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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The workshop » » Jetset curtains (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

bsears
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Inner circle
Cincinnati, Ohio
1041 Posts

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I'm getting ready to replace the curtains on my backdrop, but I'm not sure what type of fabric to use. I'm considering velvet/velveteen and a few other synthetic materials. Suggestions?
kaytracy
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Inner circle
Central California
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I need to say right off, I do not have JetSet, so any comments I make have to take that into account!
The primary thing to look at in synthetics, well, any fabric, is the one of flame resistance, or treatment means on the fabric you use. There are many fabrics that can give good backdrop looks, but you will want to take a few minutes in the store and have them unroll enough to get a really good idea of the look and lay of the fabric, especially if it has a nap.
You might find it works best turned 90˚ to how it comes off the bolt, that might mean sewing it together, or using more as you need to have it drape a certain way.
I know that there have been discussions on backdrops, and the suppliers from stage and photo studio supply on the Café, so you might try a search.
Just be sure to study the attachment methods closely, and look at any support reinforcement you might need to consider for edges of the fabric.
You might also look at spending a little time talking to an upholsterer They might be able to help you out or make you a new set at a fair price.
Good luck
Kay
Kay and Tory
www.Bizarremagick.com
Michael Baker
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Eternal Order
Near a river in the Midwest
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What does it take to make a fabric flame-resistant, if it is not straight off the bolt?... large quantity, such as a backdrop?

~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company
bsears
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Inner circle
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Thanks. Hadn't thought of flame resistance. The only fabrics that I have seen specifically labeled as such are those for bedding/children's clothing. I'll keep this in mind as I'm shopping.

I guess the decisions I'm struggling with now are the "look" of the fabric (fun and flashy vs traditional), the weight of the fabric, and whether to make it myself or pay someone to do it.
Tony S
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New York
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You may want to check out http://www.rosebrand.com/

They are a provider of fabrics for theatrical purposes.
We are all about as successful as we choose to be.



www.anthonysisti.com
silverking
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Inner circle
4574 Posts

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Quote:
On 2006-01-31 12:07, Michael Baker wrote:
What does it take to make a fabric flame-resistant, if it is not straight off the bolt?... large quantity, such as a backdrop?

Michael,

You can purchase the mix from Rose Brand and others, which you would then mix up and put in a Hudson Sprayer, to be applied to the fabric.
The downside to this is that most fabrics are extremely prone to staining when anything wet is applied to them, and you won't have a certificate proving flame resistance.

The best thing to do, is to purchase material that already has a flame resistant substance applied to it.

Your final, and best, option for flame resistant material that's not that way when you purchase it, is to take it to a commercial fabric cleaning service. This usually doesn't include dry cleaners, but is usually a larger company specializing in cleaning huge amounts of material at a time (In Canada we have COIT)
They can flameproof material for you without staining it. They usually only do flameproofing once or twice a month, as it involves special dunk tanks and drying facilities which they set up especially for the flame resistant process.
They then do all that month's clients' material at one time.

All material used in places of public gathering MUST be flame resistant by law. Theatrical fabrics come with a certificate of flame resistance, and if you get it done commercially whoever did it can provide a certificate for a fee.
If you do it yourself, you would have to get a testing outfit to test your material, and supply you with a certificate.....it's easier to buy the fabric already dunked.

In reality however, certificates are rarely checked, unless there's been an incident, and then you'd better hope you've got yours handy.

A last note, any washing of your fabric completely nulls and voids the flameproofing itself, and the certificate that came with your fabric.
Michael Baker
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Eternal Order
Near a river in the Midwest
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That all answers my questions very nicely. Thank you to all.

~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company
Bob Sanders
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1945 - 2024
Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama
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Great information!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander
Bob Sanders

Magic By Sander / The Amazed Wiz

AmazedWiz@Yahoo.com
Tony S
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New York
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That is really excellent information. I think I'll stick with Rose Brand or other similar companies.
We are all about as successful as we choose to be.



www.anthonysisti.com
bsears
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Inner circle
Cincinnati, Ohio
1041 Posts

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Wow. Thank you for the info.
Eric McDonald
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Maryland
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I had mine made at Mainstage Theatrical Supply (http://www.mainstage.com/)

They put it together with 22oz IFR Encore Velour. It is like a pillowcase, Black on one side, Cabernet on the other, chain in the bottom.

They constructed it and shipped it within a 2 week time-frame. It is excellent!
silverking
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Inner circle
4574 Posts

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As Eric has pointed out, a local supplier is great. They can help you to better understand your many options, and highlight what each option actually does for your show.

The options on one small drape could be sewn fullness in various percentages, sewn flat, a pocket on bottom, no pocket on bottom, grommets with ties on top with multiple choices on spacings, a duster on the bottom pocket, no duster on the bottom pocket, grommets and ties on the side or finished edge on the side....and many more options that might make your drop look better for your use.

Getting walked through all these options by your local pro drapery company can save a lot of time and effort.
bsears
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Inner circle
Cincinnati, Ohio
1041 Posts

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At one time I had thought of using someone local in the biz. to help me construct them, but I have a friend with a sewing machine who offered his services and the local fabric store is going out of business. Last night I bought over $90 of red "double-velvet" for $35. Got a good price on some quilted backing too.

The chain idea is a good one - when working outside I have often had a problem with this backdrop blowing around. I think I may have a pocket at the bottom, back-side to slide a heavy metal bar into that I can remove when working indoors.

I think I'll just stick with the pocket at the top too, like my originals have, rather than going with loops or grommets. I do like that there are so many possibilities. Smile

How do you guys transport your b.d. to your gigs?
silverking
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Inner circle
4574 Posts

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New blue recycling types of garbage cans with lids are very common for transporting small drapes around in.

The drape is protected from water, and from getting hooked on something while it's being moved.

I don't like canvas sacks because they give no protection from accidental contact with water.
Eric McDonald
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New user
Maryland
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I carry mine in a green army-type canvas bag, folded and rolled. I always store it hanging on the jet-set at home with plastic over it. I also added another foot of height to the jet-set using some dowel wood and conduit.
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