Finishing background plates/blocks

Tanner Schudlich
on 13 Aug 26 (07:04)
Updated 14 Aug 26 (05:20)

I was wondering if anyone had any tips about how I can finish some birch plywood sheets to use for background color fields. I really just need to make sure my ink doesn’t soak in so I was thinking of using shellac or some sort of clear coat.

Steve Varvaro
on 13 Aug 26 (09:31)

Tanner,
Not sure whether you are trying to get the wood’s texture to print or just want an interesting background pattern.
If it is for texture, you can try mounting vinyl tile on wood that makes it type high. I have done this successfully several times. See attached pix. Similarly, you can use a flat, non-textured tile if you just want a solid background.
The photo of the finished piece is a little askew, sorry.
Steve Varvaro
SouthpawPrinters.com

IMG_2888 v2.jpeg

IMG_2896 v2.jpeg

IMG_2936.jpeg

Tanner Schudlich
on 13 Aug 26 (17:00)

Oh, I hadn’t thought about using tile like this! Peel and stick tile would actually bring what I have just about to type high, I imagine. It does add some nice texture and I might give this a try in the future. Thanks for sharing, Steve!

cmcgarr
on 14 Aug 26 (11:12)

I use Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane on MDF and wood to seal it.

Casey
Inky Lips Press

varathane.jpg

Arie Koelewyn
on 16 Aug 26 (09:15)

I use craft foam (EVA foam) sheets from Michael’s. Very cheap, prints well and doesn’t break down. Easy to cut into shapes with either scissors or Xacto knife. I mount it with vinyl double stick tape on 3/4” MDF and underlay with a few bits of 6 point slugs in the corners. Just about perfect for height.