Materials:
Homasote board
utility knife or circular saw
dust mask (if using circular saw)
fabric
scissors
staple gun and staples
tape measure
square
pencil
finish nails
Steps:
- As with any project, start with a design. Are you planning to create an entire wall tack wall? Just a simple 2' x 3' memo board? Or are you going to get real creative and cut your Homasote panels into buildings, quilt block designs or cars and trucks? Don't try too intricate a pattern because it gets very difficult to upholster. Geometric shapes work best.
- Draw desired design onto Homasote board and cut out all of the shapes. A sharp utility knife and a straightedge work fine for a few cuts. Use a circular saw if making a lot of straight cuts. Remember to use ear protection, safety glasses and a dust mask for this project.
- To upholster the pieces, place the Homasote front face down onto the wrong side of the fabric. Cut around the shape, leaving enough fabric to fold up and over. Wrap the fabric tightly, stapling as you go (start in the middle of opposite sides and zigzag back and forth across the fabric moving toward the ends, smoothing constantly for the best results).
- Select a mounting method depending on how many pieces are in the design. If there are many small pieces, first try to put some of them together with straps of Homasote and short screws from behind. Use metal straps if you want the design to be tight to the wall. Mount the larger pieces with a few finish nails around the edges. Hide the nails if possible by pulling the fabric up and over them. Optional mounting: to avoid a multitude of nail holes to repair when the tack surface is removed, mount furring strips across the area to be covered. Screw them into the studs with drywall screws. Note the location of the furring strips, and mount the Homasote to them.
Note: Sheets of plastic foam insulation can be substituted but, be aware that they are easily broken until they are installed on the wall. Another idea is half foam core boards found at craft stores, but these generally don't come larger than 24" x 36".
One caution about Homasote walls--make sure the installation area is dry. This product will absorb water and alter your design.
Resources Homasote®
Homasote is a structural, sound-deadening, ultra-tackable fiberboard, uniquely made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled waste paper. Lumberyards and home centers stock Homasote in varying sizes and thickness, primarily 4'x 8'. 440 SoundBarrier is used for sound control in floors and walls.
Homasote Company
West Trenton, NJ
Toll-free Phone: 800-257-9491
Email:
sales@homasote.com
Website:
www.homasote.com
Also in this Episode
)
