Muslin backdrop: to paint or to dye? what is the best technique?

Question

I want something that can be used for a sports, dances, portraits, etc. Probably light gray with blue and a little red for color. I have a white muslin and need to know how to paint or dye it. Which is the best for a long-lasting backdrop?

Answer 1

Paint, you'll get it just right, and you can spray a sealer on it. There are paintings that have been around for ages and not much dye, even from the 1970's.

Answer 2

You do not mention how large this backdrop is. My concern for both these techniques is how to handle such a large surface. I'd suggest, though, that you will want to have your surface sewn together before starting so that your project won't show seam lines.

I think that if you paint it, you will need to use special fabric paints that will not crack and peel over time - it should stay soft when done right - there are some called neopaque. You need to heat set this paint with an iron, which might be cumbersome with the size of project you propose.

If you want to dye it, I'd propose a low water immersion technique for a nice marbled effect. The colors will blend and mottle, but you can add as little or as much of each color that you plan to use. I've used this on bedsheets with good success so I can see this working on as large a surface as you want.

Good luck!

Answer 3

The Mona Lisa

Answer 4

save money and go to a fabric store and buy a back drop of the desired color. painting will not work. it will crack and and look crappy as soon as it dries and you fold it. dye is way too expensive and cumbersome.

Answer 5

Well if you really want a good one go to ebay. Save yourself the work. They have everything you need in colours that flatter your work.