suggestions resources for backdrops?

[msfvirginia]

I am about to buy a portable background stand from b&h, so its time to buy a canvas. I was thinking about buying paper, but it seems rather expensive for something that will rip eventually, and crease when rolled back up.

Ive seen it suggested to find some painting companies and get an old canvas off of them, but I am looking for something with a more constant color, not splashes of color.

I was hoping someone here knew of an online store that sold canvas's pretty cheap, even ones that were not dyed yet.

[Pyromaniac]

Look on ebay, you can find all kind of backdrop in every color imaginable. There are a ton of places on ebay selling back drops so all you really have to do is find one that fits your price range.

People use paper because you don't have to worry about cleaning it. If it gets dirty or something happens to it you just cut it off and pull out more. Its also easier to handle by your self that a 10x10 or 10x20 muslin backdrop.

I have wrestled 10 foot wide backdrops on to stand by my self a few time and a roll of paper would have been much easier to get the cross bar through and on to the stands.

[CosmoKid]

my paper doesnt crease when i roll it back up. paper is a great solution and a better one (for me) than muslins. you will spend a heck of a lot of time getting wrinkles out of muslins, whether it be before a shoot or in post.

you can use gels on paper to change the background color.

with that said, sign up for the daily deals emails from amvona.com. they sell muslins pretty cheap and they are good quality.

[Gel]

Unless it's black then stick with muslin, creases generally don't show.

[Pyromaniac]

you will spend a heck of a lot of time getting wrinkles out of muslins, whether it be before a shoot or in post.


I actually just make sure my muslins are evenly wrinkled. I don't fold them at all, I just wad them up and put them in those space bags that you can vacuum the air out of. This way in stead of trying to figure out how to get the wrinkle out they are pretty evenly wrinkled and look like they are supposed to be that way.

[msfvirginia]

Interesting idea pyro, I may try that sometime.

Right now ive been using bed sheets, by the time I finish ironing the sheet, the first part is wrinkly again. and I made a make shift stand in my studio using pvc tubing, with 4 rollers at the top, so when the sheets get rolled up, every time they get more and more hard creases. very annoying. :) This makes me spend 2/3's more time processing than needs be.

Ill check out ebay, and that amvona site. : ) Im even going to contact some painters near by. Perhaps I can get some cool looking backgrounds anywase. Perhaps even barter services to get the canvas for free and possibly get some print sales. :D

On a side note, does anyone have any good advice on getting huge flags *mostly interested in American* for cheap? All the big ones ive found online cost half a thousand or more. I was hoping for something large enough to fit a few people infront of, and have them at least a few feet from the background, preferably 5'. July 4th isnt to far away. :D

[Nightstalker]

Have heard that some people have used the back of Vinyl Lino flooring that has been painted.

Very durable and a quick to clean / repair with a bit of white paint.

Available in up to 4m widths and pretty much as long as you want.