Backer Color

[oldhudson]

I'm working on this Steve Good pattern and because I don't have nearly the experience with scroll work as many of you I wanted an opinion on the backer color. The stock is a bit over  1/4" so it's a long way to the backer color. It looks like Steve used a black or dark brown. But if you are not looking directly at the cutting it's hard to see any backer color. At first I thought red would be good but for visibility perhaps white?

 

Anyway please give me you opinions and reasons if you care to share.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

I don't know what happened to the picture, it was there when I previewed?  Here is a link to the plan & pic:

http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/2014/01/you-hold-key-to-my-heart.html

Edited February 10, 2016 by oldhudson

[dgman]

Well Berry, it appears you forgot to load the picture!

[Ron Johnson]

My preference Berry when doing portraits is â…›" Baltic Birch with a black background attached. I also prefer them framed. This is my liking. Everyone has their own preference for a background. Go with the one to your liking and gut feeling. You will never be wrong.

Edited February 10, 2016 by Ron Johnson

[Lucky2]

Berry, I always use a black backer board. My reason for always using black, is that black matches up with pretty much every color there is. So, no matter where you place the object on display, it will always match the color of the room.

Len

[Scrolling Steve]

I usually stick to basic black for most pieces !

[lawson56]

I agree with the rest Black,unless the customer asks for a different color.On a rear occasion I will paint a flag behind my work.

[NC Scroller]

Black works 80% of the time.  The other 20% you have to experiment and see what goes best.  Remember everyone's taste is different.  Even where you plan to hang the item as it may drive the colors.  For example if one was to hang a piece on a dark paneling wall a lighter color would be better then a dark.  Also consider if your piece is to be framed.  If using a brown colored frame black will not likely be the best choice for your backing. 

[Kepy]

I have traditionally used black as a backer but have been finding that red or bright blue work also.  Don't care so much for green or yellow.

[oldhudson]

I was think I could put different colors of construction paper behind and get an idea, before I drag out a can of paint. But black certainly seems like the color of choice and I can see why now. Thanks.

[Scrappile]

You are doing that "you hold the key to my heart" piece?  I normally use black on pictures like everyone else.  However this is not a picture and I assume it is for Valentine's Day, I'd sure be tempted to see what red would like with it.  Just have to throw a little mix in the discussion here.

[heppnerguy]

I also prefer black for the background because it gives the most contrast to most items. However if you remember I choose red for the last box I made my wife and I think it was the better choice for this one. Like Paul said, if it is for Valentines Day, Red might be the better choice. Use your idea with the paper backer, I like that idea a lot.   Good luck, and let us see the end results

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[sullyscroller]

On fretwork I use black felt 95% of the time or red felt for my valentine stuff. Glue the felt to the back with wood glue.

 

sully

[ike]

I usually use black, but if it is a pattern that you stack I may use a different color that would look good with the cutting If it is for sale I give the customer a choice.  of whiche looks best to them.

[Phantom Scroller]

When I did mine in 1/4" oak I did no back and Steve just had a ply back. Roly

 

http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/gallery/image/6564-key-to-my-heart/

[WayneMahler]

I normally stay with black, especially for portrait work. With hearts and the like I change to red. Same applies to the piece depending on the theme. The piece you are asking about, looks to be black behind it, attach the backer board then cut the outside and sand. Replace the key and finish as you desire. Hope I understood your question.

[woodduck]

I also  use a black backer 80% of the time ,I find it makes it stand out much better & easier to read especially on the fine script ones.I also test by using different colours of paper,Dark blue also works well sometimes.Cheers Peter.

[Sparkey]

I find that 99 percent of what I cut looks best with a black background.

[oldhudson]

Thanks to one and all for your comments and suggestions.

 

In the end I went to JoAnn's Fabric and found this item that I thought added some 'bling' to the project. It glued find and was easy to cut with scissors or an xacto knife. It was a couple of bucks.

 

 

I posted a couple pictures of the final project under the section "bragging rights".

[amazingkevin]

I'm working on this Steve Good pattern and because I don't have nearly the experience with scroll work as many of you I wanted an opinion on the backer color. The stock is a bit over  1/4" so it's a long way to the backer color. It looks like Steve used a black or dark brown. But if you are not looking directly at the cutting it's hard to see any backer color. At first I thought red would be good but for visibility perhaps white?

 

Anyway please give me you opinions and reasons if you care to share.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

I don't know what happened to the picture, it was there when I previewed?  Here is a link to the plan & pic:

http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/2014/01/you-hold-key-to-my-heart.html

 Complimentary colors work good