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Specialty Theatres explores some commonly asked on this Theatre FAQs page. To learn more, visit this page!

Q: How do I store my stage drapes and theatre curtains when not in use?

A: Specialty Theatre recommends that you carefully fold your stage curtains to limit wrinkles. Drapes should then be stored in canvas bags or canvas storage hampers but preferably not in plastic bags due to potential moisture and condensation issues.
If you require more information on the proper storage of theatre drapes, please feel free to contact us today.

Q: How do I remove wrinkles from theatre curtain and stage drapes?

A: Specialty Theatre recommends hanging your stage curtains, wall drapes or backdrops for a few days prior to your performance, concert or show. This should allow the wrinkles and folds to “hang” out of the fabric much like you might do with a wool suit. The warmer the temperature, the quicker this usually happens. The weight of the fabric usually pulls the wrinkles out pretty effectively.
If you can’t wait a couple of days, you can also try brushing the curtains with a clean, new brush. You should avoid steaming the fabric as this may remove the flame retarding chemicals.

Q: How do I care for stage drapes treated with fungicide?

A: Here’s our guidance on how to care for stage drapes and theatre curtains that have been treated with fungicide to help inhibit the formation of mould and mildew:
Primary preventative measures: The fungicide treatment has been carried out in order to reduce the incidence of mould and mildew on the cinema drapes. Mould and mildew are present throughout the built environment, however this only becomes a problem under certain conditions. The primary preventative measures to reduce the incidence of mould and mildew are the removal, as far as practicable, of organic material from the drapes and the maintenance of relative humidity below 65% wherever the drapes are stored and/or hung.
“The key to mold control is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems!” –US EPA
Regular maintenance: The drapes should be vacuumed at least once every 6 months in order to prevent the buildup of dust. Note that dust is typically organic and can be a precursor to mould and mildew. Care should be taken during vacuuming that the drapes are not dislodged from their fixing point.
Spot cleaning: Organic material, such as food and drink, should be removed as quickly as possible from the drapes using a dry, clean cloth.
Re-application: Where the drapes have become wet or suffered prolonged exposure to organic material, the integrity of the fungicide may be compromised. Localised spot treatment can be carried out using a 1:5 solution of tea tree oil and water. This solution should be sprayed onto the affected area using a hand held spray gun until the area is slightly damp to the touch.
Where a significant area of a drape or drapes has been affected by prolonged exposure to moisture and/or organic material, fungicide should be professionally re-applied. In all cases, the manufacturer recommends that fabric be retreated every 24 months for the fungicide to remain effective.

Q: What does it mean if a fabric is NDFR?

A: NDFR stands for Non Durably Flame Retarded. These fabrics are chemically treated with a water soluble retarding solution. All fabrics classed as NDFR will withstand at least 5 water free dry cleaning cycles without effecting flame retardancy. If these fabrics are wetted in any way, it is essential to retreat the fabric to meet flammability requirements.

Q: Can theatre curtains be treated for flame retarding in situ without removing them from the venue?

A: Yes, there is a process to treat theatre curtains, stage drapes and acoustic wall curtains for flame retarding without removing them from the venue to comply with Australian building standards.

Q: What does it mean if a fabric is NDFR?

 A: NDFR stands for Non-Durably Flame Retarded. These fabrics are chemically treated with a water-soluble retarding solution. All fabrics classed as NDFR will withstand at least 5 water-free dry cleaning cycles without affecting retardancy. If these fabrics are wetted in any way, it is essential to retreat the fabric to meet flammability requirements.

If you have any questions that you think should feature on our Theatre FAQ Page please let us know via the “contact us” button below.