Laminate Mounting Methods, Pros and Cons

[DougMac]

I've read laminate threads discussing various mounting techniques. They seem to break down into two general methods:

Method A: Laminate is attached directly to the frame.

Method B: Laminate is attached to an underlying substrate, such as 1/4" plywood or peg board and the resultant sandwich is then attached to a frame.

I was wondering if one method has proven superior to the other. I remember reading that if the laminate is glued directly to the frame, it has a tendency to buckle if glued to all of the frame.

I can see that gluing the laminate to a large sheet can be tricky. Are there other disadvantages?

Doug

[MatrixDweller]

I think weight would be a big factor in gluing laminate to a sheet of plywood, particle board or MDF. Plus getting the glue on evenly and rollering the laminate perfect would require some effort and skill.

I think the drawback to the gluing method that you read applied to the thinner (vertical grade) laminates.

[DougMac]

MatrixDweller wrote:

I think weight would be a big factor in gluing laminate to a sheet of plywood, particle board or MDF. Plus getting the glue on evenly and rollering the laminate perfect would require some effort and skill.

I think the drawback to the gluing method that you read applied to the thinner (vertical grade) laminates.

Thanks for the clarificaton. Sounds like carefully gluing a standard thickness (not vertical grade) laminate to a well constructed poplar frame would be a viable construction technique.

Rockler sells some nice french cleats. I'm thinking of using them to mount the screen to the wall. Since I'll be studding out the wall, I can put jack blocks at the appropriate positions for the cleats

Doug