How to Make a Cheap Concert Background Curtain
For any band it is important to have some kind of self-promotion on stage, most commonly a backdrop with the band name. Purchasing a background curtain can be expensive, so an alternative is to make one out of a sheet of muslin and apply the design at home. Muslin is the best material for this as it holds dye very well and can be painted on to add words or designs to the sheet.
Things You'll Need
- Muslin cloth
- Fabric dye
- Salt
- Soda ash
- Warm water
- Container
- Wooden stick or paddle
- Paint
- Paint brushes
Instructions
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1
Mix the dye with a little warm water to create a paste and add to a tub of hot water. For every 3 gallons of hot water, you will need 1 tablespoon of dye paste along with 3 cups of salt.
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2
Add the muslin sheet to the mixture and push it under the dye mix using a paddle or wooden stick.
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3
Leave the muslin in the dye mix for 20 minutes, stirring with the paddle regularly to ensure even dying.
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4
Combine 1/3 cup of soda ash on its own to the dye mixture gradually over a 15-minute period. Push the muslin to one side with the paddle so the soda ash does not come into direct contact with the fabric.
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5
Rinse the muslin with cool water to remove any excess dye and leave to dry naturally.
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6
Apply designs to the sheet using acrylic paints. Use stencils to apply letters, or paint on freehand. Include the name of the band, band logo and website details. Use paint in a contrasting color to the dyed muslin so it stands out clearly.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the muslin in a washing machine before dyeing. Any dirt will have a negative effect on the dyeing process.
Store the muslin rolled up rather than folded to prevent wrinkles and creases.
Paint and dye the sheet in a well-ventilated area.
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
