Make a background for almost nothing

It all started with a good book. How many times have you heard that one. I picked up the book "Master Lighting Guide" by Christopher Grey (122 pages) because it was all about studio lighting with layout designs followed by samples and suggestions. I am still in the learning curve for the studio and this book seemed right up my alley.

In section two he relates that you can make "flying walls" out of just about anything. I love a challenge and have a passion for learning. So, a DIY project for practically nothing? I?m in! What?s to lose?

The concept was great and the look was fine but how do you go about it. Well, it is and is not as easy as it looks. There was no elaboration on how it was done and no tips given. I will walk you through making one of these light weight portable backgrounds and share some shortcuts, pointers and the mistakes I have already made.

I stopped by my local fix it store to pick up a piece of 4?x8? Styrofoam house insulation. I have seen these in blue and pink. The hard part of this is to find a sheet that is not torn, ripped or crushed in places. I found a nice new stack several layers down. After about 10 minutes and heavy inspecting I had 2 good pieces to load. I grabbed a piece of 1/8 inch plywood just in-case this did not work out. Ok, lets see I spent roughly $10 each on the Styrofoam and about $6 for the plywood (I think it was a flooring grade piece).

While heading to the check out I walked by the paint department and saw a crazy looking roller. It was standard size and made out of what looked like a sea sponge with different heights around it. The coast on this was another $10. $36 and tax and I'm out the door. By the way, I would recommend the plywood even if you don't paint it. It is light enough to carry and it holds the flimsy styrofoam down in the truck and prevents it from damage.

Unloaded at the house, I grab some lunch and go through my inventory of paint. You would be surprised how many cans you can collect after 2 kids and some minor school projects. Not to mention the left over?s from the various painting project around the home.

Not really sure of what to use I made a trip the following day to the paint store. I explained what I was trying to do. After the third time of the same explanation and a bug eyed clerk. I told him I just wanted some primer. "OK!" was the joyous response. A can of Kilz2 is $14.

Let me stop you right here to give you a warning.

"ONLY BUY WATER BASED PAINT AND PRIMERS!" Luckily, I chose this to start off with, and yes it was luck and not knowledge. It did not even cross my mind that oil based paint would eat completely through the Styrofoam in less than 2 seconds.

One (1) can of kilz2, no I need some paint. The book recommended that you go at least 2 shades of difference. The blues I chose were 1 shade. Oh, the paint. The top off the line water based one coat does it all 2 pints $23. So far that is $73. That is everything that is needed to create my new master piece. I know it sounds like a lot but I am about to save you some money in just a few minutes.

Newspaper is laid the board is down, non-printed side is up. I apply the first coat of primer, it bubbles up and pops all over the place. Leaving little dots that I need to fill on the next coat. Well 3 coats later it is ready for painting. 1/2 gallon of primer used.

The high dollar paint goes on a smooth a silk with the expected 1 coat. I walk away and let it dry for an hour. Here, is the first tip on painting these: don?t let it dry! Wait about 10 to 15 minutes and then start your crazy roller or rag or sponge (your preference). What I have found is that letting the colors mix a bit adds to the beauty of the piece there will be enough of the highlighted areas left to see.

On the first one I rolled the crazy roller all over the place and in about every direction and it blended pretty nicely. I left it to dry overnight and shot some the next day with my little one. I could only get her to do it if I told her she didn't have to even smile. "Ok". The background looks great and the kid not to bad either.

On others I have waited another 10 to 15 minutes to add highlights. Just going over lightly in one direction to really make it stand out. Here is the other hint. No matter the color, even one that made my bathroom glow green out into the hall still looks white on the highlights. The point is have fun and go crazy. Try different things.

This is where I save you the big bucks! Ready!

The primer that was $14. Don't need it! The expensive paint $23 (1 coat does it all) don't need it!
After doing everything correctly the first go around, now it is time to experiment. The entire wall base coat uses about one-third of a pint. The highlight part uses about one quarter of a pint. So a little bit will go a long way. I started grabbing stuff off the shelf I already had, even stuff that has been there for over 7 years. Slapped it on and presto 1 coat did it for the base.

Conclusion
Don't forget 1 sheet has 2 sides so that is 2 backgrounds per board. One board cost $10, the crazy roller coast is $10 but I have used it on countless backgrounds, or you can opt for the sponge/rag approach ($0). All rollers can be washed ($0). Any water based paint you can find ($0, shed, garage, basement, neighbor, family: get the picture).

You can use different paint for each side or you can just use a base color of your favorite from the other side. Time Painting about 20 minutes and that includes opening the paint can and closing. Clean up: Through the stuff in a water bucket for lunch or dinner and plan on 10-15 minutes.

Final coast per background? Let's go on the high side and call it $12.


Have fun.

More shots on these backgrounds can be found at http://www.wcandersons.com