Once you have completed the cutting of your work it's time to get it ready for presentation to world.
The first step is dust removal
While the pattern is still attached I use an air compressor to blow the dust off both the front and back of my piece. Depending on how fragile the piece is sometimes I separate them from the stack, sometimes I leave them together. I like to use an old window screen to put behind my cuttings when I blow them out. The screen allows the dust and air to pass through, But adds some support for the wood so you don't blow pieces out. It is also important to turn the pressure down on your compressor to about 40 PSI.
Now lets clean up those dang fuzzies
To deal with the fuzzies that a spiral will inevitably leave I stand the cutting against a piece of scrap wood big enough to completely cover the piece with the back side facing me I then use a torch (yes you read that right) I use a bernzomatic plumbers torch to burn off the fuzzies much the way they used to burn off the pin feathers from a plucked chicken. A few very important things to keep in mind here. Turn the torch way down, make sure the scrap wood totally covers the piece, having all the cut outs with something solid behind them will greatly eliminate scorch marks, keep the torch moving quickly make several passes but don’t hold the torch in one place or you will burn through. Should you find some minor charring on the front, fold a piece of 220 sandpaper and run it in the cut on the front side of the piece, it will quickly remove all but the worst scorches. Once you have finished this use a compressor to blow off the charred fuzzies and repeat as necessary. This process will not work if you intend for both sides of your cutting to be seen, however since most of you will put a backer behind your cuttings of my designs it will do nicely for us here.
I prefer to use felt for my backer because I like the texture of it, but feel free to use whatever you like. I have found that black works the best, but once again this is your cutting not mine. I use Aleene’s tacky glue in the clear bottle (it dries crystal clear just in case) to mount my backer board. Use care to avoid glue running out into the cut outs.
The last step for me in the most often overlooked by other scrollers I talk to. Select a beautiful frame for your work. You wouldn't build a million dollar house and then put vinyl siding on it would you? Of course not! You invest a significant amount of time in these cuttings and they deserve to be treated like the true works of art you created.
I personally frame all of my pieces in professionally made frames, it is easier then you think to frame them if you can find a reasonable frame wholesaler in your area I would recommend giving it a try. It really adds that special finishing touch to something you have put so much of yourself into. Think about it the cutting deserves it and so do you!
