Stage Curtain Care

Storage

Never store in plastic!

If there is any moisture in the goods due to changing humidity or otherwise, you run the risk of mold/mildew build-up and possible leaching of the flame proofing chemicals or fabric dye. Both flame proofing and dyeing of soft goods are a salt process that can be affected by moisture.

The best way to store curtains is in canvas bags or canvas storage hampers.

It is important that you fold your soft goods correctly and as neatly as possible. This will help prevent or limit the amount of wrinkles, especially with long-term storage. Click here for folding instructions.

Wrinkles

Most wrinkles will hang out with the use of weights at the bottom. If possible, pre-hang your soft goods several days before a performance.

If you have a muslin that is severely wrinkled you can try misting the back surface LIGHTLY with warm water. You can use a Hudson sprayer for this purpose, set to the finest setting. Do not soak the fabric!

It takes very little water to remove wrinkles. Never spray the face of a muslin or scrim, especially when painted. Too much water will cause the paint to run and the flame proofing chemical to leach. If dye has been used to paint a drop -- do not spray at all.

We do not recommend spraying a scrim with water. Water can cause the scrim to “bag” or “belly”. The safest method here is to have enough bottom weight and let the wrinkles hang out.

Cleaning

Muslin and especially scrim are very delicate materials. If stains occur there are no really safe steps to take. Spot cleaning with water may cause the material to “spot-shrink” or leave a ring after drying caused by leaching flame proofing compound or paint. The use of dry cleaning compound is not recommended, and professional dry cleaning and subsequent flame proofing may alter the material and cause severe shrinkage.

If you have a painted drop with a stain, the best solution is to repaint the problem area. A non-painted drop is best left alone or replaced depending on the extend of the stains.