Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Backcloth painting

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   I am currently involved in a theatrical dance project in which we have interchangeable backcloths attatched to four wooden frames. The backdrops are behind each other and are attatched to quick releases which when pulled will drop each particular cloth to the floor, revealing the next scene. The problem, however is as follows:

we need to paint the scenes on the cloths, but the cloths need to be able to roll up for storage, and also to crumple up on the floor when dropped from the quick releases. Therefore we need a paint to use that will not crack when the cloth is folded or rolled. We are not even sure where to start with finding a suitable paint - anyone got any ideas please?

many thanks :)

James

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james258 Walk-On Joined: 3/21/10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Backcloth painting - ADVICE NEEDED Posted: 3/21/10 at 1:20pm
	I am currently involved in a theatrical dance project in which we have interchangeable backcloths attatched to four wooden frames. The backdrops are behind each other and are attatched to quick releases which when pulled will drop each particular cloth to the floor, revealing the next scene. The problem, however is as follows: we need to paint the scenes on the cloths, but the cloths need to be able to roll up for storage, and also to crumple up on the floor when dropped from the quick releases. Therefore we need a paint to use that will not crack when the cloth is folded or rolled. We are not even sure where to start with finding a suitable paint - anyone got any ideas please? many thanks :) James

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JazPainter Player Joined: 3/16/10 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 15	Posted: 3/21/10 at 2:02pm
	Hi James, I find that adding glaze to all my paints helps give elasticity to them. I would base the fabric (after sizing) with a mid-grade contractors white, and then do all your layers from there with paint/glaze combos. You do want a good base coat, or your colors will not lay well with the glaze in it. Best to use Super-Saturated Rosco, Artists Choice, or Off Broadway. House paints probably will not work as well for this - though if what your painting is very thin glaze work you could just use tints in glaze (I'd have to see what your designs are - but hopefully you get the idea) Behr Glaze is the best - use 2:1 with water, it goes forever, and I don't know where you are, but here in CA it's in every Home Depot - other glazes work, too - such as Cal-Westerns Extender (though don't add water to this one for this project). Lastly, I would keep a small garden sprayer at the theater. When you reset the fabric, if there are any wrinkles, you can mist them with warm water to help re-size them Hope that helps!
	Jasmine www.BlueAppleScenic.Wordpress.com
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james258 Walk-On Joined: 3/21/10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 3/21/10 at 2:13pm
	Hiya, Many thanks for your help. I am in the UK, so would have to find somewhere else to source this glaze. Just to clarify, are you saying that we need to get the glaze, mix with water (if necessary) and then add to the paint (would normal emulsion paint then be suitable if added to the glaze?)? If this is the case, with what ratio should we mix the glaze and paint? As you can probably tell, I am not very experienced at this type of thing, although your help is proving very useful. Many thanks, James
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JazPainter Player Joined: 3/16/10 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 15	Posted: 3/22/10 at 4:21pm
	Hi, Because I've never bought paint in the UK - let me clarify that water based paint is best. And the glaze, could be a water based sealer that you water down (to about the consistancy of skim milk) otherwise, there are water based Faux Glazes. As for paint to water ratio, it depends on what your painting. If you trying to keep your paint on the thicker size, than do 1part glaze to 3 parts paint, if your trying to do thinner glazes, 1part glaze to 2 parts paint. Does that make sense?
	Jasmine www.BlueAppleScenic.Wordpress.com
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james258 Walk-On Joined: 3/21/10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 3/22/10 at 4:26pm
	Hi, Yes that is all clear now - many thanks for your help - it has made this problem a lot easier to sort. Many thanks, James
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JazPainter Player Joined: 3/16/10 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 15	Posted: 3/26/10 at 11:13am
	Excellent! I'm sure it will be a great effect
	Jasmine www.BlueAppleScenic.Wordpress.com
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Set Design and Construction
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Topic: Backcloth painting - ADVICE NEEDED( Topic Closed)