Here we are at part Sixteen of the Astroliner build! Welcome back!
This segment of our build has to be one of my favorites because it really spoke to my inner Artist and got the creative juices flowing! Ever since we began the design process of the build, we have contemplated and agonized over what countertops we would use. We looked at the box stores, where we really only found the typical, normal style of countertops. I mean, we have Formica, Tile, Laminate, Solid surface such as Corian and Granite... but we just couldn't find the material that reflected the Spacey, Vintage theme of the Astroliner. Everything just seemed like something that would look nice in a house, not in a modern/vintage camper.
With all that said, we finally made the decision to start from scratch and make our own countertops and dinette table so they can be exactly what we want. We started with Marine Grade, 3/4" Mahogany plywood. I drew out the shapes I wanted and Carrie made them digital and then on to full-size patterns. Those were then transferred onto the Mahogany plywood.
This is the Dinette Table:
Once the shapes were cut out, we made a lip to form the edge and spent several hours sanding and shaping it into the form we wanted.
The shape of the table seems whimsical, and it is. But the reason for the odd shape is because the Dinette will sit in the coach at an angle, because again, no rectilinear lines!
Next, the surface of the wood was coated with layers of filler to seal the grain and fill any imperfections in the wood. It takes a rediculous amount of time to sand the surface, fill, sand, and fill again to get it flat, straight and perfect.
The table and the countertops will be subjected to damaging elements such as moisture, so I wrapped the wood in fiberglass cloth and epoxy.
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| Galley Countertop with Fold Down Leaf |
After hours of sanding and perfecting, the tops were all coated in layer upon layer of 2K Urethane Primer.
Ok, so now that all the nasty work is out of the way, it's time to start measuring and fitting the appliances. First we measured everything out to get a placement that worked, then drew it all out in order to cut the holes.
Feeling pretty good about the layout, the holes are cut and the appliances are dry fit.
The Astroliner needs something really different for the countertops and not just any 'ol thing will do... So I sketched out some ideas and Carrie brought them to life on the computer. After we decided on the final product, paint masks, which are a high-tech version of a stencil, were made for the graphics.
Finally, I laid down some DuPont Black Base coat, then Clear, then sanding, then more Clear, then sanding, then some more of that old school flake, then sanding, then more clear, then graphics, then more clear, then more sanding and FINALLY the very last step was to use Bar Top Epoxy to coat and protect the final finish from whatever we decide to put it through.
Here is the finished product. It's very difficult to get a good picture with all the flake going on so if you ever want to come see it in person, say the word!
And then Carrie found a single-lever faucet that was a carbon copy of the jet stream from the rocketship. Match made in Heaven!
So far only the Galley countertop is finished. I'll be working on the dinette table next and will post some pictures of it with it's done. We can't wait to get our cabinets completed and get our countertop installed!
Hope you've enjoyed the latest post! We thank you for stopping by. Please take a moment to leave us a message in the box at the left so we know you were here! We would love your input!
Happy Creations!
Michael & Carrie
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