Translucent and Textural Backdrops and Scrim for Stage Design, Set Design, Exhibit Design and Tradeshow Design from Studio Productions, Inc.

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Studio Productions Home > Frequently Asked Questions
	Do you have scrim questions? Lot´s of people have asked us some good questions. Here are our answers: Also try: What is a scrim effect? What types of backgrounds are there? What types of scrim is there? Other articles and papers... including how to make Olio Scrims/Drops and other stage effects. Or search the entire site: product information, technical articles, small business topics....
	What is the natural width of the fabrics? StudioCloth is 12´6" and Chameleon is 15´8".
	Which is the scrim material?Chameleon is much tougher and is recommended for normal scrim uses. Think of StudioCloth as more of a "Prop Cloth".
	Can they be painted? Yes. Paint with a dye style, but use a dilute acrylic paint (because it adds a small amount of binder). To read more about painting.
	Do they hour-glass? No. Hourglassing is something specific to woven fabrics. When stretched a woven fabric gets narrow in the center. (Like pulling a turleneck sweater over your head--its tight. On stage a sharkstooth scrim is hung and is narrower in the middle. On stage Chameleon is still the same shape.
	Do I need a heavy pipe weight? No. Ordinary sharkstooth scrim needs a heavy weight because it has to be stretched out. Chameleon™ doesn't stretch and doesn't need a heavy pipe weight. Part of the reason that the pipe pockets are small is to encourage use of light pipes. For most applications a pipe no bigger than 1" OD is needed--and we recommend a lighter weight alloy like aluminum. Many of our customers are happy with PVC pipes. Under no circumstances should you use a heavy pipe on a piece to be flown for obvious safety reasons. Studio Productions, Inc. doesn't accept liablity for misuse of products including using too heavy a pipe. Using smaller lighter weight pipes is just another cost savings. (Most StudioCloth™ applications should not use a pipe weight.)
	What about Flame Retardant treatment? Chameleon™ and StudioCloth™ are not inherently flame retardant, although like most synthetics it tends to melt and draw away from flame sources. However, Studio Productions, Inc. recommends that all fabrics hung on stage or in public settings be flame retardant treated. We also recommend that care is taken to not expose any hung fabric--treated or not--to a flame source. If you are ordering Chameleon™ scrim (or StudioCloth™) without flame retardant treatment (perhaps to paint it) you should treat it before use for most applications.
	Care of flame retardant treated fabrics. Like most vendors, Studio Productions, Inc. included recommend that flame retardant treated fabrics are periodically re-treated. Also if the fabric is wetted for any reason, the fabric should be retreated. Cleaning of flame retardant treated fabrics should be limited to shaking off dust, vacuuming with care, spot cleaning with care using a damp, not wet, cloth.
	Do two or more have a moiré effect? No. A moiré effect is basically an interferance pattern that forms when two fabrics with similar weaves are placed on in front of the other. Since Chameleon™ is spunbonded, a moiré effect is not possible.
	How to I get a scrim larger than 15´? We suggest you use panels. If you must have a larger piece, try vertically seaming with tape, which produces a very nice non-seam (not weight bearing). The tape we use is placed on the back, and is non reflective and transparent.
	Can it be flametreated? Flametreat to industry standards with an application of Rosco Flamex S-33 ( for synthetics). We can treat before shipment.
	Is this material woven? No, this is a spunbonded fabric.
	How can I get rid of wrinkles? IF the scrim has been folded in a box, get a partner to help you 'reverse fold" it...simply fold it exactly opposite. If a fold went inward, fold it outward. Then hang the scrim up and weight it to let most of the wrinkles fall out overnight. Steaming is possible if the steamer is held 3" or more from the cloth. Ironing on low synthetic settings is possible with StudioCloth, but only very low synthetic settings are recommended for with Chameleon. Test the edge carefully before testing a visible area.
	What sort of effects can I get? Chameleon&trade can be lit to be opaque (not-see through) or translucent (see through. Objects look slightly diffused and glow when revealed behind the cloth (lit from behind the cloth as well). The effect is similar to a 'halo'. Projection is possible--both front projection and rear projection. Shadows and silhouettes can also be projected. To read more about other effects.
	Can the fabric be printed on? Yes, they are an excellant printing surface. To read more about printing on scrim.
	What colors are available? Both StudioCloth and Chameleon are available in Dark Grey, Medium Grey, Pearl Grey, Dark Brown, Sky Blue, Tan, Off White, Royal Blue, Bright Red, Bright Yellow, Kelly Green, Bright Orange, Lavendar, and Pink. Please see colors offered.
	Are custom colors available? Yes, with some time constraints and with a small additional charge. Call for details.
	What colors are best? All of them (depends on you). Off White is the most popular standard color followed by Pearl Grey which is probably the most versatile.
	Is there a cost difference? Both materials cost approximately the same per square foot. Size and finishing makes the difference.
	Are custom sizes available? Yes, call 1(800) 359-2964 in the US, or 1(812)579-5063. Or you can order using our NEW online order form--just visit the Custom Scrim page
	Can Chameleon be ordered outside the US? Yes, call 1(812) 579-5063.
	What is color-layering? Two StudioCloth (or Chameleon) backgrounds, placed one directly in front of the other. Here the colors mottle together for an entirely different look. Dark Brown behind Light Grey will look like a background that is grey with some brown mottled in.
	Is Chameleon a scrim? This isn´t your ordinary sharkstooth. This is a non-woven fabric, that is translucent. Its a better projection surface than ordinary scrim and is easier to light than ordinary sharkstooth scrim. To read more about other types of scrim.
	Can we order using a Purchase Order or PO? We accept most Purchase Orders. It does need to be the complete signed PO --not just the number. Please fax the PO to 812-579-5063 or email it to us.
	Is Chameleon transparent? No, a Chameleon scrim is translucent not transparent. People revealed behind it look slightly diffused and glow--like they have a 'halo' making this very suggestive of spiritual effects and separation of time and space.

