Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Feb 1939)

(Plcwruncj U 'JutoviMnq Hit IhtcdViU . . . a department of news and guidance on design • decoration construction methods carpeting • furniture Special Decorations for Interiors of Wood Fibre By PETER KLEIN THE INCREASING USe of wood fibre boards and wood veneers in the finishing of interiors has brought about effective methods for treating them decoratively, not merely to enhance their natural beauty, but to provide variety in design. I have worked with almost all types of insulating boards, but my experience more recently has been largely with the wood-fibre veneer called Nu-Wood, and in discussing here the decoration of wood insulating materials, I deal specifically with this type. Nu-Wood is an acoustic and insulation board which can be readily applied to existing walls or ceilings, effectively modernizing them, and concealing damaged plaster surfaces and peeling paint. Most theatre owners are by this time aware of materials of this kind. I find, however, that people are not familiar with the decorative possibilities in the carving and painting of this material. But before going into methods of treatment, I want to point out a distinction between forms of wood insulating materials which my experience has taught me is important for the theatre. I probably am risking some pretty strong objections, but it is nevertheless my opinion that tile forms, either oblong or square, and plank styles are not suited to decoration for a theatre. The theatre needs a decorative treatment of its own, not one that is a copy of something done in a store or barber shop next door. I have found the large boards best suited to decoration for a theatre. Additionally, the large boards are cheaper than the other forms, they can be installed in less time, and when furring is to be done, they require fewer strips. Method of Decoration In general, the method used for decorating Nu-Wood boards consists in applying grooving and other special tools for the creation of original line and curve patterns, mural figures, floral designs, etc., then treating these with colors. By taking advantage of the architectural form of the interior, an appearance of so many wall boards laid monotonously side by side is avoided. The color enhances the natural beauty of the material itself and extends the variety possible in the whole interior treatment. The boards reach the theatre completely decorated, ready for installation. In applying the boards, I have found, in addition to the usual cement or adhesive recommended by the manufacturers, a special nail to be effective — it is a needlepointed, cadmium-plated nail available in two lengths, 1}4 and 1/^ inches, which holds well even in metal lath and plaster construction, and when driven in properly, the head is almost invisible. Where patrons would have close vision of the wall surface, this method is recommended: Raise the nap of the material slightly, then press down again in place over the nail head. When this is done, it is almost impossible to tell where the nails are located. Acoustic Factors in Painting Since Nu-Wood, like other finishing materials of its class, has sound-absorbing characteristics, which are frequently a considered factor in the treatment of the auditorium, it must be painted so as not to close its pores if it is to have any acoustic function. A casein paint is my own recommendation, diluted so as to be entirely nonbridging, but not so thin that the color loses its richness. Oil paints are permissible, of course, where there are no acoustic considerations. For wainscoting, it is usually desirable to employ a material somewhat harder than the regular fibre veneers adapted to the upper walls and ceiling. When it is desired to have the wainscoting blend with the upper walls, one may use a special wainscot type of Nu-Wood board which has a ripple effect in its texture, is of suitable hardness, and is washable. [Mr. Klein is a designer with studios in Buffalo, N. Y. — The Editor.] Beginning in the next issue FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THEATRE CARPETING . . . this series of illustrated articles will deal with fundamental considerations in the selection and maintenance of woven floor coverings . . . and the. first article, in the February 4th issue, will inaugurate a new departmental service on carpeting, appearing in every issue. January 7, 1939 29