Is it a must to paint plywood before adding scenery?

[Gerry]

I have all my track laid out on a nice piece of cabinet grade plywood. I am getting ready to add scenery, (grass, gravel, etc). Would there be a problem of just adding it to the board as far as the scenic cement sticking to it? Im assuming the paint is for the color of the wood to show through?
Thanks,

 

[doug1980]

I've always heard it is best to paint it first for 2 reasons.
1. To cover it up just in case it shows through.
2. As a way to adhere the grass, gravel, etc to the layout.
Haven't got to that point yet on my own layout but plan on painting it. I will probably leave the track in place and paint around it.

 

[lmackattack]

Its a good idea to paint it first so that it hides any thin spots of cover.

Trent

 

[PartsMan]

I painted mine before I layed the track.
Figured it would look better while I put off the scenery.

 

[Larry]

I painted mine after I laid the track & used the color for the ground cover I was going to use in that area. I used the cheapest latex flat paints I could find, which was at WM.
I mostly buy it by the quarts & get the colors mixed that I want. I always try to keep Kelly green, lite & dark gray, white, black & lite & dark tan on my paint shelf at all times.
If you keep white on the shelf you can always add diff. colors for your own mix.

Larry

 

[kenw]

depends....if it is going to be the top surface, yes, paint it.

However, land is rarely "plywood" flat, so you will almost always want to cover it with something to add some texture. In my case, the bare minimum cover has been some sculptamold about 1/8" - 1/4" thick or more and the scultamold is mixed with "dirt" colored paint so pre-painting the plywood was not needed.

 

[nmaniac]

May I ask why ppl even still use plywood ???? its heavy cost more to,I have been using sound board it's lightweight, holds nail great, and takes paint and plaster cloth great as well.Wonder board just came out with a new tile backer boarder called EZ board 3x5 sheets I need to pick one up and see how it works

 

[Gerry]

I guess the big question is will the scenery with the scenic cement stick to the board. Kind of assuming it will if it sticks to the cork road bed?

 

[hamltnblue]

It should have no problem. You can simply try it on a small section of the board if you have any doubts. You might want to consider putting a layer of builders foam covered with plaster cloth. I find that when you do that and decide you want to change something, all that is needed is to use a razor knife to cut around the area and pull it up. I am in the process of changing my yard area. I cut around it and simply pulled it up, scenery and all. The foam looks like new under it.

 

[nmaniac]

Oh yeah no problem with paint and glue I know home depot sells a unpainted one and lowes carries a primed one but its white unless your doing a winter one