portrait question

[tracyguy]

Hi can anyone help me. I have just cut out a portrait of my late Grandfather how passesd away recently and I was wondering as this is my first portrait, What do i put at the back? Is it black felt , black velvet or will just a painted backboard do. Thanks for your help.

Martin

[Oges]

The choice is up to you, some use black felt or velvet or other material, some paint the backing board black, I prefer to use a sheet of black art paper for mine.

[Travis]

It's all personal preference, but I like the look and texture of black felt. You can buy felt precut at most craft stores for 69 cents.

[tracyguy]

Thanks For your rapid response. I think I will try and get hold of some black felt and see what it looks like.

Thanks again

Martin

[Dan]

Martin, Walmart has 12" x 12" felt squares for 20 cents each in various colors. Here's my thought on the felt, if you are framing the portrait behind glass, felt looks great. If it will not be behind glass, the felt will collect dust. Now sure how hard it is to get the dust out, but a painted backer may be easier to clean.

[tracyguy]

good tip Dan thanks for the help.

Martin

[Marshall]

I myself Martin , used the painted backer board . this way if I ever wanted to re-fresh it - all I would have to do is hit it with some more paint ...and you can tell by this that I didn't glue the pieces together ....MB

[Mick]

Martin, I leave all my portraits natural. I use 1/8" luan for a backer. I either stain it a dark color or paint it. Then I stain or paint the frame to match the backer. Have never put glass on one, but can see how felt would attract dust. I use the brush on a vacuum to clean mine.

 

Mick