Backscene help needed

trelevra · July 29, 2013, 09:28:37 PM

I am making slow progress with my efforts with a first n gauge layout. Coming on nicely after a few months and am in the midst of doing, well trying to do, the landscaping. I want to put up Peco backscenes round the layout and wondered if anyone could advise me as to whether a coat of 25% PVA to 75% water could be applied to the backscene when it is up and in position. Would this protect it and would it be advisable. Thanks.

texhorse · July 29, 2013, 10:18:50 PM

Hi there!

Mike Fifer, an American from the N Scale Forum has a great video of his own backdrop. Rather than use the mass produced Peco ones, perhaps you could consider Mike's idea :

http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/how_to_do_backdrops_video.html

Andy

scotsoft · July 29, 2013, 10:22:52 PM

Hi Andy,

Mike is a member here as well

He regularly posts updates to their large layout

cheers John.

texhorse · July 29, 2013, 10:25:15 PM

Hi John, thanks for that!!!!

If Mike's ideas don't appeal, by the way, I would recommend Spray fixative, such as :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SprayMount-YP208060548-3M-Adhesive-400ml/dp/B000J6D4SA

This is nice to use to put up backscenes, and has other numerous uses around the layout as well.

Andy

Pengi · July 30, 2013, 07:07:59 AM

I have used Spray mount and found that, after a period of time, it comes unstuck

.

There is a fair bit of information about sticking backscenes on the forum - some members recommend using wall-paper paste. Here is one thread

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=342.msg2146#msg2146

My attempt was disastrous - mainly because of my own stupidity

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=3917.msg44446#msg44446

steam-driven boy · July 30, 2013, 08:15:04 AM

Hi,

Quote from: Pengi on July 30, 2013, 07:07:59 AM
I have used Spray mount and found that, after a period of time, it comes unstuck .

Yup, from my days in the pro photo trade, I was always advising against Spray Mount as any kind of reliable permanent adhesive. The red can Photo Mount is much better, and Display Mount better still - confusion over suitability of adhesive products of course goes way back, and the latter two are less forgiving if you're not careful in positioning onto the backing

I'm only commenting on these particular spray products as I was familiar with their applications, as usual there's more than one way of achieving the desired result for our layout needs such as wallpaper paste.
I must admit I thought the question might be related to image permanence, which I've only seen raised relating to printed paper/card buildings, in which case I'd suggest any problem would depend on how much the backscene might be subjected to strong direct lighting rather than needing general physical protection. There are protective sprays available from artist supplies shops if that were a concern.

Regards, Gerry

texhorse · July 30, 2013, 09:54:09 AM

That sounds like the right stuff Gerry. I must admit I've used the spray, and it does become less effective as time goes on, so I just spray some more on.

I've also used wallpaper paste. Similar problem. The backscene starts to come away after a while. Maybe I'm not using the right consistency.

One thing I would suggest, if a little expensive, is to glue the backscene to watercolour paper. I use 140g for preference. Oh and I take advantage of it being watercolour paper, by painting my own backscenes as well!

Andy

steam-driven boy · July 30, 2013, 11:55:57 AM

Hi Andy,

Quote from: texhorse on July 30, 2013, 09:54:09 AM
That sounds like the right stuff Gerry. I must admit I've used the spray, and it does become less effective as time goes on, so I just spray some more on.

I've also used wallpaper paste. Similar problem. The backscene starts to come away after a while. Maybe I'm not using the right consistency.

One thing I would suggest, if a little expensive, is to glue the backscene to watercolour paper. I use 140g for preference. Oh and I take advantage of it being watercolour paper, by painting my own backscenes as well!

Andy

Yup, although it may be problematic for some to get to re-apply when they start to wilt

Took a quick look at a couple of vid's on YouTube, that watercolour job I glimpsed looks pretty effective

I'll be trying something of a photo-montage via my 'puter I think

Regards, Gerry

trelevra · July 30, 2013, 04:03:56 PM

Thanks everybody, for all your posts, but I am afraid an artist I ain't. I tried, but it looked absolutely awful so am in the process of scrubbing it off and starting again with backscenes. I'll have a search through previous posts and see what I can learn. It is all great fun and I am enjoying it, even the mistakes and having to correct them. Think I will try the PVA/water mixture unless you advise against it and see what results. Will probably practice first with something cut out of a magazine and see if that works.
Thanks again. Mike C.

bridgiesimon · July 30, 2013, 05:22:33 PM

I advise against the watered down PVA, the moisture soaks into the papaer and stretches it in all odd directions which will not shrink to leave a smooth finish. As others have mentioned, wall paper paste seems to work well although for mine, I used pritt stick and it seems to work ok, it gives some movement while mounting and does not cause any bubbling in the paper.

I do advise trying options on scrap wood before going ahead and ending up with a mess on your layout's backscene though.

Good luck what ever you try
Simon

trelevra · July 30, 2013, 07:50:11 PM

Thanks for that, Simon. Just the advice I wanted to hear. Pritt stick it is then.
Mike

daedalus · July 30, 2013, 08:17:41 PM

I have used some old carpet spray adhesive that I found in my garage, the back scene was stuck onto hardboard and look OK but was only done a week last Sunday, time no doubt will tell, in the past I have also used wallpaper paste but the result was not perfect had better results with border paste.

Geoff