A Simple Ocean Effect...

Step 6: Finishing the Display Base

My displays consist of mounting the IMEX display case’s base to an oak board that has been cut to size, routered, stained and protected with a polyurethane finish coat.

I also apply felt to the bottom of the base. I use STICK-IT-FELT’s Stiffened Adhesive Backed Felt that I obtain from HOBBY LOBBY. I like this type of felt because it has a ridged, adhesive backing and its cuts easily without stretching or fraying.

Just cut the felt sheets to size, peel away the paper backing and position it on the board and press down on it to adhere it permanently. Most often, you will need to apply more than one piece of felt to cover the entire bottom of the display board. The edges of this ridged felt allow for tight and almost invisible seams between the separate pieces of felt.










With an epoxy glue and clamps, I attach the completed display case base to the prepared oak display board. I have found that the more glue the better, here. In my first attempts, I used thin coats of the epoxy and the display case later detached from the oak base. I haven’t had this problem since being more liberal with the epoxy in this step.










After the epoxy has set up, but not necessarily cured completely, I remove the clamps and allow the epoxy to fully cure without them.

With the display case cover in place and the nameplate attached, my model is now ready for its new home in my display cabinet.