Help wanted- painting the backs of V busts.

[NRG]

Having made several 1/6 scale busts which are better defined as half figures, made to at least waist level, I thought I’d have a go at something slightly different. So I’m just started a V bust in that scale. Basic form made from the usual process of Super Sculpy over a wire and foil armature. But thinking a long way a head to the painting stage, when painting a V bust what colour do people paint the backs? Do they use black or just leave the undercoat colour showing, for example. Any suggestions please.
At the moment the figure looks like a cannibalistic donor kebab!!!,

 

[Helm]

I usually use matt black
Steve

 

[theBaron]

Yeah, flat black. Just like sections of scenic pieces that are outside the scene I want to present.

It's akin to treating scenery in theatrical stage design. Whether you have a box set-side walls and back-or a thrust set (audience around 3 sides) or a set in the round, it's customary to paint things that are outside the view you want to present in black. Or to hang black cloth to block out lines of sight,. Always the goal is to remove such things from the audience's line of sight.
Same with the back of a bust's lower part. Black, or some other dark or neutral color.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Larsen E. Whipsnade]

Yup, flat black.
Rick

 

[Nap]

A good black , I use P3 , I also put Satin varnish once fully dry

Nap

 

[NRG]

Thank you all. Black it is then!
When I start to build on this basic former I’ll make sure the edge between the front of the bust and the back is clearly defined to aid the painting and draw a line between the black and the colour of the bust.
Thanks again….very helpful