I tried this post in the Inspection Pit and only got a few responses. I am posting here in case some of you did not see my other post. ..... I am about to add a backdrop to my new layout. I have been researching what others have used to build theirs, but would like to get more opinions on the subject. So far, I have read about the following materials for backdrop construction: Masonite Aluminum Sheet Roll Vinyl Flooring Styrene (.060 or .080) Formica Foamboard Sintra (?) Drywall Before you render your opinion please note the following: The layout is in my garage (Texas) and is subject to humidity. Existing walls are finished with rough plaster. I would like to limit damage to existing walls (I don't mind using screws to attach backdrop but want to stay away from adhesives). I would like to curve the corners but it is not necessary. I would like to limit seams or make them less noticeable. You can take a look at the layout shape and backdrop location by following this link. Backdrop Location Pros and cons of any material that you used would be very helpful. Thanks for the help.
Mike - Based on the conditions you listed, it sounds like maybe the styrene or the vinyl flooring would be the way to go - probably the flooring is cheaper. How about using screws to fasten "furring" strips to your walls, then gluing the backdrop to the strips?
I have heard that vinyl flooring can stretch over time. I would go with aluminum flashing, since you can do it seamless, and you can curve it. You didn't say what you are doing for backdrop, painting, photo... both?
I was planning to just paint the backdrop blue and maybe add clouds. I might also do some photos or prints. I guess right now anything is possible. I just don't want to be unable to do something down the road because of a bad choice in backdrop materials.
Flashing would work OK - it certainly wouldn't stretch! How wide of rolls can you get it in (translates to height of the backdrop)? What's the best way of securing it? Screws would be visible, is there a recommended adhesive? How about painting it - prime it first? Can it be painted first, then formed, or would that cause the paint to crack?
My biase is towards to photo backdrops. I find to many backdrops don't look well done. In fact, an amazing number look down right aweful - and some of these are on very well modelled layouts, otherwise. For some reason the backdrop doesn't appear to be a priority for some folk and it shows. For me, the backdrop is an integral part of the scenery and sets the tone for the look of the layout. Personally I would opt for a photo of sky and clouds rather than do it myself. My own personal opinion of me is that I don't have the skills to install a properly painted backdrop that would look very well done. I am using backdrops from Faller (in Walthers Catalogue - but better selection in last year's and older catalogues - this year less choice through walters). I find Faller covers a wide area, there is good selection and the price is reasonable. I love the photos in photo backdrop warehouse, but I find them (in Canadian dollars) too pricey. I would use a good glue for the Aluminum Flashing. The flashing comes in a variety of heights, I would personally use the 18 inches width. In Canadian dollars, you can get 50 feet for $75 , but you can also buy it by the foot. If I were attaching it to finished walls, I would use Plywood strips screwed into studs, then glue the flashing to the plywood strips. You could even use hardboard (masonite) instead of plywood and save a dollar or two.
Flashing may be hard to keep stuck to the walls, or otherwise.... Maybe if you used vinyl flooring, but glued it w/ flooring glue *good stuff!* to Masonite, or flashing, it'd be easy to paint a backdrop to. I like Backdrop Warehouse's line, but it is pricey for me. I may use a plywood backer, and affix a BW background. That'd be slick! Maybe just using Masonite, screwed to the studs, curved to the way you want, then use a printed backdrop glued to it. Use stainless screws, or you may have a rust problem in the future. *plink, plink*
I swear by MASONITE!!It holds up real well my wife got transferred three times in three years Colorado to Missouri to Florida then back to Colorado!!! All the back drops are intacted and and no warping !!! DON THORNTON CO
Welcome to Trainboard, Don! I also use Masonite- in fact, I use 1/8" Masonite as brackdrop and as front edging. Since humidity is just a word in the dictionary in Grand Junction (desert climate), that isn't an issue with me. I also used Masonite in Texas (Paris) with all the humidity problems, and I had no trouble. And, since it's flexible, I like to use Masonite to curve around the corners.
