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: I recommend this Scotch Brand double-sided tape dispenser. It is about $US48.00 on Amazon. You can also get it at Hobby Lobby (but its usually pink). Get either ½ or ¾ inch rolls of tape. (3M Scotch 924 ATG Tape: 1/2 in. x 36 yds.) Start by putting a level line where the top of where the backdrop will go. Then, put two strips of tape on the wall, just under the level line and one along the bottom. Starting one end, press the backdrop to the tape, keeping it level with the line. Once the top is done, start at one corner and begin pressing the bottom to the tape. Pull the bottom at an angle to keep the wrinkles out. If you need to pull it off the tape, do so gently.
If you have two people, on can be doing the top, while one does the bottom.
The two recommended methods would be Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue.
1. Double-Sided Tape: I recommend this Scotch Brand double-sided tape dispenser. It is about $US48.00 on Amazon. You can also get it at Hobby Lobby (but its usually pink). Get either ½ or ¾ inch rolls of tape. (3M Scotch 924 ATG Tape: 1/2 in. x 36 yds.) Start by putting a level line where the top of where the backdrop will go. Then, put two strips of tape on the wall, just under the level line and one along the bottom. Starting one end, press the backdrop to the tape, keeping it level with the line. Once the top is done, start at one corner and begin pressing the bottom to the tape. Pull the bottom at an angle to keep the wrinkles out. If you need to pull it off the tape, do so gently.
If you have two people, on can be doing the top, while one does the bottom.
2. Spray Glue: If you do not want to use tape and want something very permanent, the Spray Glue may be the way to go. Warning: this can be messy, and overspray might case issues with exiting scenery. (This is not our recommended method, but a lot of people prefer it.) Mask off the wall so only the area where the backdrop will be attached is exposed. Make sure to cover your layout to prevent overspray. Now lightly spray the exposed area with the glue. Smooth even coverage. (Do not spray on too thick or it will cause the backdrop to bubble.) When the glue is tacky, put the backdrop up, starting in the top middle and working toward both ends and the bottom. It is best to have two people for this operation. A soft wallpaper brush might be helpful to press the backdrop to the wall. We recommend Kylon brand spay glue as it will allow you to reposition the backdrop in case you need to.
- Unpainted Wallboard: Spray Glue works best.
- Painted Wallboard or other painted surface: Both Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue
- Masonite: Both Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue will work on Masonite.
- Foam board: Use spray glue. (Warning: Some types of foam are not compatible with glue. Test a small area first)
- Unpainted Quarter Inch Plywood: Use spray glue.
- Painted Wallboard or other painted surface: Both Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue
- Masonite: Both Double-Sided Tape or Spray Glue will work on Masonite.
- Foam board: Use spray glue. (Warning: Some types of foam are not compatible with glue. Test a small area first)
- Unpainted Quarter Inch Plywood: Use spray glue.
DO NOT USE WALLPAPER PASTE
OR A WATER BASED GLUE SUCH AS ELEMER’S WHITE GLUE
My good friend Sandro in Switzerland tried using wall paper paste, and the above picture is how it turned out. I shipped him and new and and he ripped off the the old one and tried again. The image below is when he used double sided tape.
If you'd like to see a YouTube video of this same image, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9I-bBpRppU
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:
