Need some input here....

[John Keeton]

We have some friends that have been married 50 years, and their children are giving them a surprise anniversary party. Thought it might be neat to do a cherry platter for them.

I had the laser engraving done (I know, you guys thought I did that with a pocket knife, didn't ya'?:D), and I intend to fill the "50" with gold paint or leaf. My original thought was to do the circular lettering, as well, but now I am undecided on whether to just rub in some darker coloring.

Thoughts?

By the way, I don't think anyone on SMC knows these folks, but if you do, and you happen upon this thread, please keep the secret!!;)

[Ken Fitzgerald]

John,

Personally I like your idea of a gold 50 and the other letter something dark. To me if everything was gilded, it would be unsightly. JMHO.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Beautiful work John! Real nice job on the laser etching!

First thing I thought of was that this great looking platter is out of Cherry and it is going to darken - a lot - with time. I can see the 50 getting leafed or something to bring it out but I am not 100% sure what to do with the lettering. Tempted to just leave the lettering alone because it looks great as is...

Good luck with this! Please post a photo once it is finished!

[Don Alexander]

+1 on what Ken said and thats a first class platter BTW then again thats no surprise at all :D

[David DeCristoforo]

I'm seeing the lettering in black. As the cherry patinas over time, the lettering is going to get harder to read if left as is (MMHO)

[David E Keller]

My two cents? I'd leave it as is. I worry that any coloring will result in losing some of the crisp detail from the laser. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[Josh Bowman]

John, +1 of David K. I think it looks classy like it is.

[Dee Gallo]

You might want to consider putting the gold into the rim lettering and NOT in the big 50. The reason is that color filling larger areas with gold paint is difficult to get even unless you mask and spray the paint. Gold leaf is another discussion and would look beautiful if you know how to do it.

If you did do the 50 with gold, I vote for darkening the small lettering to create contrast. Filling only part of the engraving will look "unfinished" kind of.

So my opinion is all or nothing. It's a beautiful platter, John and the wood could stand on its own nicely. Sometimes people over decorate and ruin the craftsmanship of a piece. I would make sure it's exceptionally smooth, though, as there are bound to be many hands running it over when they see it.

cheers, dee

[Jeff Nicol]

John, I like the way it is too, the gold would look good on the 50 also. I think that as it ages over time the engraving will still maintain its readability because of the shadows and the natural darkness of the burnt areas. No matter what you do it is a wonderful piece and they will be thrilled to recieve it!

Great job,

Jeff

[Jim Burr]

It is the Golden Anniversary so the gold would be apropriate and also look real cool!:D

[Thom Sturgill]

It looks so good as is, I would hesitate to do anything to it. I like the understated color difference and think, gold anniversary or not, I would leave it. get a gold toned plate rack if you want to emphasize the gold.

[Greg Just]

I would start with the "50" and decide. It might be too much gold. Nice job on the platter.

[Fred Perreault]

John, I think that the platter is fabulous looking, and my choice would be to leave it natural with no embellishments to the lettering. We are woodworkers, anfd generally I think that people enjoy our work "au natural". The fact that the lettering was done by another "carving" specialist certainly doesn't detract from the finished product. In fact, I think that the laser work enhances the appearance of your work.
The LOML and I are approaching our 50th (45), and I am jealous... :)

[Michael James]

Ditto on au natural. Very nice piece there John, and what a great gift. May they be around another 50 to enjoy it!

[steven carter]

John,

First of all, this is a really nice platter and it looks very good the way it is. I think when the cherry darkens, it may occlude the writing somewhat. When held in one's hands that wouldn't be a problem, but am wondering how it will appear when sitting on a mantle or shelf or on a wall. This leads me to think that gold on the "50" and black on the other lettering would make it easier to see from a distance.

Steve

[bob edwards]

I vote for leaving it as is. It's class, anything else will detract. Now and over time.

[John Keeton]

Guys and gals, thanks so much for the input - really have me thinking about this!! Please keep the comments coming!

I have looked at this platter several times while in the shop this evening. While I do think it looks good natural, from different angles it doesn't show the lettering as well. The laser cuts left/right, so from the side, one doesn't see as much of the "burn." I am afraid over time, even that contrast will be lost as the cherry darkens.

Right now, doing the 50 in gold (perhaps a burnished gold look??), and dark in the other lettering seems to be where I am leaning, but I welcome more comment.

And, Fred, congrats on the approaching 50!!

[Tony De Masi]

It's a tough one John. I think this particuar piece would really need to be seen in person to make a very critical choice in finishing. We don't see the detail that you do. With that being said, and seeing your personal creativity in your other pieces, only you can truly make this call.

Big help huh?

