Light proof fabric by the yard?

[pbryld]

I would like to make some drapes for a darkroom, some dark cloths and possibly a very large cloth for a dark box.

What material should I be looking for?
Where can I buy it on the internet (by the yard (if that's how you say it English))?

Thanks in advance.

[winterclock]

google blackout cloth:D

[Bruce Watson]

I would like to make some drapes for a darkroom, some dark cloths and possibly a very large cloth for a dark box.

What material should I be looking for?

Duvetyne or "commando cloth" (http://www.rosebrand.com/subcategory151/fabric-by-type-commando-cloth-duvetyn.aspx) is used for this purpose all over the motion picture industry. Most camera/lighting supply/rental companies carry it, or something like it. Call around.

[John Jarosz]

Big fabric stores usually carry fabric used by hotels/motels to make blackout curtains. I made the cases for my 8x20 filmholders out of it. Perversely, it only comes in white. I have used some to hang on motel bathroom windows when I change film on the road. I'd say it's 95% block out as a slight glow can bee seen thru it on bright sunlight. At night it should be fine. Or, use a double thickness. The stuff was ridiculously cheap.

[frotog]

There was a previous thread on this subject somewhere in this forum. Lots of good suggestions regarding material, plastic vs. fabric etc...

Also, keep in mind that not all duvetyne/commando is opaque.

[frotog]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/NYSuperStore08.jsp

Triple carbon black plastic. You could probably find something similar, in different widths and at better prices at a pond supply store.

[joselsgil]

The drapes for the darkroom, you are better off with the black vinyl versus the cloth. You won't have to deal with the lint problem associated with cloth fabrics.

The vinyl can also be hosed off when they get crusty and stained with chemicals.

Just my .02 cents worth.

Jose

[Jim Noel]

With vinyl in the darkroom your dust problems will multiply. Stay with cloth.

[oldguy387]

My 2 cents is shower curtains. They can be purchased in black. Seal out all light, are cheap, easy to clean and have holes ready for hanging. Just a thought here as I don't know how you are going to use them.

[vinny]

Duvetyne or "commando cloth" (http://www.rosebrand.com/subcategory151/fabric-by-type-commando-cloth-duvetyn.aspx) is used for this purpose all over the motion picture industry. Most camera/lighting supply/rental companies carry it, or something like it. Call around.

true, but.....
it contains fire retardant which constantly falls off in the form of dust. great for some things, not for others.

we also use "ultrabounce" which is white on one side/black on the other, looks like ripstop but thicker. it's not totally opaque but makes great dark cloths and sheds water well. Modern Studio Equipment in burbank sells it by the yard. We also use blackout paper for windows that comes in rolls.

[GSX4]

I use a combination of two materials.... Thorlabs BK-5 and a silverized and waterproof taffeta from Wilderness Outfitters. Together, they are super light, waterproof, and using the silverized sheet on the outside helps with heat reflection in my wet plate darkbox.

[pbryld]

Thanks for all yours suggestions! There are definitely different options to consider.

[John Koehrer]

I would like to make some drapes for a darkroom, some dark cloths and possibly a very large cloth for a dark box.

What material should I be looking for?
Where can I buy it on the internet (by the yard (if that's how you say it English))?

Thanks in advance.

"By the yard" is correct. Maybe it's "by the metre" in Europe.
It's length will be the length you need X whatever the width it's made in. Here a lot of fabric is 54" wide so one yard would be 36"X54"