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quote:

Originally posted by conrad:
Not familiar with the Nate Berkus project.
But if you are speaking of foam core. (slick paper on both sides of a rigid foam center) Usually 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. (There is a half or 5/8 inch also, but it is harder to find.) You can purchase this from art supply and some hobby stores. A frame shop can be another source for large pieces.

Thanks for your advise Conrad - I have 3 sheets of 30" x 40" and 3/16" foamboard. I will prime both sides for "stability". I want to spray paint the core a mustard color, since the bookcase is oak. Use the foamboard as a "temporary" solution - since this would not be permanent.

You could mechanically attach the foam core with small brad nails. Just long enough tacks to go through the foam core and into the book case a quarter inch. Or use a good quality double sided tape or a 3M double sided adhesive in tape form. I would do this around the edges and maybe an X in the middle before applying.

IF you decide to paint the foam core? From my experience, it is a great idea to prime (base coat) both sides so it is less likely to warp. If you don't, the thinner core tends to curl or bend back, so working on a faux finish can be challenging. You can use any leftover, water base wall paint you have, to do so.

quote:

Originally posted by conrad:
Be aware that much of the solvent based spray paint (since you were talking about the core painting it Mustard yellow) may actually "melt" the foam core center. I would use your latex primer or an inexpensive craft paint to actually paint the edges instead of the spray paint. The spray may be just fine on the paper surfaces however.

thanks again Conrad - will do a test on it. I have Krylon primer and American Heritage spray paint. Wish me luck.

The Krylon Fusion brand may also work as it is for plastic surfaces. (Test on scrap first?)