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Fabric covering for walls is quite popular in France, and probably other European countries. I’m not sure what range of techniques they use, but at least in some cases the (lightly) padded fabric covered panels are held by moldings applied around the edges. Walls consisting of several panels just butt the exposed edges of the panels together.
In one house I used fabric covered wall panels as a background for photographs. When I wanted to change something it was only a matter of moving push pins or picture hangers – sort of an upscale bulletin board. I think I used homasote for the board, used a rather coarse fabric, and just countersunk finishing nails through the fabric into the studs to hold it. They were invisible and did no real damage to the drywall. That would probably work with a lot of fabrics. Try it on a sample and see.
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I've done this several times for fabric-wrapped wall panels in conference rooms and for leather-wrapped cabinet doors. There's an extruded aluminum track hardware designed for this task. It's called a Z-clip, and it projects the panels a little more than 1/16 in. off the walls and locks them in place vertically. Z-clips come in 10-ft. lengths, but you can easily cut them into smaller lengths with a hacksaw, or a chopsaw with a carbide blade. You'll have to drill and countersink screw holes as necessary--I recommend #6, flathead (Phillips or square drive) screws to mount them. For the size you mention, 1/4-in. plywood will be too flimsy; you'll need at least 1/2 in. for enough rigidity.
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Sign me to that.
Rich Beckman
*StanleyA couple of off the wall (I couldn't resist) ideas.The less weight you are hanging, the less problems encountered, so...I've done a few fabric panels that were wrapped around 1" x 2" pine frames. I needed a spreader in the center of the long dimension of the panelSome art stores sell a tool that is basically like wide jaw pliers with a radiused jaw specifically for pulling canvas around frames so that artists can make their own canvases.What about rigid foam instead of ply? More rigidity, less weight. However,it would probably be a fire marshal's nightmare.Just late night ramblingsScott
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I'm a furniture/woodworker type and I have got a decorator that wants me to make a padded room (cell). Anyway, fabric will be attached to probably 1/4" plywood with a foam underlayment (under the fabric).
The problem for me is installing the panels (some as large as 44" wide by 87" tall).
My preference would be panel adhesive but I am concerned that if the panels are ever removed, my guess is it would take half the wallboard with it.
Any other alternative attachment methods
OR
Is there a way to sufficiently seal the wall so that the construction (mastic) adhesive will not destroy the sheetrock on removal??
*Hi Stanley,If your concerned with the eventual or possible removal of the panels and any subsequent damage to the wall board, you may want to consider mechanical clips.You would first fit the panels without the covering to the wall using blind clips. The type that allow the panel to slip down into a clip that has a slot in it and is held down by gravity or a locking screw.Once all your fitting is done, then you cover the panel with foam and cloth, effectively covering up the attachement screws on the surface of the panel plywood.Just one idea of many, I'm sure.Gabe
*Im a little curious about this padded cell idea. What would be the purpose?
*I suppose the decorator feels it is an unique artistic touch. Maybe if I have to deal with many more crazies (both the decorator and Dickey, the resident bigot) it will be for me.I don't know how this Dickey guy is tolerated; it appears that he is a blatantly intolerant and racist creep.
*Hi Stanley,We use padded panels, like those you describe, in board rooms to soften the sounds. No reason, why they wouldn't also be used to add a decorative touch either.Let us know how you deal with the problem.Gabe
*I think the clip idea is a good one since they are only decorative panels. Ive hung a few cabinets that way and it worked well. You can buy the metal hanging rails or make some wood strips with a matching bevel. Dont know of anything that you could put on the drywall other than another layer of drywall or plywood to glue to. It would still be a pain to remove that way too.
*Stanley, he isn't. That's like in: Isn't educated, mannered, respected, welcome, or tolerated. Right now, I'd be willing to introduce him to a prolonged beating. I'll settle for his complete removal from all posts.
*There's your answer to the drywall shortage! - Who needs drywall!!
*Fabric covering for walls is quite popular in France, and probably other European countries. I'm not sure what range of techniques they use, but at least in some cases the (lightly) padded fabric covered panels are held by moldings applied around the edges. Walls consisting of several panels just butt the exposed edges of the panels together.In one house I used fabric covered wall panels as a background for photographs. When I wanted to change something it was only a matter of moving push pins or picture hangers - sort of an upscale bulletin board. I think I used homasote for the board, used a rather coarse fabric, and just countersunk finishing nails through the fabric into the studs to hold it. They were invisible and did no real damage to the drywall. That would probably work with a lot of fabrics. Try it on a sample and see.