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

Excellent platter John.
My vote would be to make the 50 gold with REAL 23K gold leaf . I would not use any fake gold leaf. I've done a little gilding with real 23K gold leaf & there is a learning curve to get it right,however the results are well worth it.
If your uneasy with the gilding seek some help with it. As I said true Gold leaf is outstanding done correctly.

[James Combs]

My two cents? I'd leave it as is. I worry that any coloring will result in losing some of the crisp detail from the laser. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.


Another vote for what David said.

[Roger Chandler]

Because the lettering is going to likely darken at the same rate as the rest of the wood, I think a little darkening of the letters for contrast is in order. The lettering, in IMHO should stand out from the background, to draw attention to the purpose of the platter in the first place which is the commemoration of the couples anniversary.

It is very pretty as is, but the gold leaf will set it off, and the lettering could be darkened with something other than gold leaf, and still have a striking appearance and draw attention to the message more than the background..........just my rationale, and $.02.

By the way John, this is an exceptional work........as are most all of yours! :)

[Tom Wilson66]

John, beautiful job. I think it is great as is, if I did anything to it, I would put a "stripe" of gold in the space between the two outside grooves. This would provide a border to the lettering, and be in keeping with the 50 anniversary. I think making the "50" gold would be way too much gold. Just my 2 cents worth:D

[Rob Cunningham]

That's a beautiful platter John.
I like Tom's idea of a gold stripe around the outer rim. Then you could darken the lettering for contrast. It's hard to tell if gilding the 50, although nice looking, would be over-powering.

[Curt Fuller]

My two cents? I'd leave it as is. I worry that any coloring will result in losing some of the crisp detail from the laser. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Add my 2 cents for leaving it as is.

That sure is a nice platter and a nice gift too!

[Scott Hackler]

I'll vote for leave it alone. I have pondered this for a few days and think that even though it will darken and you'll loose some of the laser contrast, any treatment might hinder the crispness of the laser engraving.

I wonder, for future reference, if the fella with the engraver could do a piece and slow down the engraving process so that it really "burns" in the wood a lot darker. Of course there is probably a fine line between dark and on fire! :)

[Ken Glass]

John,
Another vote for "as is." It looks rich with the engraving and I think extra coloring would detract form the overall craftsmanship. Well done. Anyone would be proud to have it.

[Aaron Wingert]

I vote for leaving it as is. I don't think it needs anything done to the letters, and I honestly think doing so could really detract from the fact that it is a beautiful turning and a nice piece of wood with some classy laser work.

[John Keeton]

Lots of votes for leaving it as is!!! I have to admit, it does have a warmth about it that could be lost with the addition of gold. What about rubbing in just a little darkening to all the lettering so that from any angle one can appreciate the crispness of the engraving.
I wonder, for future reference, if the fella with the engraver could do a piece and slow down the engraving process so that it really "burns" in the wood a lot darker. Of course there is probably a fine line between dark and on fire! :)Scott, there may be a way to slow it down to cut deeper, but I don't think there is just for the blackness of the burn. I did have a previous piece run twice and it works great so long as one does not move the piece before the second pass. You mostly get more depth - I did not notice much difference in the darkness.

[Thom Sturgill]

What about rubbing in just a little darkening to all the lettering so that from any angle one can appreciate the crispness of the engraving

John, that would be just the ticket in my book!

[Baxter Smith]

Great looking platter John. I never particularly cared for any of the gold 50th anniversary dishes I have seen. Often there is just too much gold for my tastes. IMO there is nothing more elegant that understated elegance.
From the way it looks now, I think you have already achieved that. Darkening the lettering a bit may help preserve that for the future.

[Ron Bontz]

Nice touch.:)

[Mark Norman]

Lots of votes for leaving it as is!!! I have to admit, it does have a warmth about it that could be lost with the addition of gold. What about rubbing in just a little darkening to all the lettering so that from any angle one can appreciate the crispness of the engraving.

Bingo John!

maybee the addition of a gold border 'stripe' as mentioned just to guild the lilly so to say.

GREAT platter! The recipients will be pleased regardless.

[Kim Ford]

John;
This is a nice piece and will be very much appreciated.

I have done several of these types of pieces as presentation awards for horse events and the such. Each piece stands on it's own when it comes to the engraving depending upon how deep of a burn (number of passes and intensity) you have and the type of wood and the grain of wood. One of the things you need to think about is how the piece is going to be used or displayed. Your plate appears to be one that will probably be hung on the wall or set on a plate stand. It appears to me that from across the room the engraving will almost fade into the grain of the piece and will not really pop. Which if pop is what you are going for - opps. :-)

My own personal opinion is that you should do something. If not the message is not going to pop. I don't think I would use gold, simply because of the lack of contrast with the wood , I would probably go for black. My engraver uses is printers ink, she rubs it in and then cleans off the excess. I have never done this myself but the end results work for her, and the pieces turn out well. Just as a note: I always give here completely finished pieces so I assume that is why the printers ink on penetrates the engraved portion.

Again, nice piece.

[Steve Vaughan]

John, that's a really neat looking platter! I think it would be beautiful either way - leave as is, or color/leaf. I was wondering though, if you gold leaf it, seems like you'd be more successful if the bottom is smooth...looks like the etching might be a little rough, so I'd wondered how the leafing would actually come out. But I like the idea too of painting the 50, or even all the letters, black. Only concern I'd have with that is the bleeding into the shallow end grain on each number/letter. If you do that, you might be sure to seal the whole thing pretty good with shellac or similar. Beautiful work there!

[Dee Gallo]

John, if it helps you, here is a pic of a piece of cherry laser engraved a year ago. The wood was treated with Sam Maloof's oil/poly mix. The engraving darkened enough to show good contrast since the roughness of the engraving absorbs a lot of the finish. These letters are only 1/4" high.

cheers, dee

[Tom Godley]

I would vote for using black on the lettering and maybe a little color on the band going around the edge and leaving the center "50" as it is.

A local craftsman has been making me various chests, one of the features on them is a "saying for posterity" in spectacular lettering inside the lid. They are made from different wood species so the final color is always a little different. The lettering he choses is always monochromatic -- some are black with a little red others with a little green - even blue. I try to involve myself as little as possible when I commission a piece. When I go to his shop and seeother chests or a picture of those with specified details -- they almost always have too much embellishment - gold gets busy fast unless everything is gold. Simple speaks - complex yells. He will not color his raised monograms - even if you wanted him to ........sort of like your "50"

[John Keeton]

Some great comments, and Dee, thanks for the pic. I have a couple of coats of WOP on this already, including the lettering. While the finish didn't seem to enhance the lettering any, I don't think bleeding would be an issue with added color.

Black, with a little brown and red in it might be less stark, and still accomplish the idea. May try some of that. If I use acrylic paint, I can still put something else over it.

I will follow with pics when I get it done. Thanks to all!!

[Bernie Weishapl]

John I think it looks great as is. Can't wait to see it finished.

[Mike Cruz]

First of all, beautiful platter, but I suppose that is like telling Magic he's tall...

Anyway, IF you gold leaf anything, I think the 50 would be it. Any more would distract from the piece.

[Jo Ranum]

John I would also leave it alone. You did a beautiful job on the platter.:):)

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Some great comments, and Dee, thanks for the pic. I have a couple of coats of WOP on this already, including the lettering. While the finish didn't seem to enhance the lettering any, I don't think bleeding would be an issue with added color.

Black, with a little brown and red in it might be less stark, and still accomplish the idea. May try some of that. If I use acrylic paint, I can still put something else over it.

I will follow with pics when I get it done. Thanks to all!!

I thought this was all done already :o, hadn't really paid enough attention to it, being away and just giving short glances to the forums I post to,

But see it isn't yet, so John my thought on this is something like this, if you like/want to make it look like one of those commercial plaques you can buy and are given out for whatever reasons people and business can think about, (LOML had a couple dozen of those, (not quite as nice ;-)0) guess where they ended up) then absolutely make it gold colored numbers & lettering :D.

For an artistic piece that is given by close relatives and friends, it already looks almost too much like those pieces I was referring to, but still I do think a slightly darkening of the lettering/numbers would enhance the piece, good luck for you deciding on what to do, I'm sure the couple, knowing who made it does make a difference and it will be warmly accepted, doesn't matter what it looks like, it is the thought that counts, I'm sure you are aware of that :D

[John Keeton]

Leo, timely post!! I just finished filling the lettering. I appreciate all of the great suggestions - and, the compliments on the platter. After all was said and done, you all convinced me not to do the gold.

Ended up using some acrylic craft paint - Chocolate Cherry was the name. I felt that the really dark brown, with just a slight reddish tint, really worked well on the cherry.

Rubbed it in to the lettering, and wiped off the excess. I will apply one more coat of WOP and buff before the big party!

Thanks, again!!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Wow! Classy - in every sense of the word!

[Leo Van Der Loo]

John, I like it !! :D

[Baxter Smith]

Very nice John! Has a very warm feel to it. Very appropriate gift from a woodworker/turner to a friend.

[Cathy Schaewe]

I think that looks phenomenal - and much better than it would have with lots of gold. Great choice (and who's surprised:rolleyes:)!

[Curt Fuller]

That's really looks good!

[David E Keller]

I'm so glad you didn't listen to me:o...

That looks wonderful!

[Rick Prosser]

Excellent work! I don't see how any gold application would have improved it.

[Joe Aliperti]

That turned out great! Good choice with the paint.

[David DeCristoforo]

Nailed it. That looks great, John. BTW, FWIW, I love that name. Patty Powe. Looks great in print!

[Roger Chandler]

Ya' done REAL good, John! Quite elegant!