My layout room has a 5’x5’ window that I have to have access to. As such I’m toying with using adhesive backed roll magnet material (Homedepot and Lowes) to secure a 2’x5’ removable section of 1/8" masonite backdrop spanning the window opening to 2"x2" vertical supports for the backdrop that extend up from the layout framing.
If anyone is using this method or has in the past to secure a removable section of backdrop did it work as expected or did the magnets weaken over time, etc.?
If you’re talking about those rubber-like magnetic strips, yes it’s possible for them to weaken over time. Since the magnets will be installed and used properly, I doubt you would have any problems with them losing strength.
You may need to do a test to determine if the magnets are going to be strong enough to do the job you want done. Masonite panels have weight, but they also can deform over time. You plan on putting one in front of a window where the inner surface will be exposed to a climate-controlled atmosphere (your home) and the outer surface will be exposed to the sun coming through the window allowing heat to build up between the window and the panel. Your magnets will have to be strong enough to hold that panel in place while it expands and contracts with the weather changes outside.
Another possbile solution is using velcro strips. The velcro is strong enough to hold a panel. The adhesive used to hold the velcro in place may not be strong enough. Once again, a test may determine the suitability of velcro. One advantage of velcro in this situation is that, although the hooks and loops of velgro grip well, they do allow some movement without releasing their hold.
Just a couple of thoughts for you to mull over.
You could also use stronger magnets attached to either the window frame or the backdrop and just a steel plate attached to the other. I would say stronger and longer lasting than the strip magnets. The only problem I would see with velcro would be final adjustment. With the magnets you could just push it into alignment, velcro would have to be placed right the first time. You could put several magnets on each side of the removeable piece, they are available at most hardware stores.
Good luck,
If I read your post correctly, and you want to attach to the 2x2’s attached to the benchwork, the strip magnets should work IF the masonite bottom has something to rest on. The magnets then would only have to keep the masonite from falling forward. Gary
Thanks for the replies.
After additional thought - and another trip to Homedepot to further digest the strip magnet idea in tandem with your opinions - I think I’ll go back to plan A which was to construct a 1"x2" frame glued to the back of the 2’x5’ panel with an arrangement of 3/8’s square wood guide strips glued vertically on each end of the 1"x2" framing that will slip into a corresponding routed out slot in the 2"x2" end supports attached vertically to the base layout support framing. This way I can lift the panel out vertically without distrubing any of the hard shell scenery, whereas if I’d used the magnets I would have had to leave enough space between the sculpted scenery be able to pull the panel forward enough to break contact with the magnet strip and a metal plate arrangement.
The wood guide into slot arrangement will also solve the alignment problem. I’m still going to be left with a visible break in the sky portion of the backdrop on each end but I can try to minimize it with removable trees, etc. - just don’t have a choice with the window that has to be accessible.
By the way, the window faces east and with a large 2nd story deck directly overhead outside the window the only time we get direct sun is in the early morning hours during the summer here in Michigan. As such there should be little if any panel expansion issues with just a 2’x5’ tempered masonite panel - with a framed back support as well - held in place with the slotted groove arrangement.
Again, thanks for the replies. Kicking around ideas is what these boards are for! [:)]