One page. Drape weight, FR rating, recertification window. Print it, laminate it, tape it to the fly rail. The fabric inventory you have to work with on a load-in is what's already in the venue - this reference helps you read it quickly.
Typical theatre drape fabric weights
Weights below are per square metre at standard width. Use them to estimate handling weight before you lift a drape onto a batten. Always check the actual maker's tag where it survives - older stock varies.
| Fabric | Weight per m² | Typical use | Light-tight? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool serge (heavy) | 540 g/m² | Tabs, legs, borders | Yes |
| Wool serge (medium) | 440 g/m² | Legs, borders | Yes |
| FR-treated cotton velour | 620 g/m² | House tabs, formal masking | Yes |
| FR-treated cotton duvetyne | 340 g/m² | Masking, blackout | Yes |
| Cotton scrim (sharkstooth) | 100 g/m² | Reveal effects, gauze | No (lit from front) |
| Cotton filled cloth | 250 g/m² | Cyclorama, lit backdrop | Partial |
| Nessel canvas (painted backdrops) | 200 g/m² | Scenic painting, painted backdrops | Partial |
| FR polyester (printed backdrops) | Varies by base | Digitally printed scenic | Partial |
FR ratings - what to look for on the tag
In Australia the relevant standard is AS 1530. A maker's tag should show:
- Standard referenced - AS 1530 at minimum.
- Date of certification.
- Treatment type - inherently FR (woven from FR fibre) or topically FR-treated (chemical applied to a non-FR base fabric).
- Recertification interval if topically treated, usually 4 to 5 years.
Recertification windows
Recertification is not the same as retreatment. The certificate window below is how long a treatment stays valid on paper. The retreatment cycle is shorter - plan on 2-3 years, sooner for drapes that are washed, handled hard or hung in daylight.
| Drape type | Recertify every | Trigger for early retest |
|---|---|---|
| Inherently FR (Trevira CS, FR polyester) | Not required, permanent | Visible char, smoke damage, fire exposure |
| Topically FR-treated (wool serge, cotton velour) | 4 to 5 years | Any wet cleaning, water damage, fire exposure |
| FR-treated canvas or painted backdrops | 4 to 5 years | Any wet cleaning, repainting, fire exposure |
Quick checks before a show
- FR tag still legible and inside the recertification window.
- No visible char, scorch marks, or smoke discolouration.
- No water staining (water damage compromises topical FR).
- Seams and webbing intact, no torn grommets at hang points.
If a drape fails any of the above, take it out of service and call us on 1300 439 872. We re-treat and recertify in-house and turn most loads in two to three weeks.