Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I've seen some nice results of papering with maps on the interior walls of teardrops. I can't find any references to how they accomplished it. Anyone have an suggestions? I'm thinking topo maps and road maps. Wallpaper paste? Sealed or unsealed finish? I'm not going for perfection, rather, I'm thinking of using some old used maps. Wrinkles are OK. Curled up edges... not so much. Thanks, Tim

TimC wrote:I've seen some nice results of papering with maps on the interior walls of teardrops. I can't find any references to how they accomplished it. Anyone have an suggestions? I'm thinking topo maps and road maps. Wallpaper paste? Sealed or unsealed finish? I'm not going for perfection, rather, I'm thinking of using some old used maps. Wrinkles are OK. Curled up edges... not so much. Thanks, Tim

I remember seeing those; but, try as I might, I can’t find them either. Maybe somebody else will chime in. If not, here’s my two cents:

All maps are not created equal and some may be made more cheaply and the print may decide to run. In case the print/colors used in the map might react with whatever product you decide to use, spray them first with a clear spray sealant of some sort. Don't try to brush a sealant on as I tried that with some paper leaves that I made and the brush smeared the print. I would glue them on, as artistically as you want, maybe using Titebond II or some other water clean-up, water-proof once dry glue. Elemer's glue might be okay. It's best to experiment on a test piece before you do it on your walls. Once you are sure how the maps will perform, you'll know what you can get away with. Once your test piece is sealed and glued, see how it reacts with your final sealer. Yes, I think you should use a final sealer because you'll want to encase the edges so that they can't come loose. What to use for a map sealer and wall sealer depends on the effect you want. If you want the maps to look a little yellowed and older, use spray-on Spar Varethane, followed by more of either spray or brushed on Spar Varethane, following the instructions. If you want a clear finish, go to a local crafts store and purchase a clear spray sealer and follow with a Min-Wax clear sealer; again, following product instructions. Sprays will give a more matte finish. Brushing will usually give a more satin finish.

Below is a Kraft paper floor where you can see that I was just starting to add the leaves.



The base Kraft paper was done by coating the floor with varethane first then using the same varethane to lay and glue the leaves and then, to seal the final product. The base Kraft paper will wrinkle and bubble if done this way. However, after spray-sealing the leaves, I found that they didn’t wrinkle or bubble when applied.

Sorry I couldn’t help more; but at least, this will give you some ideas.

Love the Kraft and leaves Sharon. Thanks for the reply. I did one trial with a topo map glued to 1/8" lauan with 3M 77 spray adhesive. It work OK, but, the edges curled and I had to press it until the glue dried. Pressing won't be so bad as I intend to do the gluing while the walls are laying on their sides. Was thinking about painting the wall and adding the maps before the paint sets. That might be a mess if the edges need weight until the paint dries.

Plan B... I tried the topo maps with wallpaper paste. The topo maps went on nice and flat, but, as they set up bubbles developed that I couldn't flatten out due to the weakness of the paper. It tore easily. Before it set up I wetted everything down and peeled them all off. I really didn't like the look of the topo maps plastered all over the wall, so, I think I will try to treat another map with clear finish of some type and let that dry flat, then apply to the wall with wallpaper paste. Probably just one nice map on each inside wall rather than total coverage.

You don't need much...just a light spray to keep the paper smooth. Don't drench it. Too much might cause the paper to bubble or wrinkle.

Oh! If the map has fold lines, you can get rid of those before spraying by using an iron on a fairly cool setting. (When I've needed a new-looking money bill for a gift, I've used this trick.)

There is stuff called Mod Podge we used to use to stick pictures to wood don't know why it wouldn't work for this too.

lrrice wrote:There is stuff called Mod Podge we used to use to stick pictures to wood don't know why it wouldn't work for this too.

There are various types of Mod Podge. If I were to try it, I would use the outdoor one that is waterproof. Also, the surface that it is being used on should be waterproofed in some way so that no water gets in between the surface and the item being glued on. (That's an automatic thought to most of us; but, some might not think of it.)

http://www.amazon.com/Podge-CS11220-8-O ... B001681ZA4

S. Heisley wrote:

lrrice wrote:There is stuff called Mod Podge we used to use to stick pictures to wood don't know why it wouldn't work for this too.

There are various types of Mod Podge. If I were to try it, I would use the outdoor one that is waterproof. Also, the surface that it is being used on should be waterproofed in some way so that no water gets in between the surface and the item being glued on. (That's an automatic thought to most of us; but, some might not think of it.)

http://www.amazon.com/Podge-CS11220-8-O ... B001681ZA4

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. For now I have just painted the interior walls. After finishing most of the cabin interior I now realize there is very little wall space for maps anyway. I will keep the mop podge stuff idea in the back of my mind as I think I will pick up postcards as I travel and glue them to available wall space. Can't wait until I start my travels. Probably next spring as we are expecting freezing temps in a few days and I still have weeks to finish the TD.

TimC wrote:

S. Heisley wrote:

lrrice wrote:There is stuff called Mod Podge we used to use to stick pictures to wood don't know why it wouldn't work for this too.

There are various types of Mod Podge. If I were to try it, I would use the outdoor one that is waterproof. Also, the surface that it is being used on should be waterproofed in some way so that no water gets in between the surface and the item being glued on. (That's an automatic thought to most of us; but, some might not think of it.)

http://www.amazon.com/Podge-CS11220-8-O ... B001681ZA4

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. For now I have just painted the interior walls. After finishing most of the cabin interior I now realize there is very little wall space for maps anyway. I will keep the mop podge stuff idea in the back of my mind as I think I will pick up postcards as I travel and glue them to available wall space. Can't wait until I start my travels. Probably next spring as we are expecting freezing temps in a few days and I still have weeks to finish the TD.

Tim, you just gave me an idea. Why not use corkboard for the back splash. Then one could pin postcards, photos and what not on them.

lrrowe wrote:

TimC wrote:

S. Heisley wrote:

lrrice wrote:There is stuff called Mod Podge we used to use to stick pictures to wood don't know why it wouldn't work for this too.

There are various types of Mod Podge. If I were to try it, I would use the outdoor one that is waterproof. Also, the surface that it is being used on should be waterproofed in some way so that no water gets in between the surface and the item being glued on. (That's an automatic thought to most of us; but, some might not think of it.)

http://www.amazon.com/Podge-CS11220-8-O ... B001681ZA4

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. For now I have just painted the interior walls. After finishing most of the cabin interior I now realize there is very little wall space for maps anyway. I will keep the mop podge stuff idea in the back of my mind as I think I will pick up postcards as I travel and glue them to available wall space. Can't wait until I start my travels. Probably next spring as we are expecting freezing temps in a few days and I still have weeks to finish the TD.

Tim, you just gave me an idea. Why not use corkboard for the back splash. Then one could pin postcards, photos and what not on them.

Just chiming in with my two cents...
I bought Bohemian's beautiful woodie, and it is wallpapered with maps. It looks awesome, if I do say so myself ;-)
Anyway, he said he just used wall paper paste. I think the key is to not just slap up plain old map. He cut out the interesting parts and pieced them together.
It seems like it rains every time I go camping, and I got some water damage to the paper around the doors. I will be adding new paper soon, and will probably just use wallpaper paste like he did. Maybe I'll also add a coating of waterproof Mod Podge over it just to be safe ;-)