Hi all, i have just purchased a gauge master photo graphic back scene sheet (108" long by 12" high) and plan to stick this to the painted ply wood box that contains my layout. question is, what is the best way to attach it? a couple of friends have suggested diluted PVA (might be too wet and allow paper to stretch and ink to run) or aerosol photo mount glue (might not be permanent) or aerosol spray glue sold to fix trim in cars (might be too gloopy/lumpy and uncontrollable). any thoughts and advice would be welcomed. Thanks, Paul.
Hi Paul,
I've tried many ways to do this and have now settled on what, for me, works.
Use clear sticky back plastic film to cover the rear of the backscene.
This gives some extra strength to it and makes it easier to handle.
Then use double sided sticky tape to attach it to your backscene.
As you have the plastic film on the back of the backscene it is more forgiving if you need it move it around.
Until you are satisfied with the position, only have a small part of the double sided sticky tape attaching it to the back board.
Once you are happy - then stick it firmly with as much double sided tape as you need.
Thanks
Perhaps the perceived unreliability of spray-mount type adhesives might be down to what the "photo" is being mounted on? The makers suggest it is suitable for long term use.
Maybe preparing the physical backscene may help? Perhaps by pasting sturdy lining paper on it first. Dampness and stretching should not affect the surface (It may warp the board, so possibly apply to both sides at once.) The surface may then provide a better key for the spray-mount.
I used PVA (not diluted) spread thinly on a Gaugemaster background onto hardwood plywood. My brother and I worked out almost every bubble too with a dry cloth and by being very gentle.
I've never got PVA to work properly, always ending up with ridges, but that's probably because I use backscenes printed myself using thinner "bright white" paper. I was recommended this stuff and found it works well, I think it's based on PVA judging by the colour but works better.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232814067051
My instant thought on the question was: spray adhesive.
The next was: wallpaper paste.
Then I read the comments and it dawned on me that you didn't identify the quality of the paper your photo scene is printed on, and I wonder if that's the reason we have a variety of experiences in the answers here.
The plastic film sounds like a good idea, but I would like to see how that looks after 5 years. Paper interacts with the humidity in the air, plastic doesn't: plastic expands and shrinks with temperature, paper doesn't. Whether that matters I don't know, but as backscenes are fairly large areas I do have concerns. ???
Most wallpaper is 'paper', as it says on the tin. Thus my inkling is to use wallpaper paste as per instructions. PVA is water-based, thus I think you need to achieve a very uniform spread, especially around the edges, to ensure even soaking (= expansion and shrinkage during drying); otherwise it could go wrinkly. On the other hand, if your paper is a heavy grade that might not be too much of an issue. ???
Your thoughts?
Cheers
Waldschrat
I went with Scottish modeller's advice and all went well. Its been on the layout for a year now with no signs of movement, shrinkage or wrinkling. Will try to remember to post in four years time to report on deterioration.