Using masonite for a backdrop or fascia board, how tight a curve can you actually bend it to? I’m hoping to get about an 18 inch radius curve–is that realistic? Is there something other than 1/8 inch tempered masonite that would be a better choice for this?
Thanks!
I’d be willing to bet you could bend it as tight as a 12" radius without any problem. You’ll need an extra set of hands to get it into position and fastened to the wall.
Don Z.
A sheet of styrene could be bent to that radius with very little difficulty.
I second SpaceMoouse. I used styrene and it made excellent corners, easy to shape and install.
Hal
Yes, I also suggest you at least consider styrene. I bought sheets of .060 styrene from local plastic company and had the plastic company cut them to size for me. Have them installed on 8 x 11 layout with two cove corners with a radius of about 6" ( 12" dia) with no problems. I had only limited space so had to go to a small radius but , to me, it looks very good after painting and cloud stencils. My two seams are invisible and I don’t have to worry about any future strinkage or seam seperation. Costs a little more but gives me great peace of mind.
Mike
I used the backside of cheap panelling. It’s 1/8 thick, so bends easier than Masonite. And a whole 4x8 sheet is about $10. I use the same stuff for fascia.
Far easier than attempting to find a local plastics company (outside urban centers they are generally uncommon) is a visit to you local Home Depot or similar home improvement center. They typically have a selection of plastic panels intended to be used as backsplashes or for bathroom wall applications. The front surface of such 4x8 panels is often textured but the backs are dead flat. They will bend to far smaller radii than masonite, can be sized by the score and snap method, and the job can easily be done by one person. Prices are also very reasonable.
CNJ831
Have recommended these FRP or Marlite panels. The fiberglas panel is smoothbacked and will take primer and paint as well as masonite or MDF. A 24" height backdrop section will easily bend to 15-18" rad. A great substitution from the old linoleum method.
Don’t force the bend to fast , go slowly to let the fibers give.
Bob K.
The plastic panels sound like a good bet–thanks for the ideas. And Home Depot is only an hour away…
I’ve got FRP panels up (adhered to walls paneling) and wonder how to hide seams. I butted two seams at the curved section backed with an 8" strip of the material which “floats” at back of layout and is invisible. There are two seams along straight sections that need to allow for movement in my basement location. How are styrene / FRP users getting continuous sheet look?
Has anyone tried using coiled aluminum?
I’ve seen it at HD and Menards. Its original use is for capping windows or creating gutters. It’s sold in 2 ft wide by 60 ft length and is solid white and very smooth. The coil in the box is maybe 14" in diameter. I have eyed this for a backdrop but haven’t tried it yet myself.