Mounting Your Matte Paper Backdrop

What is the best way to attach a backdrop?
Well, the answer to that question is first with a question.  What are you attaching the backdrop to?
    - Unpainted Wallboard:  Best way is to use a spray glue.  We recommend Krylon Easy Tack. (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.

  -Painted Wallboard or other painted surface: In addition to the spray glue mentioned above, you can use double sided tape to adhere your backdrop to the wall. Strategically, place double sided tape along the top and side edges of the backdrop along with some in the middle and place the backdrop in place and starting from the middle, press the backdrop against the prepared wall.   Using a 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.
    -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.

TIP: For  N Scale and HO backdrops there is a five to six inch positioning strip along the top or bottom.   You can use this strip to help position your backdrop by using masking tape to temporarily hold the backdrop in place, then when attached, remove the strip with a razor knife and straight edge.

DO NOT USE WALLPAPER PASTE 
OR A WATER BASED GLUE SUCH AS ELEMER’S WHITE GLUE

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If using a wallpaper brush, use only light pressure or risk damaging the image surface.