Wood background

[alexacatalin]

<p>Hi, </p>

<p>I made last week a small background for my studio. I made it with wood and applied some colors on it. For the final touch I applied some special liquid that makes the wood a little bit glossy. I don't know its name in English. <br>

So far, so good. Today i made some tests. It looks pretty good, but there are some angles and positions where the wood has some reflections that shouldn't be there. <br>

I'm attaching a sample file. I used as flash a canon 580 and an umbrella. <br>

Can somebody help me with some tips about how to avoid this kind of problems? I'm thinking also about repainting with something mat, but I'm more interested in tips for controlling the light. <br>

Thanks! </p>

<p><img src="http://www.alexacatalin.com/temp/IMG_6695.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[craig_shearman1]

<p>Nice job. I like the warm colors. But in applying the finish that made the wood glossy, you did exactly the opposite of what is normally done in photo studios and on movie sets. Glossy surfaces cause problems with reflections as you have discovered. So the standard practice when painting something for photo use is to use a matt finish paint. For items that are already glossy or shiny, a "dulling spray" (basically clear spray with a matt finish) is used. Simplest solution for you would probably be to hit the backdrop with a can of matt finish spray.</p>

[eric merrill]

<p>Think of the wood as a mirror. You'll need to light it so that the light isn't reflected back. In this case, it would be like lighting several convex mirrors. Good luck finding ways of lighting this that won't have a reflection.</p>

[russ_britt3]

<p>Spray some matte spray to try and knock reflections down some...Also you don't want to use the same light source for the subject and background, and move the table out more to get depth.<br>

You have to start somewhere, great start!</p>

[alexacatalin]

<p>Thanks, guys! I'll try to remove the glossy effect some how and work more with the lights. <br>

Enjoy the day! :)</p>

[devon_mccarroll]

<p>If you use a very fine grit sandpaper, like the kind used between coats of paint, and do a light sanding, that should remove the glossy finish.</p>

[alexacatalin]

<p>Thanks, Devon. I have some sandpaper, but is very rough. I'll try with a fine one. </p>

[johnny_kleso]

<p>I would knock down the shin with steel wool and then coat the surface two or three times with BLO (Boiled Linseed Oil) Then after a few days buff the surface with a dry towel or rag.. This will also make the wood look a little older and warm its appearance..</p>