Choosing Fabric for a Painters Backdrop

Recently I posted about the difference between canvas and muslin, and in that post, I mentioned painters backdrops and promised a future post on the subject. 

There can be confusion as to whether to choose flame retardant or non-flame retardant heavy weight theatrical muslin for a painters backdrop.   The fact is, when paint is added to the surface of a flame retardant fabric, the fabric becomes non-flame retardant.  Therefore, steps must be taking to make a painted backdrop flame retardant.

First, prior to painting, a special flame retardant additive should be added to the paint.  A FR paint additive will not change the color or opacity of the paint, and it will help ensure that the face of the theatrical backdrop is flame retardant.  Second, after the face of the backdrop is painted and the paint has dried, the back of the backdrop should be sprayed with a topical flame retardant chemical designed for natural fibers.

Since painting a backdrop nullifies the flame retardancy, you would think that you should always choose a non-flame retardant muslin for a painters backdrop.  Non-flame retardant muslin is more affordable than flame retardant muslin, so why spend the extra money for flame retardant muslin when you will have to retreat it anyway?

The reason to consider utilizing flame retardant muslin for a painters backdrop is related to the issue of shrinkage.  As theatrical muslin is composed of cotton fibers, it is prone to shrinkage.  When a water-based flame retardant is applied at the mill, the fabric then becomes “sized” (pre-shrunken).  Therefore, once the FR muslin is sewn into a backdrop at the desired finished size (height and width), and then paint and additional flame retardant is applied to the surface, there is very little (or no) additional shrinkage of the material.  The painted backdrop will end up at approximately the same size as the sewn but unpainted backdrop.

For experienced scenic painters who plan to utilize a paint frame, a non flame retardant muslin works fine.  The tension of the paint frame helps prevent shrinkage.  For less experienced scenic painters and/or those who will not be using a paint frame, we recommend purchasing a painters backdrop manufactured using flame retardant muslin.  This way, shrinkage will not be a significant concern.

Comparing Canvas and Muslin

We get frequent requests for custom backdrops and cycloramas, sometimes to be used in its plain fabric state, and sometimes to be hand-painted onsite for end use as a scenic backdrop. With those requests, we find that occasionally there is a confusion regarding the differences between cotton canvas and cotton theatrical muslin.

Cotton canvas is a sturdy woven fabric used for a variety of home and commercial purposes. There are two types of canvas – plain and duck cloth. Plain canvas, which has a looser weave, is used in applications needing greater flexibility, such as shoes and backpacks. The tighter-weaved duck canvas (also called duck cloth or scenery canvas) is more commonly used stretched over frames (for paintings, other art pieces, and theatre scenery pieces) and for items such as tarps and tents, and is available in both flame retardant and non-flame retardant options.

As duck cloth accepts dye very well, lighter weight versions are manufactured in a variety of colors for use in retail displays and special event décor. Canvas, whether in the plain or duck weave, is not suitable for theatrical backdrops or cycloramas.

Cotton muslin has a similar plain weave to cotton canvas, but typically has a smoother, softer hand. Lighter weight versions are used for a variety of applications, including apparel, whereas heavy-weight theatrical muslin is traditionally used for backdrops and cycloramas.

Heavy weight theatrical muslin (also known as scenic muslin) is used extensively in theatres, film and television studios, photography studios, and live music performances, primarily in the form of custom made stage backdrops and cycloramas. As it is available in a standard version in widths up to 126 inches and in an extra wide version in widths up to 39 feet, scenic muslin allows for the creation of seamless panels as large as 38’ h x 180’ wide. If seamed, there is even greater flexibility in size.

All widths of heavy weight theatrical muslin are available in a natural color (the undyed color of the fabric), and depending on the width desired may also available in additional colors, including bleached white, black, light blue, dark blue, light grey and dark grey (not all colors are available in all widths). Theatrical muslin is sold as both flame retardant and non flame retardant.

Texture and print

One thing I do as an illustrator is mixed media. The thought occurred to me that this might be a great approach with soft goods. I mean, why not mix printed pieces with fabric that is lush or textural? Mixing things up opens creative doors and makes things possible that aren’t possible with just one fabric or process.

