Using wallpaper for backdrops

[rvanparys]

In planning my layout I suddenly thought that perhaps it would be possible to use wallpaper for the backdrop. There are a number of websites that offer "cloud" wallpaper in their stock. Has anyone successfully pulled this off?

[rfross]

I've been trying to come up with some alternative to the traditional paint on masonite type backdrop myself. My first thought was foam core board which happens to come in a nice sky blue. Ruled out because it can not be easily bent to form a curve for corners. So I've ruled that out.

But now I'm intrigued by the idea of cloud wallpaper. And given there are only two corners on my shelf layout, do I even really care if I put in curved backdrop in them.

I like your idea a lot! But the blue color would have to be pretty close to the real thing. Time for some more research now!

[ukguy]

I've been toying with the same idea myself rvanparys but havent gotten around to looking for any yet. even at $10 a roll it sure would beat those backdrop prices.

have fun.

[rvanparys]

More info.
My train room is approximately 20 x 20 and has a lot of jogs. I will be using a double shelf on approximately 35' of my around the wall plan. My depth will be 18" for the shelf and 24 to 30" for the main level. The main level will be at 42" and the shelf at 60". I have a standard 8' ceiling with a couple of beams.

My thought was to run a backdrop from 7' to the main level. With over 80' of linial wall I think that the commercial backdrops will be too expensive. That is when I hit on the wallpaper idea.

I have checked out several sites on the web and the products look good (but like all wall paper) one needs to eyeball the sample in person. While flipping through one of the sample books I thought that it might be possible to use a border with mountains and trees and combine it with the clouds.

The idea seems sound except one has to find the right wallpaper and the border will repeat itself in pattern... This probably would catch the eye of the ubiquitous rivet counters...

With wall paper at $15 a roll one can cover the area fairly inexpensively... Like Howard Hugh's "spruce goose" ...it looks good on paper...

Your comments are appreciated...

Roger

[Anonymous]

WOW, Wallpaper, why didn't I think of that? I saw a roll of wallpaper at Home Depot about a month ago that would work great. It was the cloud type w/just the right color of blue. GREAT IDEA. They also have some paper w/hills painted on. I had thought of those mural wall coverings many times, but they are way to big for H.O.
Gotta go to the wood store next week. Thanks.

[rfross]

Well Roger it looks like your idea is becoming a hit. And now that Larry66 mentioned that it is available in just the right color I'm going to have to go see it for myself.

With my shelf layout at 57" off the floor I only have about 31" from the top of the benchwork to the moulding around the top of the wall to cover. With sky wallpaper I can do the entire wall above the benchwork and hopefully everything will appear larger. Plus the spare bedroom that my layout is going in has trim that is painted a pretty nice shade of light steel blue so the sky wallpaper could even tie the rest of the room together.