My experience with hardboard tells me you should either seal it thoroughly with an oil based paint or allow for expansion and contraction. On my last layout I used hardboard for the fascia without painting it and it bowed out badly between the mounting screws. I am planning to use hardboard for my valance but I am going to overlap the strips and put the mounting screws through slots to allow for the expansion and contraction.
These posts may help you with your valance design and construction.
Valance Build - Part I
Valance Build - Part II
Valance Build - Part III
Valance Build - Part IV
Alan
Freelancing the LK&O Railroad
Hi all,
I'd like to create a top valance for my shelf layout. For measurements, the height of the room is 77". I'm 70" tall. The layout goes out 26" from the back drop and the layout base's height, where track, buildings, etc., will be and there are no grades, is 53" from the floor. I am thinking of using a 8" by 8' hardboard strip as a valance, about 32" away from the back drop and attach the strip of bright white LEDs at either a 30 to 45 degree angle facing down onto the layout. I'll run the warm white LED strip in towards the middle of the layout facing straight down. That will be about 16" above the layout. My viewing angle will be looking down a bit so I do not think I'll be looking straight at the valance or lights. I think I'll run a valance on the side too to help keep the light focused. But that will be right above the layout edge. Any and all constructive feedback appreciated.
Thank You in Advance,
Alvie