Backdrop - Gluing paper to plywood

JR

Here are a couple thoughts I have on this matter....

Prep:

Has with anything the better the prep work the finer the end result.  Fill in the gaps and blems with a light coat of spackle or thinned taping mud.  This will sand easily and using the damp cloth method will not create a great deal of dust.

A light coat of spray paint seals the surface.

Glue....I like 3M adhesives.  Read the can an see what bvest works for your applicaions

Apply a light spray to both the paper and the wood surface

Begin to set the background on the mounting surface and apply from either left to right or right to left depend on how it feels best to you.  I use a soft squeegee to smooth the paper out and eliminate air bubbles.  Just be sure to keep the leading edge a little higher as you go.

Once the paper is on the mounting surface a light cloth is used to apply pressure to the entire surface and then let i dry over night.

I have had good luck with this on paper and laminated back drops.  Works well on layout diagrams for switch controls as well...

Spaceghost

Thanks ... Jeff Z for your helpful reply.  

As to adhesives ... I have looked at the 3M website and have spoken to 3M customer support as to which adhesive they suggest. 3M suggests using either Spray Mount Artist Adhesive or Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive.

My concern is bleeding of the adhesive through the paper. The paper is thick (at least 32 pound) and does not have any texture to it. The Super 77 information says it has 'low soak-in'. The Artist Adhesive information says it for 'short-term bonding.

It appears that the Super 77 might be the better choice ... if the adhesive does not bleed through the paper. I will test it out on a spot that will not be too noticeable.

I would appreciate anyone comments as to which adhesive they use.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Plywood seems like overkill to me. i prefer foamcore or masonite for backdrops depending on location. No filling or sanding required and much lighter than plywood.

jackson

CEO, Not-So-Great-Eastern R.R. aka the Never Done Lines

        Division of the Southern Adirondack Railway Cartel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...&feature=channel

I appreciate your comment ... modeltrainsparts.  I am using 3/8 inch plywood since the diorama will not be in a permanent location but rather moved around some ... transported to different locations.

The backdrop will probably measure 36 inches wide by 15 to 16 inches high and will be mounted to the base (train and scenery) by 5 inch "L" brackets attached to 1 by 2 framing mounted to the plywood for stiffness.  The "L" brackets can be unscrewed so that the base and backdrop can be separated for easier transportation.

I have reviewed this thread a couple of times: 

(1.) Is there no application instructions for these backdrops?

(2.) Basic wall preparation has been address in the comments.

(3.) Sizing is a material applied before wall paper or is pre-applied to the paper to allow for application and eventual removal of the paper.  Using agressive adhesives, other than wall paper adhesive, might be a problem?? 

(4.) Very agressive adhesives may effect the backdrop litho and coloring??. 

(5.) Just a note, most all adhesives wet the paper, causing it to stretch as applied.  Some of the bumps and bubbles will go away as the adhesive dries/shrinks.   I was always a bit impatient, and was glad the next morning to see it the way I expected. 

(6.) Some one in the family has often commented that wall-papering was a good way to ruin a marriage.  

Best wishes on your project.

Mike CT

My sister asked me if Mod Podge or Decoupage is not a good idea for this? Since I don't know, I thought I'd ask the experts.

I second the idea of using masonite, one side is smooth and it will easily accept glues. I recommend using a white glue like elmers. Use a squeegee to spread the glue onto the surface of the masonite, then spray the back of the paper with water before placing it on the glue, the water will help to keep the picture from drying too quickly and wrinkling. then take your squeegee and smooth out your picture, squeezing out excess air and glue from under the picture.

I bought background on eBay a year ago. It's printed on a thick canvas or plastic type "paper". I put it directly on an unfinished cement basement wall using stick tac. It went up quickly and I did it as a temporary test. It looks so nice as is I have not changed it. It is mountains, trees, sky and clouds. The few ripples actually make it look better to me. Easy way out but it was one of those things that just worked out and looks very nice. I have to stress it is definetly not paper. 

Thank you all for your suggestions ...

Please note that the reason for the 3/8 inch plywood (36 inches long by 16 inches high) being used as a mounting surface for the paper backdrop is because the display will not be stationary ... it will be moved from one location to another and transported in a car.  I am planning on mounting the plywood so that I can easily remove the backdrop from the base for transporting purposes.

Based upon what I have received thus far, I will attempt the JeffZ method but it is not too late to chime in and offer any other helpful suggestions ...

I primered my walls with white primer.  Then I used rubber cement to hang the backdrops.  Purchased a gallon at home depot.  Went right up quick and easy. You can see me putting them up on my youtube page.  BlackRockRailroad / Oct. 2012 layout update.

JOE