Where to Find Wide Seamless Canvas and Muslin for DIY Photography Backdrops Online

Terri Ann — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:30:43 +0000

Finding seamless muslin to use for photography backdrops or to dye for photography backgrounds is a bit tricky depending on your location in the world.Here is my resource collection of online retailers to help you find places anyone can order seamless muslin or canvas at least 10′ wide.

I’ve dyed canvas before and it sure was a learning experience but in the end I ordered canvas backgrounds from B&H Photo Video instead of making any more. Many people are far more creatively inclined or have specific needs – this resource is for you.

Leave a comment if I’m missing any killer resources or online muslin or canvas retailers.

DIY Seamless Muslin Resources

Muslin is typically cheaper than canvas – muslin is a lighter fabric and can be crinkled for effect – making it easier to store than canvas which must be rolled.

Raw 10′ Seamless Natural Cotton Muslin – $5.95/yard

You can get raw 10 ft wide Seamless Natural Muslin, 100% Cotton for $5.95/yard from Background Artistry – the makers of the amazing Zachary and Babycakes photo backdrops.

Black 10′ Seamless Black Muslin – $26/yard

You can get black 10 ft wide Seamless Muslin for $26/yard from Background Artistry – the makers of the amazing Zachary and Babycakes photo backdrops.

Natural 10′ Muslin (125″) Seamless Fabric – $5.50/yard

You can order 125″ Seamless Muslin fabric from OnlineFabricStore.net for $5.50/yard

Variety of Muslin Styles – $5 to $15/yard

Chicago Canvas Supply has a number of different Muslin options including flame retardant muslin, natural, bleached photo gray, light blue, heavy, light or medium weight. All at very reasonable per yard prices ranging from $5 – $14/yd for 10′ wide seamless.

DIY Wide Seamless Canvas Online Resources

Canvas is much heavier than muslin. Muslin often has a transparent quality about it if you get it too light weight. Canvas typically needs to be stored in rolls to keep from wrinkling.

More Options (at Higher Price Points)

Since it’s always nice to have options and to put into perspective how reasonable the above prices are.

DIY Canvas Photography Backdrop ($20.34)

Terri Ann — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:28:33 +0000

I read a great blog entry, on the Strobist blog last month about making your own backdrop by dying a canvas drop cloth that you can pick up for under $10 at Home Depot.

Note: Don’t be scared of dying. This was my first time, and it didn’t hurt.
Though next time I will use gloves.

Since I had to grab silver spay paint and painters tape for update some old lamps that have been lying around the house I decided to grab a 6′ x 9′ drop cloth while I was there. I ran to the craft store in the plaza and bought 4 packets of black Rit dye, then it was off to the house to get to dying.

Dying a Canvas Background Steps

Step 1: Gather Supplies

6′ x 9′ Canvas Drop Cloth be aware many drop cloths have large seams that will show after the dying process
4 packets black RIT dye
1 empty cranberry juice container (for dissolving the dye powder)
1 cup of salt

Yea, about the one cup of salt, I’m winging it here…

Step 2: Pre-wash the canvas

This will remove any residue on the cloth and get the cloth wet as is instructed by the Rit directions. I used warm water and detergent.

While the cloth was being pre-washed it was a good time to dissolve the dye and add the salt to the mix. I used an empty cranberry juice bottle – 8 cups of water (two per packet) was a good fit!

Step 3: Dye it up!

After the canvas was done with it’s first wash I set the washer to warm wash/cold rinse and started it up again. I dropped in the dye mix and let ‘er rip. As instructed by the Rit instructions I made sure to reset the agitate cycle before it got to the rinse/spin. After the machine went through it’s rinse cycle I pulled out the canvas and ran a piece of it under the tap in the sink to make sure it was running clear. It wasn’t so I ran it through another cold rinse cycle. After that it was to the dryer.

Step 4: All Done

I pulled out my canvas and it’s more of a warm/cool almost violet hinted gray. Maybe I’ll dye it again to see if I can get a deeper black. For now though this will be a great out-of-focus background to help make my subjects stand out better.

Total Cost: $20.34

$9.98 (6′ x 9′ Canvas)
$10.36 (Rit Dye 4 @ $2.59ea.)

Took less than 3 hours from start to finish!

References

Next time…

Yes, I will be using rubber gloves and checking for a seam in the drop cloth more closely.
I’m going to try dying a more earth brown tone as the yellow canvas will probably take that better than the black.

Woot for Plugs :)

Lesson as to why you should always give things on the internet a shot and post your results. Strobist Saturday Speed Links 11/17/2007 Cheapo, yes. Spin-offable, definitely!

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