How to Use POLY CINE Plaques for Set Walls
By Matphoto | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and secure POLY CINE plaques as lightweight, reusable set walls for film and photo studios. Step-by-step guide with practical tips.
Quick answer
POLY CINE plaques are lightweight polystyrene boards that you can quickly mount as temporary set walls. Choose the right thickness, secure them with holders, and finish the surface for your scene.
Choosing the right thickness for your set wall
POLY CINE plaques come in different thicknesses, typically 3 cm or 5 cm. A 3 cm plaque is lighter and easier to cut, making it a good choice for temporary walls that don't need to support heavy fixtures. A 5 cm plaque offers more rigidity and is better for walls that will hold lightweight lighting or props. Both sizes are 2 x 1 m, which is a practical panel size for most studio layouts.
Mounting options and stability
You can mount POLY CINE plaques directly to a frame or use a dedicated polystyrene holder like the PORTE POLYSTIRENE - 5CM. This holder keeps the plaque upright and stable without damaging the board. For freestanding walls, attach the plaque to a C-stand or a lightweight frame using grip clips. Avoid over-tightening, as the polystyrene can compress.
Step-by-step: Setting up a POLY CINE set wall
- 1. Select your plaque thickness: Choose a 3 cm plaque for lighter, temporary walls or a 5 cm plaque for more rigidity. Both are 2 x 1 m panels. A 5 cm plaque is stiffer but heavier; a 3 cm plaque is easier to cut and handle.
- 2. Prepare the mounting surface: Place the plaque on a clean, dry floor. If using a frame, ensure it is level and wide enough to support the full panel width. A warped frame will cause the plaque to sit unevenly, creating gaps at the seams.
- 3. Secure the plaque to a holder or frame: Insert the plaque into a PORTE POLYSTIRENE holder or attach it to a C-stand with grip clips. For a wall-to-wall setup, butt multiple plaques together and tape the seams. Do not overtighten grip clips — polystyrene compresses easily and may crack.
- 4. Finish the surface for your scene: Paint the plaque with water-based paint or cover it with fabric. Avoid solvent-based paints that can dissolve the polystyrene. Test a small area first to confirm the paint does not damage the board.
- 5. Dismantle and store flat: Remove the plaques carefully to avoid bending. Store them flat in a dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent warping. Stacking plaques without protection can cause surface scratches — use a thin sheet between panels.
Products mentioned
- PLAQUE POLY 2X1M - POLY CINE: The PLAQUE POLY 2X1M - POLY CINE is a 5 cm thick poly cine board designed for grip, rigging, and rental use. Its 5 cm thickness provides extra rigidity, making it suitable for set walls that need to hold lightweight fixtures or stand without flexing.
PLAQUE POLY 2X1M - POLY CINE - PLAQUE POLY 2 X 1M- EPAISSEUR 3CM: PLAQUE POLY 2 X 1M- EPAISSEUR 3CM is a 3 cm thick consumable panel from Matphoto. The 3 cm panel is lighter and easier to cut, ideal for temporary walls or curved set pieces where weight and flexibility matter.
PLAQUE POLY 2 X 1M- EPAISSEUR 3CM - PORTE POLYSTIRENE - 5CM: PORTE POLYSTIRENE - 5CM is a polystyrene holder designed for regie and rental use. Using a dedicated holder keeps the plaque upright and stable without damaging the board, speeding up setup and teardown.
