I use the original cardboard from the frame and use black felt attached by spray adhesive.

I use mat board for a temporary and/or permanent backing. It can be attached with double sided tape for temp or glue for permanent.

Sometimes you can obtain scrap backing from hobby shops very cheaply. I obtain large bundles from Hobby Lobby locally for $5. You don't have choice of color but at this price you can afford to throw some of it away.

 

Smitty

I use black scrapebook paper that they sell at Walmart in the craft section.  It comes with about 20 sheets and comes and you can buy pretty much any color you want.  And it is a little thicker than construction paper and less fiberous.

 

Gil

I've found that almost any fabric looks great behind a portrait style of cutting.  It really gives it that finished professional look.  I hang on to any dark fabric that I think might work.  It's easy to set the piece on it and find just the right one for the right job.  I adhere with a thin bead of hot glue and you can stretch it pretty tight that way.  ~Andy

Doug,

 

I used to use felt squares but, sometimes it left fuzzies.  Now I have been using black poster board.  Its easy to cut and looks just as good also not as thick.  I've bought it in a 5 pack at staples. 

 

Kelly

Doug,

 

For any of the work that I have put a backing on, I use Mat Board.  You can get it from any arts and craft store.  If you can find a local frame shop, you can probably get thier left over mat board for cheap or free.

 

Al

Hi,  I'm a new member here today.  I just finished a horse project, and used 1/8 wainscotting material I got at Lowes.  It's a leather look material.  They also had many different colors, patterns, and textures available.  My album has the white stallion using the leather look stuff.  I spray painted behind the horse then glued it on.

 

My album: http://groups.msn.com/scrollsawportraits/joetrentsattempts.msnw?Page=1

Great job Joe!!  Great job of cutting, great eye for incorporating something a bit different.  I'll have to look for that material.  Thanks for posting ... you may be a new member but it doesn't look like you're "new" on the scrollsaw.  Excellent work!!  ~Andy

I agree with Andy. Like the choice of the backing material on the horse head.

 

Tom(tas2181)

Thanks for the nice words.  Scrolling is brand new to me.  I have about 5 days on the saw.  I'm not new to woodworking though.  The idea of the wainscott comes from the lack of any decent woodworking outlets in the near area.  The big stores have very limited 1/8 and 1/4 wood available as you all know, so trying different things has become routine.  Hopefully, someday they'll realize there is a crafters market out there.  Seeing and reading all the great projects and ideas generated by the folks on this site are truly inspirational.  Thanks everyone.

I don't know if any of you will like my idea, but I have been using the stiff black felt for the backing of my portraits and everyone seems to like it. I buy it in pieces at Walmart but I think the official name for it is Eazy Felt or something like that. I don't have a fraying problem and it is stiff enough to fit in the frame with the portrait. 

I've used stiff felt, spray glued directly to the back of the workpiece, then

use a backer board to make sure it will never come off. I like it because

it leaves no gaps between the work and the felt. I've tried velvet glued to

a backer board too. It creates lots of fuzz, and the glues doesn't hold it well.

I use black foam board.  It's thick, 3/16", but it looks great.

 

Kevin

Doug, I have used felt squares from Michael's(craft store) & now using the 2mm thick foam sheets from Michael's. They are only 9"x 12" & in different colors if you want. The size is the only problem. The felt was larger. Good luck.  LARRY