Before purchasing a backdrop, it’s important to research the different fabric options so you can determine which one is right for you. A number of different fabrics are often used as backdrops, including muslin, which is a medium-weight woven cotton fabric. Here are the pros and cons of muslins backdrops:
Pro: Durability
Perhaps the biggest advantage of a muslin backdrop is its durability. Muslin is a reusable fabric that can easily withstand normal wear and tear, so your backdrop will look as good as new after multiple uses. Unlike other fabrics, it will not tear if someone accidentally steps on it while working on set. There’s also no way to scuff the surface of muslin, so there’s no need to panic if someone accidentally runs into the backdrop.
Pro: Easy to Store and Transport
Fabrics often become damaged or unusable if they are not stored or transported carefully, but that’s not the case with muslin. There’s no need to carefully store muslin in between uses–simply stuff it into a bag when you’re done with it. Folding it neatly will create creases in muslin that must be removed before use, so it’s actually better to keep it stuffed in a bag so you can prevent creases.
Pro: Appearance
Many photographers and stage designers prefer muslin backdrops over other fabrics because of the way it looks. Muslin holds onto dyes better than other fabrics, so the colors are more vivid and saturated. It can also be colored to create an “old master” style backdrop, which features lighter colors in the center of the backdrop surrounded by darker colors on the edges. Although many backdrops are solid colored, muslin often comes in a variety of fun and creative patterns.
There are countless options to choose from when it comes to muslin backdrops. There are many different ways to add color, richness, and texture to a muslin backdrop, which is why so many creative professionals are drawn to this fabric.
Pro: Non-Reflective Surface
Muslin is also a non-reflective fabric. The flash of a camera or the shine of the spotlight will not reflect off of a muslin backdrop and distract from the models or actors on set.
Pro: The Price
A high quality backdrop does not come cheap. But, muslin is inexpensive compared to other popular backdrop options, including canvas. Some people think that muslin is priced too high, however it’s important to remember that this is a low maintenance and durable fabric that will last for years, so it’s a wise investment.
Pro: Thickness of the Fabric
Muslin is not extremely thick, but it is thick enough to block light from shining through it. This is another reason why so many photographers and stage designers love working with muslin. Because it blocks light, photographers can use the flash on their cameras without worrying about capturing whatever is sitting behind the backdrop. Stage designers can shine spotlights brightly onto actors without worrying about whether or not the silhouettes of objects behind the backdrop will become visible. This is a common problem with other fabrics, which is why this gives muslin such a huge advantage over its competitors.
Pro: Easy to Handle
Muslin is thick enough to block out light, but its thickness does not add a great deal of weight to this fabric. Most creative professionals find that muslin is very easy to handle and transport because it is so lightweight. This fabric is so light that it can be hung from many different types of support, which makes setting up a photo shoot in an unconventional or outdoor location much easier. There’s no need to bring in professional equipment to support the backdrop as long as you can improvise with something that is available on set.
Pro: Draped or Hung
Muslin was widely used to create dresses in the past because it is so easy to drape. This quality also makes it perfect for photo shoots and stages. Muslin backdrops can be draped over objects on set to hide props that the photographer or director does not want the audience to see.
Con: Used Frequently
Creative professionals recognize the many benefits that muslin has to offer, which is why this fabric is frequently used as a backdrop on professional photo shoots and on stage. The fact that muslin is so popular makes it unappealing to some creative professionals. If you want a unique-looking backdrop that will turn heads, muslin is probably not the best choice because many people in the industry use it on a regular basis.
Con: Absorbent Material
Muslin is an absorbent material, so if someone accidentally spills something onto the backdrop, it will absorb quickly and could stain. But fortunately, muslin is a machine washable fabric. If something spills on the fabric and absorbs before you can clean it up, simply toss the muslin into a washing machine to reverse the damage.
Con: Wrinkled Texture
As previously mentioned, it is possible to create deep creases and wrinkles in muslin fabric if it is not stored correctly. No one wants to see wrinkles on their backdrop, which is why this is one of the main disadvantages of using this fabric. The wrinkles can be removed using a handheld steamer, but this takes time that many creative professionals do not have while on set.
It’s clear that the pros of muslin backdrops greatly outweigh the several disadvantages of this fabric. If you’re interested in purchasing muslin backdrops, contact Chicago Canvas & Supply. We are your leading source for backdrops, textiles, theatre fabrics, tarps, drop cloths, and more. We are happy to send free material samples to our clients. To place a request for samples, contact us today by calling 1-866-389-2218 or emailing email@chicagocanvas.com.