	Can I rent Chameleon™? Yes, visit out Can you use these cloths opaquely? Yes, just front light them as you would any scrim to make it opaque. No scrim is easy to make opaque, but Chameleon™ is far easier to make opaque than sharkstooth scrim. To read more about lighting scrims.
	What are Scrim Effects? The most common scrim effect is the 'reveal effect'. There are basically two states of a scrim: 1. The scrim is lit from the front (audience side) and it become opaque so it looks like a solid color screen�the color is any color of light you shine on it. Results?The subject will not be seen��the scrim will look like a �sky� if you use a blue scrim, or any color scrim with blue gelled lights. 2. The scrim has no light from the front (the audience), and some subject is behind the scrim and strong light falls on the subject. This typically would be a spotlight on the angel. Results?The subject will now be seens with a glow around him. This is similar to the glow around the children on the carousel in the picture in the set design gallery, so take a look at that. The very simple rule is light what you want to be seen. Light something you want seen behind a scrim and it shows, don�t light it (light the scrim itself instead) and it doesn�t show. To make this all work, you need control of your lighting both in front of the scrim and behind �which is dicey if you are outdoors. There are other effects, like shadow screens and projections. This scrim can even be walked through for a 'secret entrance'. To read more about other effects.
	How is our scrim different from other scrims like sharkstooth? Our products can be used instead of sharkstooth scrim, or with sharkstooth scrims. The effects achieved are slightly different, but similar. Ultimately it all depends on your artistic needs and you budget. 1. Ours is made in a different fabric 2. Ours comes in 14 different colors�standard, not extra 3. You can layer two of our scrims one in front of the other, for special color effects�without a nasty moir� (interference like) pattern. 4. Ours doesn�t hourglass. 5. Ours is made to be used in panels. No nasty side seams. 6. Ours can be printed or painted economically. 7. Ours gives a glow on the subject behind the scrim. This gives a special effect that can�t be gotten with ordinary scrim. 8. Ours is economical. Don�t be afraid to paint on it, because it doesn�t cost an arm and leg like sharketooth. 9. Ours comes in 15 � widths. This is both a plus and a minus. The minus: 15� is very wide, but sharkstooth is wider. The plus: Sharkstooth can�t be hung as panels without hourglassing--when it stretches it becomes narrower in the center. Sharkstooth also needs a seam on the edge, which would show if you hung it in a panel. Ours doesn�t need a side seam. Ours doesn�t hourglass and needs no side seam. 10. Our scrim can be rented. Few scrims are rented because scrims are delicate and expensive materials. However Chameleon™ stands up to rental.
	What are return policies? Any return must occur within 30 days of sale of the product. Any return must be preapproved within 3 days of receipt of product, preapproval will involve a return code issued by phone or an email will be issued with instructions for return. No shipping costs are refunded. Because all Chameleon™ scrim sales are custom sales a standard minimum charge of 20% applies. Any damage to the product or delay in its return may cause additional fees to apply, including but not limited to rental charges. Rental charges would be assessed based on the standard rental charges of a similarly sized rental product for a similar amount of time. (Example: A scrim is returned which is of a similar size to one which rents for $145 for two weeks. If that scrim is returned after four weeks the refund would be reduced $290 plus any damages.) Returns of StudioCloth™ or unseamed Chameleon™ sales have a 15% restocking fee...unless a 1-for-1 order is given. Returns of printed Chameleon™ scrims are rarely accepted and are handled on a case by case basis. What is does the restocking fee cover? Charging a sale to credit card results in non-refundable fees that can cost up to 5% of the total charge--including initial shipping costs. Any credit issued to a card also incurs fees. Additionally, returned products cannot be sold as 'new', and sometimes require significant discounts for resale as 'used'. Other costs are incurred but are not enumerated here.
	What policies regarding non-return of rental products (or delay in return)? Rental scrims must be in-transit by traceable means (UPSP, UPS, FedEx) within 24 hours after the rental period ends. The tracking number must be kept available should we need to ask for it. You can return by the least expensive traceable method--i.e. ground UPS or FedEx. If the rental product is not returned and the tracking number cannot be produced to prove the rental products location, the renter agrees to damages. Normally damages will be charged to the payment method given when the products were rented. Charges are limited to the fair value of the product, minus the rental charge. Ex: A $530 value scrim is not returned. The renter originally paid $195 to rent the scrim (plus shipping). The renter now would owe $ 530 - $195, or $335. Renters agree to these terms by renting the product.
	What policies regarding damage of rental products? Rental products must be returned in good re-rentable, clean condition. Should damage occur we allow for a certain amount of damage per use (i.e. normal wear and tear) before charging for damages. Should the damage exceed the allowed amount, we contact the renter and alert them to the problem. At that time the renter is offered the option of paying the damage minus the allowance, or purchasing the product at a price discounted for prior use, and further discounted for the rent paid. Renters agree to these terms by renting the product. Only a small percentage of customers are charged for damages.
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To talk to someone about your background needs...Call Now: (800)359-2964 of Fax us at (812)579-5063. In Canada Call Now: (812)579-5063
Creative Tools for Creative People™, since 1991. Studio Productions, Inc. 18000 E. 400 S. Elizabethtown, IN 47232. ©2004-2010 Studio Productions, Inc. all rights reserved.

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