A face plate (10) of an FED image display has a grooved rear surface (25) formed with projections (36). Projections (36) have surfaces (39) covered in regions (58, 59) with electrical conductive material (54) and different color emitting phosphor particles (56a, 56b). The regions (58, 59) define different color anode combs. Surfaces (39) in regions (61) between regions (58,59) are covered with insulative, light absorbing material (62) for absorption of ambient light. Surfaces (39) are formed to encourage forward direction of phosphor-emitted light. In one embodiment, surfaces (39) serve to channel ambient light rearwardly toward projection apexes (40) which are covered with light absorbing material (62). Projections (36) may be parallel elongated prisms, pyramids or cones.