Thinking out of the box like an interior designer/decorator. Create an experience and mood with your far out ideas, mixing smooth printed pieces with textured lush fabric, cutouts or icons or logos tour theme art will give your backdrop dimension and set you apart.

Important color

Sometimes getting a particular color is very important. Most people who deal with printing on a regular basis or that are in control of their corporate logo I.D. are familiar with the PMS or Pantone Matching System. What some of you might not know is that Pantone has several books in what I call its ”Bible” to help you dial in just the color you are looking for. The one book I go to on a regular basis is the Pantone to CMYK conversion book.

Some people think just because you assign a Pantone color in Photoshop it will automatically print that Pantone color on press. Actually, if you want to give your logo the best chance of printing correctly, get a conversion book, look up your desired pantone color and dial it in by the numbers based on what pantone conversion book tells you.

Collaboration-

One of my favorite aspects about what I get to do is the opportunity to collaborate with a recording artist and/or their creative team.
The process usually starts out with a “wish list” of what the artist or team is looking for. I’ve been approached over the years to create all manner of designs and Illustrations for everything from backdrops to concert t-shirts. “The more off the wall the better I say. ”
I’ve found one common denominator.  That is “We all want to bring something fresh and new to the world creatively.” What Drives my passion for collaboration? “The chemistry and contribution of different artists and creative thinkers coming together for a common goal.” Lets Collaborate.

Wood you?

Recently I was asked to create a custom wood texture and wood beams for a Kid Rock’s Born Free tour stage. The end product is a full blown Kid Rock Saloon set complete with branded, burned in Jim Beam(tm) logos and so on. This set looks like a real wood, old time western saloon. The effect is killer. The best part about this set is all the wood is actually printed fire proofed fabric. Every stair case, riser and even the bar itself is all covered in fabric that looks like thick, heavy wood beams.

For those of you that are reading this that deal with the logistics of moving a show from town to town, set up and tear down, you understand what a time saver, labor saver and money saver this is. What would normally take four men and thirty minutes to do now takes two men a few minutes because they’re not disassembling huge ridged panels. Not to mention less weight/ less fuel costs and so on. Something to think about. We can digitally create Wood, stone, Brick and Block or whatever you need and give you an awesome looking stage.

Digital Backdrop Tips

So, you’re the manager of an up and coming indie band about to start their first club tour.  Or you have a trade show booth and you want your booth to stand out from the crowd.  Or you are with a church or school about to debut a new production.  You think you want a digitally printed backdrop, but you’re feeling a little intimidated because you don’t know much about the process of purchasing a custom digital backdrop.   Well, I hope this post starts you on the path and relieves that intimidation just a bit!

Substrate

The first thing to consider is how the backdrop will be used, as different fabric substrates work better for different applications.  Will it be frontlit or backlit?  Will you be using it indoors or outdoors?  Do you want it opaque or sheer? Do you plan to use it as a kabuki?  Are you planning to project on it?  Are you looking for a traditional fabric substrate, or something along the lines of a vinyl or vinyl mesh?  Think about these issues, and then discuss your needs with us so that we can recommend the substrate that is most appropriate for your project.

Print Method

There are two basic methods of digital printing – direct print and dye sublimation.  Some factors to consider when choosing between the two methods are: fabric feel (stiffer or softer), maximum seamless width, image resolution, color saturation, and budget.    I’ve posted about the difference between the two in a prior post, so I won’t repeat myself here, but this is definitely a item to consider.

Pricing

Because traditional stage backdrops and custom stage curtains are priced on an individual basis, according to a variety of factors including size, face fabric, lining fabric (if any), fullness, design complexity, and much more, it is difficult (if not impossible) to give a “ballpark” on the price of a stage curtain.  There is not an “average”, because there is no such thing as an “average” theatre drape – there are just too many variables.  

However, digitally printed backdrops tend to have much fewer variables.  Nearly all of them are sewn flat (unpleated), and the number of available substrates is relatively limited.  For that reason, digitally printed backdrops are typically priced by the square foot, based on the substrate and print method.  This allows you to have a rough idea of the price as you make decisions on size and substrate.  

