How to Build a Backdrop

Backdrops are used many different ways. Photographers and theater groups use them to stage a setting. People use them in their home to establish a mood or décor. Backdrops are often large in size, spanning several feet in length and width. They may be painted with a color or design, or covered with fabric or other type of material. They are simple to make with the right tools and supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Wood (2-by-2-by-2 inch and 4-by-4-by-2 inch sections)
• Canvas or other material
• Saw
• Scissors
• Staple gun and staples
• Nail gun and nails
• Soft graphite drawing pencil
• Paint
• Paint sprayer or brush

Instructions

Put the Backdrop Frame Together

1. Determine the size of backdrop to be made. This will depend on what the backdrop is being used for. Photography backdrops generally range between 6 to 8 feet in height and width. Theater backdrops must be high enough for the top to be covered by curtains so the audience cannot see where they end. Width of theater backdrops range between 4 and 6 feet. Home backdrops are typically no larger in height and width than a wall and are usually significantly smaller; between 4 and 6 feet in height and width.

2. Choose the materials to be used for the backdrop. Frames are almost always made from wood. Photographic backdrop frames are generally covered by muslin, canvas or plastic. Theater backdrops are typically made with canvas or cardboard. Home backdrops can be made from any of these materials.

3. Gather the supplies needed and choose a location to put the backdrop together. The surface chosen should provide enough space to lay the backdrop out flat for assembly.

4. Cut the wood for the frame to fit the height and width specifications for the backdrop. Be sure to include center reinforcements for backdrops more than 6 feet in height or width. Also cut brace pieces to hold the backdrop into place. Depending upon the height and width of the backdrop, it may be necessary to have multiple braces.

5. Lay the frame out flat on the work surface. Check each corner and reinforced juncture to make certain it fits properly into place.

6. Glue or nail together the backdrop frame together. If using glue, choose a permanent strong-bond wood glue. Allow the backdrop frame to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next section.

Prepare the Backdrop

1. Cut plywood or other thin wood to specifications if wood is the chosen for the backdrop. Otherwise, move on to the next step.

2. Cut fabric, canvas, or plastic to the measurements needed in order to cover the backdrop frame. Allow at least 3 extra inches all the way around the frame for stretching and securing the material into place.

3. Lay the backdrop material face down flat on the work surface. Lay the prepared backdrop frame on top of it, leaving an equal amount of material around the outside edges of the frame.

4. Pull the excess material, beginning at one side, around the frame and to the back of the backdrop, securing it with staples. Keep the material even and flat, without wrinkles or puckers.

5. Pull the opposite side of the backdrop cloth tight against the frame, around and to the back as done in Step 4.

6. Secure the top and bottom of the backdrop frame using the same techniques described in Steps 4 and 5.

7. Turn the backdrop over and examine it for wrinkles or puckers. If necessary, loosen one or more edges to pull out any wrinkles or puckers, and then secure in place with staples.

Design the Backdrop

1. Paint the backdrop any base color desired. Use the proper type of paint or dye for the surface material chosen.

2. Add a decorative finish to the backdrop if desired. Decorative finishes like sponge or rag painting can give the piece texture and depth while adding additional color.

3. Freehand draw a design onto the backdrop if desired using a soft graphite drawing pencil. Adding objects to the backdrop can create a scene for a specific type of motif for use in the studio, theater or home. Finish it off by painting in the design with the appropriate type of craft paint.

4. Apply a clear overcoat of acrylic if desired. This will help to seal the paint onto the surface and prevent it from easily fading.

Tips & Warnings

• Use both glue and nails to reinforce unusually large backdrops. Plywood is a good material to use for backdrops that are to be unusually shaped or that have cutout sections. Large sections of canvas material can be difficult to find locally. However, it can easily be found online at places like Mister Art.

• Be sure backdrop braces are strong enough to hold the backdrop in place in the event it is accidentally bumped into. Take caution in using power tools such as staple and nail guns, as well as power saws.

Resources

• Mister Art: For Large Canvas Purchases