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'?), 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

[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!

[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