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How To Glue Photo Backdrop To MDF

Walt H posted this question:

“I would like some suggestions for gluing printed photographic backdrops to MDF board? I don’t want any thing that dries to quick as I will need to work the backdrop down in between the substrate and scenery. I will also need time to make sure the edges are plumb. That’s why I can’t use spray adhesive. Ideas from people who have done would be good.”

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5 Responses to How To Glue Photo Backdrop To MDF

  • MONTY MOY says:

    Hi Walt I use wallpaper glue it works fine and gives you plenty of time to work with it.
    good luck Monty (down under )

  • Anselmo Agostinho says:

    Hi Walt, I have some experience with this process, and found the best one is applying white glue (PVA glue) with a medium size foam painting roll (you can find them at in home paint shop) in the MDF panel (if needed you may dilute the glue with 5% tap water so the glue distributes evenly).
    Then carefully place the photo print over the board, slowly pressing it with a clean and soft ball of cotton fabric from the center line to the edges. As the glue takes several minutes to start drying you will have enough time to reposition the print if needed.
    You also may train or test this process with a small and inexpensive printing, gaining good pratice.

    good luck

  • JR Edwards says:

    Pre mount the backdrops to card backing using photo mount spray adhesive, attach these to the MDF with adhesive-backed Velcro strips top and bottom, staple one side to the MDF with one verticle strip overlapping at the join points, I have used this on show layouts a number of times as I found it is water-based glues that destroy the photo printed strips or wrinkle them, not a good look.

  • David K says:

    I just used ordinary wallpaper paste.

  • Timothy Morlok says:

    If you haven’t already bought your backdrops, you should look into UV resistant printing with a self -adhesive back and leave the paper backing on the part that you want to slide behind scenery.

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