Which drapery fabric suitable for a backdrop?

<p>OK, I'm getting (gray) seamless paper however my studio needs curtains for two windows (one big, one small) so I thought I may be able to kill two birds with one shot, i.e. use the curtains as background. I think the selection of the fabric boils down to its texture and how much light it reflects and I don't know much about the latter one. I'll be doing mostly prostrates and fine art. <br>

Looking at the market I find some polyester <a href="http://go.skimresources.com/?id=27015X856183&site=photo.net&xs=1&isjs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.onlinefabricstore.net%2Ftype-fabric.aspx%3Fapplication%3Ddrapery%26product_group%3Dlinen%23product_group%3Dlinen%26application%3Ddrapery%26price_sort%3D2&xguid=&xuuid=8695b4f62aba69b5f58787165300cf2a&xsessid=&xcreo=500005&xed=0&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fphoto.net%2Fbboard%2Fq-and-a-confirm&pref=http%3A%2F%2Fphoto.net%2Fbboard%2Fq-and-a-post-new%3Ftopic_id%3D1550&xtz=300&abp=1">linen fabric</a>. As well as<a href="https://www.onlinefabricstore.net/type-fabric.aspx?application=drapery#product_group=muslin&application=drapery"> muslin</a>.<br>

Although there are many other options as well. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Actually it may be better to get translucent film as I have see though curtains on the windows already. But then I'd have no control over the natural light that comes in (other than the aperture of course).</p>

<p>Fabric purchased at the fabric store typically comes in "bold width" pieces that are often 54-60 inches wide. To make a photo background, you'll need to sew two or more pieces together. You'd probably be better off buying a muslin background from B&H or Amazon or...?</p>

 

<p>OK, for seamless paper I've heard thunder gray is the most versatile. Now I found these gray muslin backgrounds on B&H:<br>

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/816259-REG/Impact_BGS_1012_DG_Solid_Muslin_Background_10.html<br>

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602738-REG/Backdrop_Alley_BAM12DRKGRY_BAM12DRKGRY_Solid_Muslin_Background.html</p>

<p>Are they good? Also do they block the outdoor light from coming in? </p>

<p>You can black-out windows with any opaque material. Standard grip solutions include: Foamcore (available in white/white, black/white and black/black), or cloth <a href="http://www.filmtools.com/du60exb.html">Duveytyne</a> (sold by the yard or in 50' rolls). Savage's Thunder Gray seamless paper is nice, but a bit on the dark side (though, can be lightened up to any value with enough light). Fashion gray is lighter and also very popular.</p>

<p>Mottled-gray, painted muslin backgrounds are less popular these days, but they are handy to have (I have some). I buy painted muslin backgrounds from Backdrop Outlet, but there are many other suppliers as well. Note that most muslin backdrops aren't completely opaque. They also tend to hold wrinkles quite a bit. Either "use" the wrinkles, or steam them out with a commercial wardrobe steamer.</p>

<p>Thanks. My problem is that I don't want to permanently block the outside light as the room gets quite a bit of natural light that can be put to good use sometimes. So I need a kind of role up or detachable shade.</p>

<p>I made a black-out curtain for my studio's 9ft wide sliding glass window from two bolt widths of Duvetyne sewn together. I lifted it up like roman drapes when I wanted natural light, which turned out to be less often than I originally thought.</p>

 

<p>Denier coated pack cloth seems to be the cheapest blackout fabric available.</p>

<p>Coated pack cloth is very opaque but not easy to sew because it's nylon impregnated with polyurethane. It's hard to hem because it's difficult to iron, and hard to poke pins through.<br>

Oh, and it won't bunch so you'll have to raise, lift, or roll it up, you can't shove it aside.</p>

 

<p>Have you looked at simple miniblinds or old fashioned window shades? Either would need to be heavy ones n dark colors that actually block out most of the light, but they don't have to be light tight like for a darkroom. Once you have those in place that can easily be opened or closed, you can hang seamless or muslin or whatever you like in front of it. Or better yet have your backdrop on a wall that is perpendicular to the window so you can easily open the shades and use the window for window light.<br /><br />BTW, fabric is sold in bolts, not bolds. :)</p>

<p>One of the windows is pretty big, about 10' and I wanted something inexpensive. Also I'm not the owner so I want something that wouldn't damage the walls. I ordered some duvetyne and it's going to be delivered today. Thanks for the advice.</p>

<p>Sorry, this is a bit late, but I was going to suggest some blinds from Ikea. I just bought these blinds in dark gray, and they work and look great (available in various sizes):</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20228403/">Ikea Tupplur black-out roller blinds</a></p>