Mounting Your Matte Paper Backdrop
What is the best way to attach a backdrop?
The two recommended methods would be Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue.
1. Double-Sided Tape: We always used Scotch Brand, but most any type will do. You’ll want it about ¾ to 1 inch wide. On a 12 foot backdrop, you’ll probably use up to four rolls. You’ll only need to put tape on the top and bottom, but not in the middle.
The two recommended methods would be Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue.
1. Double-Sided Tape: We always used Scotch Brand, but most any type will do. You’ll want it about ¾ to 1 inch wide. On a 12 foot backdrop, you’ll probably use up to four rolls. You’ll only need to put tape on the top and bottom, but not in the middle.
2. Spray Glue: We recommend Krylon. (Available at Home Depot or Lowes) Krylon gives you a few moments to move the image around before the glue sets.Mask off the wall so only the area where the backdrop will be attached is exposed. Make sure to cover your layout. (Use light weight plastic drop cloth available at Home Depot or Lowes). Now spray the exposed area with a light even coat of glue and let it dry to a tacky consistency. In the meantime, lightly spray the corners of the backdrop (the back side of the backdrop) and wait for the to become tacky. Now comes the hard part and it is best to have a helper. Place the backdrop in place and starting from the middle, press the backdrop against the prepared wall. Using a soft wallpaper brush can be helpful to keep the wrinkles and bubbles from forming. Work your way from the middle to the edges until the backdrop is completely adhered.
- Unpainted Wallboard: Spray Glue works best.
- Painted Wallboard or other painted surface: Either Spray Glue or Double-Sided Tape
- Masonite: Both spray glue and double-sided tape will work on Masonite.
- Foam board: Use spray glue. (Warning: Some types of foam are not compatible with glue. Test a small area first)
- Quarter Inch Plywood: Use spray glue.
DO NOT USE WALLPAPER PASTE
OR A WATER BASED GLUE SUCH AS ELEMER’S WHITE GLUE
- Painted Wallboard or other painted surface: Either Spray Glue or Double-Sided Tape
- Masonite: Both spray glue and double-sided tape will work on Masonite.
- Foam board: Use spray glue. (Warning: Some types of foam are not compatible with glue. Test a small area first)
- Quarter Inch Plywood: Use spray glue.
DO NOT USE WALLPAPER PASTE
OR A WATER BASED GLUE SUCH AS ELEMER’S WHITE GLUE
TRIM: Regardless of tape or glue, we recommend a small strip of trim wood along the top of the backdrop to act as a frame. This will help secure the backdrop in place as well as stopping the eye from looking at the space above the backdrop and instead, focusing on your attention on the layout. Plus, it and is a nice finish to your display.
CORNERS: We are often asked about corners. We suggest a piece of foam board, 1/4 inch plywood or cardboard placed at a 45 degree angle to soften the corner. When you cover this with a backdrop the corner will disappear. See the Diagram below:
