Making a Canvas Backdrop

In this quick tutorial, see how easy it is to create your very own backdrop for a studio photography fashion shoot.

Comments

  1. Hello,

    Is it possible to stick two canvas sheet side by side ir order to make a really big backdrop?

    Thank you!

  2. Hi Tim and Karl, thanks for this great video!, I have a question, I´m painting an MDF table in black mate with a paint roller (I don´t know if I´ts the correct name), but I find that there are some stripes left, do you have some tip to get rid of those?. Maybe using other panting technique to get a even painting fiinish. Thank you, regards.

  3. Hi Tim. I attempted this in the summer and made a real mess! I am going to attempt the other side of the canvas in the next few months. Do i need to prime this side even though the other side has already been primed?

    1. Hi Donovan. The canvas we used is an unprimed artist cotton canvas and also known as Duck Cloth or Calico and has a natural off white color. The cotton canvas has a slightly rough texture and weighs approximately 150gsm but can be purchased in other weights. The heavier the weight the thicker the canvas. You can purchase from either good art stores, theatre and stage supply stores or fabric store. If you need wider widths theatre supply stores normally sell in extra wide widths.

      The same canvas is used in numerous applications such as stage backdrops, artist canvas, ground cloths, murals, bags, and tarps.

      We then prime the canvas with PVA glue mixed with water to seal it before painting.

      1. Is there a difference between PVA glue and PVA sealer? I’ve found PVA drywall primer/sealer, but quite different results when searching PVA glue. Looking forward to trying this method. Thank you!

        1. Hi Emad, I’m afraid I don’t know what PVA sealer is? Hold on I’ve just checked and any DIY shop or kids art shop will have PVA glue, Tim thinks PVA sealer should work though.

    1. Hi Chris, water based emulsion paints are best to use. You can purchase specialist theatrical paints but these are hard to get hold of and normally more expensive. I would recommend that you first apply a sealing primer to the canvas using PVA glue mixed with water this will stop the paint sinking into the canvas and losing the vibrancy of the colours used.

  4. I see Tim doing all the work and the other two ‘boys’ playing a scene from Harry Potter around him! Awesome.

    1. Hi Tim. I attempted this in the summer and made a real mess! I am going to attempt the other side of the canvas in the next few months. Do i need to prime this side even though the other side has already been primed?

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