If your banner frames fold into a bag, they might not support the weight of muslin or canvas once it is painted. If your frames won't support the weight, you might have to get creative. I have bought lightweight muslin at JoAnn's Fabrics in a wide width--almost 100". If you temporarily staple that on a frame of 1 X 3s or 1 X 4s, you should be able to paint on it with scenic paint, then cut it off and hang it on your banner frame.
If you think your frames will hold the weight, you can go with one of the other methods listed, but be aware that muslin shrinks, which may warp your frames, if you are attaching the muslin before priming and painting.
Good luck!
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C. J. Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
Asheville NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-14-2019 09:06
From: Michael Johnson
Subject: Painting on Canvas
When we size a new flat or drop, I prefer to treat it with a mixture of water and Argo Laundry starch-- dissolve one pound of laundry starch in one gallon of cold water and then add that to 3 gallons of boiling water. Most folks use this on translucent drops or flats, but I prefer to do this all the time as the starch can be reactivated by simply spraying the drop or flat from the rear with some hot water. As my flats often get stretched by hands or heads while they are moved or shifted, I have found that to be a pretty simple solution. Lynn Pectal's book is great, if you can find it as it is used, but there are a lot of tips in the text and it's fun to just browse through from time to time.
It sounds like you are planning to fold and store your "covers" over time-- if that is the case, I would not back paint the flats as it will be easier to remove the fold lines for the next production.
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Michael Johnson
Trinity NC
Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2019 09:05
From: Amy Williams
Subject: Painting on Canvas
We have very little storage space off of our gym stage and no way to hang backdrops from above the stage. So I was looking into creative ways to have scenery backdrops and someone suggested large banner frames and painting on canvas. I have purchased large banner frames (which are great because they fold up into a small bag). I was told to get large canvas drop clothes (like painters use) and then to stretch the canvas around the frame and secure it. Then to treat the canvas with Gesso before painting. I was talking to the art teacher and she said the Gesso wasn't necessary and painting right onto the canvas would be fine.
So I am wondering which way to go before I purchase Gesso and/or paint. Has anyone painted on drop cloth canvas? Did you treat it with a primer like Gesso first? What kind of paint did you use? I haven't purchased the canvas yet, is there something better to use? Thanks for any help you can give!!
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Amy Williams
District Librarian/Theater Teacher
Thespian Troupe #8881
Auburn High School
Auburn, IL
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