Upson board replacement
- Thread starterjneveaux
- Start date
Have you considered using thin masonite? My local Lowes recently switched their masonite stock to a very thin product that can't be much more than 1/8" thick. Haven't tried bending it on a set but it seems like a doable idea. I suppose it would have a limit to its bending ability where it would just snap.
I've never used this Upson stuff. Never heard of it actually. Tell us a little more about what it's like and how you use it if you don't mind.
I've never used this Upson stuff. Never heard of it actually. Tell us a little more about what it's like and how you use it if you don't mind.
If memory serves, Upson Board is like a very heavy, thin(not corrugated) cardboard. Kind of like posterboard, but a lot heavier.
I have never used the Upson board, but if it is similar to Masonite as Gafftaper suggest, I would definately go with Masonite. I have used the 1/8" masonite on many sets and have had great luck with it. It bends and paints up very nicely.
~Dave
~Dave
jneveaux
Member
Upson board is useful for facings and some vertical surfaces. It is really a pressed paper board product. the beauty of it is that it paints up just like muslin, but it holds a shape without a lot of backing. We used to use it to face platforms/levels. it is easy to shape with a matte knife and is easy to nail through into framing. It wore pretty well and came in several thicknesses, providing more durability or flexibility depending on the application.
I always found masonite hard to paint because the surface was too smooth and tight. also, when i tried to punch a nail or screw through masonite, the tight hard surface fought back. Maybe that's easier with screw guns and powered brad guns now. it also seems to have a lot of "memory" which fought you when trying to form over curves and doesn't hold glue well, depending on whether you're using the single or double sided type.
Take a look at the Niagara Fiberboard site that avkid posted above. thanks for that.
I always found masonite hard to paint because the surface was too smooth and tight. also, when i tried to punch a nail or screw through masonite, the tight hard surface fought back. Maybe that's easier with screw guns and powered brad guns now. it also seems to have a lot of "memory" which fought you when trying to form over curves and doesn't hold glue well, depending on whether you're using the single or double sided type.
Take a look at the Niagara Fiberboard site that avkid posted above. thanks for that.
jneveaux
Member
since I haven't bought Upson board in over 25 years, it may be hard to compare, but it used to be a lot cheaper than masonite. I've been trying to find it, let alone buy Upson board, but when I do I want to compare cost. It also used to have a nice pebble finish on one side compared to the slick surface on masonite. non-tempered masonite has very little bendability. i'd compare it to bender board.
jneveaux, did you use a CutAwl with your Upson Board? I was once told both were made by the same company, but now I doubt that was true. At least 4 different shops I worked in in the 1980s had a CutAwl.
I think foamcore has displaced Upson Board in almost every application. Plus, Van hates the stuff.
I think foamcore has displaced Upson Board in almost every application. Plus, Van hates the stuff.
