upholstered panels backing material

[H3Jim]

I am planning on using upholstery material stretched over closed cell upholstery foam on my wall under the windows, as well as making some ceiling panels.  My original thought was to use 1/8 inch masonite as a backing materiel to apply the foam to, and strech the material over it.

Has anyone done this, and should I consider using plywood, and if I go the masonite route, do you think it matters if its tempered masonite or is the non-tempered ok?

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Jim,

I have used the 1/4" masonite on my ceiling panels, padded and covered with ultra suede.

After 2 months, the panels started warping. I then replaced all the masonite with 1/4" luan plywood.

Some of the luan panels started to do the same but not near as bad as the masonite. So, I tried some corrugated PVC

I obtained from an upholster, but they were too heave and also flimsy..  My fix on the entire problem... I cut all new

Luan panels and painted both sides to stabilize them, then recovered with the ultra suede. Problem solved!

Good Luck
Nick-

[H3Jim]

I wonder if you painted the masonite, or used the tempered type if that would solve the problem as well. 

It sounds as if the issue is moisture, with more of it on one side than the other.  The side with more moisture expands more and you have a warp. 

What do you think?

[paulcjhastings]

How about using sintra, lexan, or phenolic sheet, it's more expensive, but it will never creep due to humidity changes.

[H3Jim]

A very nice quality would be to be able to put staples in it.  masonite, foam, upholstery material, gets wrapped around the back and stapled.  Lexan would shatter, I'm not sure about the others.

Cheap is a good quality too if it meets theother requirements.

[orfunauto/Darrell]

I bought my 8 finished.  But I can tell you that I have used ABS sheets on all the street rods I've built over the years.  It is absolutely moisture proof.  I tried the water resistant board available through upholstery shops - it doesn't work here in the south with the high humidity..  A local upholstery shop I do business with sells me the abs sheets at his cost because I buy all my upholstery materials from him.  I get it in 4x8 sheets and the cost is around $60.00 each.   A little high, but well worth it in this climate. FWIW

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Jim,

Here is a couple photo's of my finished ceiling with the luan backing and held up with 3M Duel Lock.

I'll never use Ultra suede on a ceiling again.... Forever brushing to remove hand prints, ect...

Nick-

[paulcjhastings]

The substrates that I posted about are not that conducive to being stapled. Any auto trim that I have worked with has been glued on so I didn't consider staples in my recommedations. 

[niles500]

LUAN

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

LUAN

Hi Niles,
Is that "LUAN" or "LUAN ? ?"
Nick-

[niles500]

Nick - If you got 'LuAnn' stuck on your ceiling - you're using CRAZY glue - I hope you didn't staple her -

[DavidInWilmNC]

How about using adhesive and whatever covering desired right over the aluminum panels on the ceiling?  Mine are in great shape with very few dents.  I've also thought about using lauan over the aluminum hoping the alum. panels would prevent any warping.  That might be an unnecessary step, as the alum. panels might provide a sturdy enough base.  Have others done this with good results?

David

[H3Jim]

Nick, whats that on the ceiling inbetween your panels?  Is that paint, mirror acrylic, other fabric?

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Niles,

If I had LuAnn stuck on my ceiling, I'd be doing more then messing with Crazy glue......

Jim,

Between my panels is Brushed Stainless Steel 2" wider then the panels. Just for effect.

Nick-

[muddog16]

Luan, Laun, ABS sheet, plywood, no one mentioned what adhesive or which foam backing to use!

Pat