matting and background stamps

[Regis]

What is the difference between a matting and background stamps? I know a lot of stamps can be used in various situations to acheive specific design but, if it wasn't for the "A" or "M" I wouldn't know the difference between background and matting stamps. Does anyone? Is it simply traditional or is there some actual difference in functional ability between the 2?

Curious,

Regis

[ClayB]

What is the difference between a matting and background stamps? I know a lot of stamps can be used in various situations to acheive specific design but, if it wasn't for the "A" or "M" I wouldn't know the difference between background and matting stamps. Does anyone? Is it simply traditional or is there some actual difference in functional ability between the 2?

Curious,

Regis

I think the simply answer would be that matting tools cover more area quickly. They are also supposed to leave less tracks, making it easier to cover bigger areas smoothly. There are times when I will start with a background tool around the edge of a design, then switch to a matting tool as you get farther away from the design. This is especially useful if your pattern doesn't have a border. With the matting tools, you can just fade out to nothing.

Hope this helps a little.

Clay

[Dale]

Typically, the faces of backgrounders are flat and matters are more rounded. That makes the matters more useful for fading as Clay describes.

[Studio-N]

Another minor difference is that the Matting tools provide differing textures than the basic background tools do. Take a look at the M657 from TLF. It gives a very random line pattern on an area. A pebble grain matting tool like from HC is one of my favorite matting tools for large areas. For just plain flattening the areas between flowers, well the standard A104 backgrounder has been around for a LONG time. peace.

Edited August 29, 2007 by Studio-N

[Regis]

Thanks all. I appreciate the clarifications.

Regis