Backer placement

[breadstick]

I've just started doing portraits, but this should apply to most things we cut.  What size do you make your backers if you sandwich a piece of felt between them and the cut piece?  Ideally I'd like it to all be one size, but if I use a plywood backer (probably 1/8") the side you can see would be different than the main piece.  Do you normally make the backer a bit smaller to hide it if you can?

[Gordster]

The majority of portraits I do, I put them under glass in frames.

I just use posterboard as backer and cut it the same as the glass.

At one time I used felt, but it gets bunched up in the frame.

[edward]

I use felt all the time for my portraits, I glue it to the back of the portrait with spray glue, then trim, never had a problem.  edward

[Denny Knappen]

Owning a framing shop has another advantage.  We always have small pieces of mat board which I use as the backer.  Fit in a frame and no one notices.

[Scrappile]

I use posterboard.  Spray the back of the picture and lay the posterboard on it.  Cut the posterboard the size of the wood the picture is scrolled in. 

[Ron Johnson]

I use foam being I like the backing to be as rich and dark as possible and cut to size of frame glass. If need be I'll tack glue a couple spots on back of portrait to adhere backing in place. If I need to replace the backing at a later date I then have no issues.

[jerry1939]

I don't use felt, so perhaps this may or may no help.  I only glue the cut piece directly to a painted backer.

 

First I make all the inside cuts.  Glue that to the painted backer.  Lastly, I cut the perimeter, which gives a perfect match.  Hope this gives you ideas Friend. 

 

jerry

[bandaideman]

I have done many of the same things. I have used construction paper cut to size, poster board, felt, plywood painted etc. I usually did put them in a frame with or without glass and not glueing but then the back of the frame would not fit back on. I have decided I like it without the glass whcih helps with the fit of the back. Portraits don'e seem to sell well around here so I don't do them much any more. The issue I had with felt is little particles stick to it easily and dust or airborn things so don't use that anymore. I have had better luck selling with use of the bass wood rounds with bark on and the portrait centered. works good with animals but people are fine also. I do glue a 1/8 or 1/16 in backer on it to hide the back. Just some of my thoughts. Like most things just comes down to personal preference and what customers or friends like.

[WayneMahler]

I attach felt to the backer board then glue the art to it. Once in the frame everything stays safe and put.

[amazingkevin]

I'm poor and use construction paper for my backers when needed .they come in a rainbow of colors at the dollar store 2 for a dollar

 

I've just started doing portraits, but this should apply to most things we cut.  What size do you make your backers if you sandwich a piece of felt between them and the cut piece?  Ideally I'd like it to all be one size, but if I use a plywood backer (probably 1/8") the side you can see would be different than the main piece.  Do you normally make the backer a bit smaller to hide it if you can?

[NC Scroller]

I use mat board or painted 1/8" plywood for my framed portraits. 90% of the time my background is black.

[Bill WIlson]

Like most others replying in this thread, I prefer to use frames for portraits.  I think they look more finished that way.  I make my own, so they are custom cut to fit whatever size I make the portrait.  I don't think I would use felt as a backer, myself.  I would be afraid of it being more of a dust magnet, over time.  I use mat board or colored ply.  I don't paint or stain the ply anymore, because I've had it cause some issues with glue adhesion.  I've recently been experimenting with fabric dye and so far, I like it a lot.  Quick and easy to apply, gives a nice rich color and doesn't seem to interfere with the glue.

[breadstick]

Thanks, everyone. I bought some felt this weekend and might give it a shot with some smaller pieces later, but I got some black foam board that works well and looks great.  I love wood grain, so some projects get a coat of ebony stain on thin birch plywood with no sealer.  Looks great, but more cost and weight.

[Denny Knappen]

I am sure most of you live near a custom frame shop.  We have mat board fall outs which could be free or little cost.  Check it out.

[Lucky2]

Nathan, I use 1/8" birch plywood, or 1/8" masonite. My backers are always the same size as the portrait cutting, and are usually painted black. Every so often, I'll need the backer to be the frame. When this happens, I place a small washer up against the side of the cutting which is sitting on paper. Then, I insert a pen or pencil in the hole in the washer and trace around the exterior of the cutting.

Len

[JimErn]

Nathan, I use 1/8" birch plywood, or 1/8" masonite. My backers are always the same size as the portrait cutting, and are usually painted black. Every so often, I'll need the backer to be the frame. When this happens, I place a small washer up against the side of the cutting which is sitting on paper. Then, I insert a pen or pencil in the hole in the washer and trace around the exterior of the cutting.

Len

Thanks for that, a simple elegant solution

[NC Scroller]

Nathan, I use 1/8" birch plywood, or 1/8" masonite. My backers are always the same size as the portrait cutting, and are usually painted black. Every so often, I'll need the backer to be the frame. When this happens, I place a small washer up against the side of the cutting which is sitting on paper. Then, I insert a pen or pencil in the hole in the washer and trace around the exterior of the cutting.Len

I have a little bag of washers in various sizes just for this purpose.