I now have a 12” x 72“ paper backdrop to attach to the wall behind my shelf layout. Since the wall is already painted to match the backdrop should I just attach it straight to the wall or should I put rolled cork or some other material behind the paper for strength will be a 90 degre corner to cover. What adhesive should I use? I have heard 3M super 77 is good?
Joe Staten Island West
You want the paper backdrop to be as smooth and flat a surface as possible or it will be distracting and eventually annoying. For that reason mounting it right on a wall, or even on cork (which has minute bumps) is not optimal. I would try to mount on masonite (the smooth side) or reasonably thick styrene plastic sheet or something else with a smooth surface. Masonite can get pretty heavy.
Based on layouts I have been to it appears that the spray adhesives, although they stick like the very Dickens, also have small bumps associated with them that show through the paper backdrops. Thus I would go with transfer tape -- double sided tape that is no thicker than say Scotch tape. This is the stuff peel and stick parts in laser cut kits use.
I know it comes in 1" rolls (my brand is 3M purchased at an art supply store). Wider would be better for your purpose You apply it carefully (don't overlap or that slight ridge would show on the paper backdrop) then lift up the brown tape to reveal the sticky side.
Now the trick is you are dealing with a big sheet of paper and have exactly ONE chance to get it right. Maybe a project to do with a friend?
Dave Nelson
joe323 Since the wall is already painted to match the backdrop should I just attach it straight to the wall
I depends on what the wall is. If it's dry wall, finished off to perfectly smooth surface, like you would want a wall in your living room finished, You could attach it right to the wall, but if the wall is anything else, Dave's advise in right on.
If it is drywall, you still have a chance to make it perfectly smooth, even though it's painted, go over it again and again, until it is perfect.
Either way, you have a one chance shot at this, as Dave talks about.
Mike.
My You Tube
I have no intention of doing this alone, as it must past the most crucial of all tests my wife
I am out of paint so putting more coats on is not an option unless I go back to the paint store with the sample I used and see if they can mix another batch.
If I use Masonite I have heard that i need to cut slots and or soak it in water to curve it around the corner. Any suggestions on doing this?
I just bent mine. no cuts, no water, just curved it.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
BATMAN I just bent mine. no cuts, no water, just curved it.
How thick is the masonite?
joe323How thick is the masonite?
6mm/1/4"
And you can't see the seams no matter how close you get.