What do the experts use to make those nice smooth curved backdrops you see on layouts in the magazines? I think 1/4" plywood is too stiff to curve around a corner like that. What other materials can be used for that? Also, are there any magazine articles available that specifically cover the building and painting of backdrops? I need to put distance mountain scenery behind half my layout and I am no artist! Can anyone give me any ideas?
Building Curved Backdrops
- Thread starter Billybob Reuben
- Start date
BBR - You might try masonite, thin aluminum used for flashing, vinyl flooring (linoleum), or plastic (styrene?) sheets. I guess whatever it is should be bendable, paintable and available in big enough pieces. Strength isn't that important, you can always reinforce it from the back.
I too use 1/8th inch masonite. Now it comes smooth on both sides and bends even easier than the good one side masonite I used to get.
Ditto on the masonite good two sides. Just built a lighting valance with it, curved to match the ends of peninsulas. Very easy to work with.
Gary
Gary
C
Catt
Catt,
I believe your memory is serving you very well!
BillyBob,
While I'm on this thread, I'm going to put in my nomination for my favorite new backdrop material - vinyl flooring.
I used it for the first time on my most recent project, & I love the stuff!
I always used masonite before, & while I do like it, it requires joint compound, & sanding to eliminate the seams.
Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can be gotten in very long pieces, & can be cut to fit with a utility knife. It's very flexible, takes paint well, & in my case, was very cheap, because I bought a damaged remnant. (you use the back, or bottom side, not the top, patterned floor surface) I got a piece 48" wide, & about 20' long for $10 at Home Depot.
I believe your memory is serving you very well!
BillyBob,
While I'm on this thread, I'm going to put in my nomination for my favorite new backdrop material - vinyl flooring.
I used it for the first time on my most recent project, & I love the stuff!
I always used masonite before, & while I do like it, it requires joint compound, & sanding to eliminate the seams.
Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can be gotten in very long pieces, & can be cut to fit with a utility knife. It's very flexible, takes paint well, & in my case, was very cheap, because I bought a damaged remnant. (you use the back, or bottom side, not the top, patterned floor surface) I got a piece 48" wide, & about 20' long for $10 at Home Depot.