Making a Large Nova Scotia Map

We had another order come in for a custom size map of Nova Scotia. The customer requested it be on a rustic backboard measuring 48 x 24 inches. That makes for a large, heavy, finished piece. Here is the template we printed out for this project.

But first things first, we needed weathered boards for the backboard and you will never guess where we got them.

Yup, we took two battens off the shipping container.

These are the perfect color for the backboard of the map. We replaced the two boards with newer boards and in no time they will match the rest. Or we will have a lovely stripped container with more projects on the horizon. Its all good.

So it would seem we have a never ending supply of weathered boards. Perfect. The other side of the container sees much less sun and so they are slower to turn grey.

Back in the workshop, Jim cut the boards to length and added wood strips to the back of them to hold them together.

Then, with the vinyl template in place it was time to start cutting out the map.

The process of cutting such a large map took about 3 hours. Jim chose a rainy day for the task. For the ends of the backboard, since they were fresh cuts, we decided to do a light grey stain for them to blend in better and not look freshly cut.

Here is the result. We can use the negative to create another map for sale. It just needs a painted backboard and frame.

We weren’t finished yet. The customer requested the map be painted white. Usually we would just use a paint brush or even a small roller for a map of this size. But, they also requested that the sides be painted. It would take too long with a brush, ain’t nobody got time for that. So Jim broke out the paint sprayer and added a little water to the paint so it would flow better.

After checking on it the next day, it required a light sanding and a second spray. Especially along the edges.

The Cape Breton end of the map is kinda fragile in the sense that it is hanging on by a very thin piece of the board. With the painting finished, it was time to attach it to the backboard. They requested it be attached directly to the backboard with no spacers.

Here is the finished map.

It could also be displayed outdoors, in case you didn’t know.

This was a fun project. We really enjoy doing these, plus now we have potential weathered backboards galore. This one was shipped in the mail.

Later