Scenery question. I need a material for a curved wall that goes under an overpass. The wall will be for a roadway. The curve is fairly sharp. I believe card stock would bend nicely but can it be primed and painted and retain its shape? If not, what material would you suggest. Foam core will surely crease.
Thanks,
Eliot
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Eliot,
I used 1/8" Masonite for my backdrops and I curved into the 90 degree corners with no problems. It takes primer and paint very well.
Malcolm
Eliot, cardstock will prime and paint nicely but I think you will still need some way to support it to retain it's shape. So I'm not sure cardstock is your best bet. Foam core will crease but on the inside of the curve and it will still need to be supported, then again, you could just paint the foam core.
I think you'll find that cardstock will indeed bend when painted.
I have used poster board for such applications. It doesn't distort much when painted.
I agree also, about the hardboard. Use 1/8" only though. Micro Mark sells a nice stick-on material, kind of like contact paper but with texture, in several styles that simulate stone, brick, etc. very nicely, if you want that kind of look. It must be applied over gloss or semi-gloss surface. (They don't tell you that. I learned the hard way).
You guys always give me great ideas.
I have a plan !
Masonite will probably be the best, Card stick will collapse if you bend it too tight. I use Pink Foam for a curved retaining wall. I hot glued it in place.
I have used Strathmore brand illustration board for over 20 years with no problems - usually painting it with the cheapest craft store paint available. Strathmore board is available at better art supply stores and has a very hard and dense finish which takes paint well. For exceptionally tight bends, steam (from a tea kettle or steam iron or EVEN from #765) works wonders in making wrinkle free bends.
jack
Eliot, there is a MDF product made that has parallel grooves in it. It is used by shopfitters and joiners to make curved surfaces. I had some off cuts that I used as a fence, it is however, very flexible. You can see it in the foreground of this picture.
Those grooves are known as "kerfs", Dave. Eliot could use them on the back of his cardstock wall to create a smooth curve. I'd suggest a thick cold press illustration board. Make the vertical kerfs 1/4" to 1/2" apart.
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