Need a seal for display cabinets

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

This is a little off the beaten track:

I have some nice display cabinets with vertical front doors with glazing. I need some method of sealing a 3/16" gap or so between the wooden frame of the door and the cabinet that lets dust in. The problem is that the gap is not uniform in that the door is mounted so that the gap varies from about 3/16 to 1/16 from top to bottom.

I cannot remount the door properly without leaving new hinge holes visible, and it would probably still be out by that margin anyway.

The typical closed cell foam weather stripping is too dense and will not “crush” down enough on the tight section, so that the door won’t even close with the foam in place.

Someone suggested a strip of velvet ( I guess with a high nap) that would seal the larger gap and crush down in the small gap. But I haven’t been able to find any fabric or “fur” to turn into strips for this cure.

Any ideas?

2

I think what would work is Felt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felt

http://www.cleverbrand.com/Portal.aspx?CD=9CE3C7917102&MN=1B11DAC0096B

http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/28-589-door-weatherstripping/felt-weatherstripping-282111.aspx

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-ace-felt-weatherstrip-5-pack-65-17-ah--pi-1286681.html

If the weatherstripping won’t work I would try finding some felt cloth at a craft or fabric store and making a “pile” to suit the application. Just my [2c]

3

Here’s another alternative. You can get a seal in either copper (old fashioned) or plastic (newfangled) that is bent into a V-shape. One side is attached along one side of the gap. The unattached side of the V sets up high enough to close the gap where it meets the other side by being pushed down when the door closes.

It’s a little hard to describe, but can close a pretty large gap. Here’s the best I can do:

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The plastic is easier to use, since it has a glue to hold it down on the attached side. I think the copper is nailed down, plus it’s harder to find.

4

Get some of those strong little magnets and glue three of em on the very edges to pull the doors together when closed.