Should I paint BENEATH the benchwork?

[whistlemike]

I've just finished building my benchwork, put temporary plywood down and have laid out the track and buildings. Now I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle of removing everything to paint the benchwork underneath. I did plan on painting all the visible legs and such for the overall looks of the lay-out. I realize painting the wood would help seal the wood, but am I being too much of a perfectionist to want to paint EVERYTHING? And if I paint everything, should I also paint the underside of the plywood? I'm curious to know what all you experienced railheads think.

[turbine682]

I personally wouldn't worry about painting beneath the benchwork. Many modelers install facia, add built-in shelves, or curtains. It's what's on top of the benchwork that counts towards your enjoyment.

Have fun!

[Big_Boy_4005]

I agree with turbine682, why put time and money into something that won't be seen, unless it affects how the trains run. The wood will be fine without paint, think about this, nobody paints house framing.[:D]

[Roger Bielen]

It's unnecessary work, I've never had anyone even notice that there were legs on the benchwork nor the display cabinet I have built into one section.

[Anonymous]

I believe you should paint the table top. Whether you paint the underside or not is a personal preference. But it is important to provide a good base for scenery on top of the table. You might consider putting down a layer of homosote on the table top to absorb noise, then paint that with primer and flat latex in either green or earth brown. Now when you put down grass and dirt if you don't have even coverage no one will know.

The art of building a successful layout lies somewhere between masterful rendition and fooling the eye in a "suspension of disbelief". Not too many people will look under your table, but they will look at it.

[whistlemike]

Wow! Great feedback. I appreciate all your comments. My paint brush is still in its holster thanks to you all. The great news for me is I can keep working on the table top and /not have to worry about underneath the benchwork until I start running wire.