Choosing Stage Backdrop Fabrics

When selecting fabrics for a stage backdrop, many factors need to be considered, including fabric weight, fabric width, flame retardancy, scenic requirements, and color. Listed below are our recommendations for commonly used backdrop fabrics.

Muslin

Muslin is a tightly woven, cotton, theatrical fabric used for the covering of any surface that might be painted or used to reflect light. Muslin is typically used for scenery flats, small backdrops and cycloramas. Traditionally, muslin backdrops have a seam that runs horizontally so that when it is used as a backdrop, the seam blends into the horizon. Its availability in extra-wide widths makes this possible. Muslin is also commonly used as a canvas because it takes paint very well. Scenery flats are often covered with muslin, and then sized (made to shrink with the use of water and glue or paint) so that the muslin becomes stretched tight. If muslin isn't tacked down before you paint it, it will shrink unevenly and may cause distortion in your painted image. Muslin is available in a variety of widths and colors, and in NFR, FR, and IFR.

FR Muslin

FR Muslin is a flame retardant muslin that's best used to cover flats, make stage backdrops, cycloramas (cycs) or surrounds. It's extra width makes it ideal for creating seamless backdrops. FR Muslin is not recommended for painting due to the potential of flame retardant chemical leaching. Available in natural, black, grey, and sky blue.

IFR Muslin

IFR Muslin is a tightly woven, inherently flame retardant, polyester fabric which is used for covering scenery and as bounce drops for lighting. It can be sewn into a cyclorama or mounted to a frame. Polyester muslin has the same appearance as cotton muslin but it's less stiff - ideal for high humidity conditions. Available in extra wide, and a variety of colors, including keying colors.

NFR Muslin

NFR Muslin is best suited for making seamless stage backdrops, cycloramas, or surrounds which need to be painted. The lack of a flame retardant chemical allows paint to be applied without running. A flame retardant additive is needed if flame retardancy is required. Available in natural and a variety of widths.

Sharkstooth Scrim

Sharkstooth Scrim is an open weave material that is used to produce special effects on stage. If Sharkstooth Scrim has a higher concentration of light on the front side, it appears opaque. If Sharkstooth Scrim has a higher concentration of light on the back side it appears translucent. Because of this property, scrims are often used to produce a "reveal" effect. For instance, if an actor is in front of the set of an interior of a house, and she starts to remember a scene from her past, the set seems to dissolve so that you can see the scene played out right where the wall was. This affect is achieved with a painted scrim. Care should be taken on how close an object or actor you wish to reveal is placed to the material. If it is too close, the object or actor may be able to be seen before it is intended to.

FR Sharkstooth Scrim

FR Sharkstooth Scrim is great for creating lighting effects as explained above. It can be lightly painted or dyed but care should be taken not to fill the holes or affect the flame retardant chemical treatment. Available in a variety of widths and colors.

IFR Sharkstooth Scrim

IFR Sharkstooth Scrim is also used for creating reveals but is inherently flame retardant so there is no concerns about affecting its flame retardant abilities when painting of dyeing. Just be careful not to apply so much paint that the holes become filled. Available in a variety of colors and widths.

NFR Painter's Scrim

NFR Sharkstooth Scrim or "Painter's Scrim" is natural in color and not bleached or dyed. Beloved by scenic artists for that reason. Painter's Scrim is NOT flame retardant. If flame retardancy is required, a flame retardant paint additive is needed. Available in extra-wide natural.

Leno or Filled Scrim

FR Leno is woven like Sharkstooth Scrim, but with a more closed weave. FR Leno, also known as filled scrim, is mainly used for drops and cycs. It's often used as a drop in television and film due to its excellent light diffusing and softening properties. Flame retardant. Available in CBS grey and white.

If you need assistance selecting the perfect fabric for your stage or studio backdrop, or would like to receive fabric samples, contact us here. Need a custom-sewn backdrop? Get a quote.