The Upholstery Forum

Hey guys not sure what you guys use to make templates. I seen a guy use this Ram Board to make template for metal work. I bought a roll a few weeks ago. Will be using to make templates for patterns and fabrication needs. Sells for around $30 a roll
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ram-Board-3 ... /202823781

@Trimmerman79 <

I am clear plastic all the way and the more moldable and flexible the better. I have used newspaper as well.

That Ram Board would be good for somethings for sure!

Wow, thanks. Good find. I make patterns all the time for dirrerent metalworking and woodworking projects. Sometimes I do a layout in SolidWorks and print it full scale, then glue the printout to chipboard (or sometimes even the actual metal for the part) and cut/drill/etc.

This I am going to have to go look for real cool!

Here is another idea. I was just looking at RamBoard on Amazon and saw this clear plastic self-adhesive carpet protector. This might work like clear vinyl with temp tack for making seat and door panel patterns. Or it might be too thin or too stretchy. Might be worth checking out, it would be pretty convenient though

Funny. I actually had some leftover (1/2 roll) from home remodeling and I used it for templates. I always thought about better material but it worked. My only problem (small problem) with it - it stays "rolled" so you have to really weight down those templates when transferring to material.

BigRig wrote: ↑Fri Dec 14, 2018 6:16 am @Trimmerman79 <

I am clear plastic all the way and the more moldable and flexible the better. I have used newspaper as well.

That Ram Board would be good for somethings for sure!

Yeah your right, if I was doing a pattern on a seat foam or a flexible part then I wouldn’t use this. This would be used more for metal, wood, acrylic, vinyl, leather. I have transfer transparent protection film I use. It’s a green film that is transparent and protect the vehicle interior from being scratched. Made by Tesa tape. All the big car audio shops in the country use to protect high end cars they are working on.

Joemcglynn wrote: ↑Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:45 pm Here is another idea. I was just looking at RamBoard on Amazon and saw this clear plastic self-adhesive carpet protector. This might work like clear vinyl with temp tack for making seat and door panel patterns. Or it might be too thin or too stretchy. Might be worth checking out, it would be pretty convenient though

Yeah i think this would be to thin. But could work for others though. The kind I use doesn’t stretch and is very durable but then. It also has a adhesive backing that doesn’t leave glue residue. You can pull up several times and the adhesive is still pretty good to stick again.

Here is the green protective film I use. I use it to protect the interior of high end vehicle from being marked, scratched, dinged and spilled on. As you can see it the picture it is transparent as well. Great for making templates on foam on seats, consoles , door panels and whatever.

-Protection of various surfaces against dust and damage
-Appliance surface protection
-Temporary automotive surface protection

That film looks really good and lays flat too!

Big rig what clear plastic to you use?

@Jayscanvas ,

I buy it in rolls, usually has a paper back with drawn boats, furniture or cars on it. @john uses it too and I am not sure if it has a brand name.

Where do you buy it from bigrig

BigRig wrote: ↑Sat Dec 15, 2018 5:51 am That film looks really good and lays flat too!

Yep it lays flat very well without wrinkles. Just expensive lol &#128514;

That stuff looks pretty similar to the chipboard I use all the time. Chip board is pretty cheep. Around $1 a sheet.

That clear paint protection film is an awesome idea @Trimmerman79