Another Very Large Map of Nova Scotia

If you remember when we made the custom map of Nova Scotia on a grey weathered backer board a few weeks ago, then you remember we had the negative ready to create a second map. So that’s what we did. Here is a close up of the details on the Cape Breton end of the map. The dime is there for size and scale.

This is where we left off once the initial map was cut out. The one on the bottom is the one we are working with for this project.

Jim cut out a backboard from luan (thin plywood) the exact same size as the plywood cutout. Then he started working on the frame, cutting the four pieces from poplar.

We decided to give the frame mitered corners for a cleaner look.

After the frame was glued and nailed together he laid it in place but nothing was attached together yet. Here it is still in three pieces: the cutout map, the backboard, and frame.

This is where I take over painting the backboard and frame. We decided to go with black again. Both parts required two coats of paint with a hand sanding in between coats.

We weren’t fond of the sheen once it was painted, so Jim took the pieces out to the workshop and gave a final light sanding just to knock back the shine a little.

Then it was time for assembly. Jim used glue between the map and the backboard as well as nails to hold everything snug. He was being very careful to send the nails in on an angle but I think the tips of two of them came through the front. He was able to get those nails out though.

We put a coat of wax on the natural wood part which only darkened it slightly, and gave it a nice soft sheen.

Here is the finished product hanging on the wall. It is really large and I love it. It measures 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. It will be posted for sale on our gallery page.

And just for fun here is the positive image map that came from the center of the cutout.

Later