Thread: Scrim fabric

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A few of our rooms will use scrims this year. After looking at the local fabric shop I realized that I know nothing about fabric. Theatrical shops have scrim fabric that is very expensive. I would like to keep the expenses to a minimum.

What is the best type of common fabric for use as a scrim? Will putting paint on the scrim diminish it's effectiveness?

Thanks!

love to help but need more info..whats a scrim???

there was a discussion on scrim a while back:

Anyone made outdoor scenes with scrims?

Originally Posted by zero

love to help but need more info..whats a scrim???

Scrim is...

Originally Posted by GntlmnJac

A few of our rooms will use scrims this year. After looking at the local fabric shop I realized that I know nothing about fabric. Theatrical shops have scrim fabric that is very expensive. I would like to keep the expenses to a minimum.

What is the best type of common fabric for use as a scrim? Will putting paint on the scrim diminish it's effectiveness?

Thanks!

Scrims are used in many theaters as well as concerts and other attractions. its almost like very fine netting that when illuminated from the front you can't see through it, much like any other heavy cloth material. however when lighted from the rear you can see right through it makes a great hiding place for props. A good example would be the haunted mansion in the stretching room, the ceiling is made from scrim material painted to look like a solid ceiling. Scrims can also be stretched out so you will see no creases or waves in your set.

hope this info helped

Thanks for the responses but I still do not know what kind of material to use. Mosquito netting has been mentioned several times, but would low thread count bed sheets work? I want the scrim to look like stone (my son had some sheets that had a marble print a few years back) but I want my effect to be clearly visible through it.

Does ANYONE have any real experience with scrim fabric?

Originally Posted by GntlmnJac

Thanks for the responses but I still do not know what kind of material to use. Mosquito netting has been mentioned several times, but would low thread count bed sheets work? I want the scrim to look like stone (my son had some sheets that had a marble print a few years back) but I want my effect to be clearly visible through it.

Does ANYONE have any real experience with scrim fabric?

To achieve the effect that you are describing scrim really is about the only way to go. I do have quite a bit of experience with scrims mostly on set pieces for concerts.
My best advice would be going to a fabric or linen store and find some extremely shear fabrics made from cotton or polyester.

A theater friend of mine who helps me with my setup suggested using landscape fabric as scrim - I had a good bit of it left from another project. Didn't get a chance to try it last year though.

Thanks, njwilk. Was your friend referring to the black weed blocking landscape fabric?

I do have some of the scrim sold to be used with the 'big scream dvd's".
and I have used the black weed control fabric. In my opinion they work the same. Iam pretty sure any black lightweight material would be good to use.