Making your Own Dibond Panels

[Julie Deane]

Ive been researching the possibility of mounting linen to Dibond panels, and found a wonderful how-to link:

http://www.welshartsarchive.org.uk/a...els-burton.htm.

Check it out! I'll report back on the results if I decide to do this.

[Sharon Knettell]

That is terrific Julie. I have used Dibond as a pastel support and would do do again as it is so light and wonderful for large paintings. My "Alicia Blue" was done on that.

If you want the edges turned, take it to a professional sign-maker as it has to be properly scored and bent. If you do this you will not need to frame it. You can glue and screw two appx 18" x ( depending on the final size) 2"x 3" oak strips on the back along each side to hold the hanging wire.

I do no know if this can be done BEFORE or AFTER the panel is bent. It makes kind of a shallow tray.

I would seem a little experimentation is due here. It is really an exciting development. I know that the sites devoted to archival services sell it and also sell it covered with canvas, but you pay a pretty penny for it. Thank-you for posting this very useful information.

[Julie Deane]

Hi Sharon -

I hadn't thought about bending the panels. I can see you might do this if doing a "gallery wrap" style painting.

I'd like to emulate stretched canvas, for potential clients who might want a traditional look. I was thinking that I might be able to glue wood strips to the edges (plus the middle for bracing, if it was over 16 x 20), then take the canvas around the edge and tack it to the wood. But not sure if it would be a good thing to do, or if it is even possible.

By the time you get the BEVA and the Dibond ordered, plus the canvas, there is a fair bit of cash tied up. So, have to think this through as completely as possible.

[Sharon Knettell]

Julie,

I have glued wood to it with Liquid Nails. Pleine air painters use it a lot because it is so portable.

It costs about $200 a sheet locally, $80-$90 on line, but the shipping is about $100, so it kills the savings somewhat.

You do not need a middle brace as it is quite stable.

[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Sharon! I guess I will have to research who might sell it in the Atlanta area, if anyone.

[Linda Brandon]

Julie and Sharon, I have a big sheet of Alumalite and I might try this BEVA application. (By the way, the Alumalite was around $95 for a 4' x 8' sheet from a local wholesaler, delivery included.)

[Julie Deane]

Thanks for the info, Linda!