamular product is hit with the 3M90. Did you have any foam deterioration after the adhesive on the vinyl came in contact with the foam? Did you glue the foam to the plywood with a different adhesive? Wondering if I’m “doing it wrong” or should the 3M90 only be sprayed on the wood and vinyl, not the foam, and then only after cured and tacky, it will adhere to the foam without eating it? Thanks!!

[@HumbleRoad]

@@turnpike420 one side of the foam performed better that the other. But the melting did not impair the adhesive. I have since moved to 3M headliner adhesive

[@turnpike420]

@@HumbleRoad thank you!☺️

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Fantastic work George! I'm having a hard time deciding which is more handsome, your son or his work? 🤔👍😂😂

[@michaelschneider-]

. . . "If I were a carpenter and you were a Lady,,, would you marry me anyway . . . . .

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

I am a lady, are you a carpenter?!! 🥰😂

[@michaelschneider-]

@@TheCowgirlNiamh .. Oh I wish,, Master carpentry skills are a given art. .. The post of mine was a fond recollection of a '60's / '70's tune. .. Man,, WPLJ-FM (NYC, NY) played the hell out of that tune. .. "If I Were a Carpenter" .. Here are the lyrics and a link to an original recording. .. Many covers.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4S0Z5mJgLGffZI Johnny Cash: If i were a carpenter And you were a lady. Would you marry me anyway? Would you have my baby? June Cash: If you were a carpenter and i were a lady. I'd marry you anyway. I'd have your baby. Johnny: If a tinker was my trade Would i still find you? June: I'd be carryin the pot you made Followin behind you. Both: Save you love through loneliness Save your love through sorrow Johnny: I gave you my onlyness Both: Give me your tomorrow Johnny: If I were a miller at a mill wheel grinding, would you miss your colored blouse, and your soft shoe shining? June: If you were a miller at a mill wheel grinding I'd not miss my colored blouse and my soft shoe shining Both: Save your love through loneliness Save your love through sorrow Johnny: I gave you my onlyness Give me your tomorrow If worked my hands in wood Would you still love me? June: I'd answer you yes i would Johnny: And would you not be above me? If i were a carpenter And you were a lady June: I'd marry you anyway I'd have your baby Both: Save your love through loneliness Save your love through sorrow Johnny: I gave you my onlyness Both: Give me your tomorrow

[@flyonthewall7026]

😲👍

[@timstretton3174]

Wow!!! Just wow!!! Those wall panels look awesome. One a scale of 1-10 how difficult is it for a DIY project is wrapping the panels? Obviously it’s based off of skill set, but for someone that is handy.

[@HumbleRoad]

Assuming you have all the tools necessary, a large flat worktop, and the willingness to rip it all off and start again, I'd say a 7. And that is because I want it as close to perfect as I can get it. Fit and finish on my end HAS to be as good as the top builders out there.

[@timstretton3174]

Humble Road from the looks of it your going to be giving them a run for their money!!!!

[@dudeleboski2692]

George, is that pink Polyurethane foam a 1/4 inch thick? (I’m looking for something quite thin) Please, where did you source it?

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes Home Depot. Look for the Pink Panther

[@transitvandiego]

Hi, worried about mold/water buildup - are these marine vinyl panels permeable so water vapor will move through to the insulation and breathe?

[@HumbleRoad]

The way I construct, the area behind the panels is breathing. No mold, no worries!

[@fcpbean]

Great stuff, George! How do you attach those panels to the van?

[@HumbleRoad]

RivNuts

[@fcpbean]

Humble Road I understand how RivNuts work, but help me wrap my tiny little brain around how to place them so as to not interrupt the clean front face of the vinyl wrapped panels. I’ve now watched all of your videos. You’ve been a great inspiration! Thank you!!!

[@jimeckert607]

Hope all is well George! Have you thought of custom designing/building tiny homes? If not, do you know of anyone who does & is as crafty, artistic, thourgh... as you? Oh! Also entertainingly funny.