One substrate and/or print method might have a higher price per square foot, whereas another substrate and/or print method might have a lower price per square foot.   If budget is an issue (which I think it is for everyone these days – even though the budget may be higher for some than for others), then you should keep in mind the

Artwork

Other than a small number of “special offer” stock digital backdrops, the custom digital backdrops that we produce are based on print-ready artwork provided by the customer (though we do offer limited graphic services to assist in preparing or repairing your file).  You may purchase the image from a stock image source (there are a number on the Internet), you may create it yourself, or you may utilize the services of a commercial graphic designer.  Keep in mind that, due to copyright laws, you must be the copyright owner (or have permission from the copyright owner) to print an image.

Typically, you will be asked to provide the artwork to Sew What? in a digital file.  At Sew What, we work with Windows PC-based files only (rather than Mac files), and we prefer that files be saved as an EPS or a PSD file, as we work primarily in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.  All files should be in layers, in CMYK color mode.  We can also work with Vector art that is delivered as an EPS or .AI file.  Files may be delivered in a variety of methods, including floppy disk, Zip disk, CD/DVD, e-mail, or FTP, depending on the size of the file.  More detailed information may be found in our File Preparation Guidelines.

Well, I hope this post gives you the information that you need to start planning your digital backdrop.  Feel free to call us with any questions  - we’d be happy to help.

Stage Backdrops

I realized today that I have posted a number of times about digitally printed backdrops, but I haven’t spent much time on the other types of backdrops that we make – specifically theatrical backdrops, painters backdrops and painted scenic stage backdrops.

Theatre Backdrops

Theatre backdrops are typically made flat (unpleated) utilizing flame retardant natural muslin.  Depending on budget and the size of the backdrop, the stage backdrop may be made seamless or with horizontal or vertical seams.  Typically, a stage backdrop will have webbing, grommets and ties on top, with a pipe pocket on the bottom (which allows a pipe to be inserted to pull the backdrop flat and taut).

Painters Backdrop

A painters backdrop is basically the same as a theatre backdrop, but is provided as “ready to paint.”  Most often chosen by schools and colleges, these are usually scenically painted in-house by members of the theatre or art department.   Because the addition of paint will render a flame retardant muslin backdrop as non-flame retardant, painters backdrops are typically made with non-flame retardant muslin.  In order to ensure that the finished painted backdrop is flame retardant, special flame retardant chemicals are added to the paint, and the back of the painted backdrop is also sprayed with flame retardant chemicals.

Occasionally, flame retardant muslin is chosen for a painters backdrop (even with the knowledge that it will no longer be flame retardant once painted) to reduce the possibility that the backdrop will shrink once painted.  The addition of flame retardant chemicals to the surface of the raw fabric helps “size” the fabric, thereby reducing shrinkage once painted.  However, the painted backdrop will still need to be treated for flame retardancy in the manner described above.

Scenic Stage Backdrops

A Scenic Stage Backdrop starts out as a regular stage backdrop or painters backdrop, but is handpainted by an artist at the time of manufacture, according to artwork supplied by the customer.  Scenic artists use a variety of techniques and paints to achieve just the right look as desired by the customer, will apply all the necessary flame retardant chemicals and will provide a Certificate of Flame Retardancy for the completed piece.  With this option, the customer receives a “turnkey” piece without needing to find an artist or worry about applying flame retardant chemicals.

As you can see, there are a variety of types of theatrical backdrops available to choose from – plain and ready to paint and painted (and, of course, digitally printed, as I’ve posted on before) – and something for just about everyone’s budget.

Speaking of Portfolios…

Recently I posted about our new Digital Printing Portfolio, and in writing that post, I took a few minutes to review our other portfolios.  It seems that I don’t get the opportunity to review our portfolio pages as often as I like, so there is always something new to see.

The page that really impressed me this time was the Video Portfolio.  Since I last looked, a number of really cool videos have been added.  One that stood out was the video of the Alice in Chains Poly Silk Kabuki.  Not only does the video show how terrific poly silk is as a projection surface, but at the end of the video, it shows the kabuki dropping.

In prior posts, I have explained how a kabuki works, but it can be difficult to understand in a written explanation.  I think this Alice in Chains video is a great visual demonstration of the operation of a kabuki.

There are a number of other videos in the portfolio as well, highlighting a variety of custom stage drapes (including an Austrian curtain), stage backdrops, and much more.  Check it out!