How do you attach your masonite backdrop?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Actually, I am going to use drywall screws, but I am having a problem getting them countersunk enough so that they will look good.

Do any of you use a countersink drill bit? If so, what size?

Thanks

Chuck

2

Actually I use liquid nail. No holes to patch, and it has lasted years with very little problems. Even the coved corners stayed on great. Patching seams between the sheets is enough plaster work for me and drilling into concrete, ugh! Counter sinking is determined by the screw head size. You friendly hardware man should be able to supply you with the proper size, but you can’t sink it to deep or you’ll go through the masonite. Perhaps 1/4 inch material would help in your situation. [2c]

3

I may try the liquid nails if I cannot get the screws to work satisfactorily. Do you have any tricks for patching the seams other than regular spackle work?

Chuck

4

jdtractorboy

I have used the 1/8 Masonite and I use the drywall screws. I had tried the liquid nails in some spots where there was no tension on the Masonite.

In the past I have had the liquid nails come loose from cement blocks (after 15 years) and I plan on having my layout up much longer than that (25 x 75 basement) so the screws method was what I chose for long life.

Now as for recessing the screw heads I used a chamfering bit and YES I made a few countersinks a little too deep as the Masonite broke through and the backdrop popped loose. But I was just putting in the first couple of screws.

I to keep this from happening I just put the screws into the Masonite with out the chamfer and once the Masonite was held solid I then went back and put the countersinks in and replaced the screws one at a time. A little more work but it made a nicer job.

To cover the screws I used the drywall paper tape. I would paint the Masonite first with any latex paint I had as the Masonite just soaked up the paint. This gave me a good base to work from.

I then would cut a length of paper tape and I then painted the seam heavily with the latex paint. I also painted the one side of the drywall paper tape with paint. I then just put the painted side of the paper tape onto the painted seam.

Using my paint brush I would smooth out the tape and then put a couple of coats of paint right over the front side of the tape, effectively painting the drywall tape right into the seam.

Now I know that this sound bazaar but it worked much better than trying to get the drywall mud to hold the tape.

Contr