[@HumbleRoad]

I did a few floorpans with what was at the time, pretty innovative stuff. That was years ago. Here are my crude Sketch-up renditions. I intend on building tiny houses in the future. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d56Wp4WXhLWZrKM

[@HumbleRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3KZeHyGpq9jf68

[@jimeckert607]

Thanks George!

[@reginacarmel8421]

In agreement with your loyal and curious admirers, George, can you share a bit about how Alex got to be so good at what he does? Yes, nature and nurture from you but training? Etc. He is obviously both a craftsman and artist; it’s always interesting to know how the best gets to be the best.

[@HumbleRoad]

He started by apprenticing the old world craftsmen in Hoboken NJ. Century old brownstones, being restored and renovated at the highest levels of quality and tolerance. Five years moving through those circles with various "mentors" and now he is a known and respected "young buck" in town. I am thrilled he decided to come help me finish van 01. And most likely he will become an integral part of the Humble Road empire! ;-)

[@reginacarmel8421]

Humble Road Nothing like being an apprentice to masters. And I love the idea of passing it on. Bravo on every count.

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Humble Road all us subscribers are thrilled as well! It’s really awesome to see you two, a dynamic duo at work together. I’ve loved your channel since before the van build, and just when I thought it can’t get any better 💥 BAM, you bring Alex into the picture. ❤️ Sunday’s my new favorite day of the week🗓

[@michelthibodeau8550]

I'm wondering how you will finish the horizontal part in between the vinylized loan and the window frame ?

[@HumbleRoad]

That is the space for the curtains.

[@michelthibodeau8550]

Oh yeah, you're right I forgot those ! Problem solved !

[@319quang]

Question about your wall panels and ceiling. You installed your upper and lower cabinets first and then have your walls and ceiling work around it correct? It is hard is tell in all of your videos.

[@HumbleRoad]

Correct. I don’t run ceilings behind cabinets and I don’t run flooring under cabinets either. Saves weight and money

[@319quang]

​@@HumbleRoad Amazing! Thank you for taking the time off of your busy day to respond to me. Love all your videos!! :)

[@bentnickel7487]

Humble George, @1:35 what adhesive is in the green spray can?

[@HumbleRoad]

3M90 - LEEDS Certified

[@bentnickel7487]

Thank you Sir. I'm trying to get thin carpet to stick to 2" pink foam and no adhesive wants to tack to that polystyrene. I'll give the 3M90 a try !!

[@HumbleRoad]

Here's how that works... If you follow the instructions, the 3M90 will melt into the pink foam. Spray the 3M90 onto the carpet only and immediately attach it to the foam. Immediately! And then you get a good bond. That's how I glue the foam to the back of my wall board.

[@peterdement]

Is all of this perfection creating an unaffordable van?

[@HumbleRoad]

"“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd."

[@JamieLuv2u]

Dude. The music in the first part is hella goofy. 😂

[@HumbleRoad]

I've used that music many times. It's one of my signatures. When you hear it, you know ole George is up to something. ;-)

[@marcdewilde518]

Machine sanding without turning on the device can eventually become tedious (0:36)... ATB Marc Belgium

[@HumbleRoad]

...and I thought no one would notice! Damn, you're good!

[@drayce1]

Usually don't comment- But, Those are "Pokey Eggs". Go on & get back to the build. You're welcome.

[@HumbleRoad]

:-D Pokey!

[@AbsoluteScotch]

You guys take the Bread out of Bread and put in Eggs instead. Now you've lost it, George.

[@HumbleRoad]

:-D

[@lindalawson4296]

This is design porn!

[@Greybeardmedic]

Minute 3:53, To begin the cut your carpenter raises the blade up through the workpiece bringing his fingers ever closer to being CHOPPED OFF! Where are the featherboards, the hold down clamps, the sacrificial fence? Please, use a piece of scrapwood to hold your workpiece in place instead of your irreplaceable FINGERS!

[@HumbleRoad]

Eric you must have missed the part where I said this was a re-enactment.

[@David_11111]

someone stole about 6 mins of this vlog :(