Stage Curtain Flammability should be checked annually.

Parlights can help.   Contact us for help help testing your curtains!

(We can also help with annual maintenance and inspections for theatrical lighting and rigging equipment).

Are your Curtains properly certified?

Stage Drapes and Curtains must pass NFPA 705, a fire resistance regulation, and all properly made curtains arrive with this certification from their manufacturer.

Look for one of these terms on your curtains:

• IFR—Inherently Flame Resistant, the fabric is woven of fibers that will not burn under normal circumstances.  A curtain that has gotten drenched with oil, for example, is no longer considered IFR. Examples of IFR fabrics are typically the poly fibers—Encore, Poly Scrim, Poly muslin, and Trevira Muslin

• FR–Flame Resistant, the fabric has been treated with a chemical immersion process to prevent combustion. These include the cotton fabrics used onstage—velour, cotton muslin and scrim, Leno, Commando and Duvetyn, and some manufactured fabrics as well.  Because the solution is applied to the surface of the fabric, it will wear off in time. Most flame proofing chemicals are water based, and will be dissipated by high humidity, repeated cleaning or other contact with water.   FR certification is good for one year.

Environmental challenges, high humidity or a heavy coat of dust, will reduce the flame retardancy of Stage Curtains.

Clean and Repair, or Replace?

Eventually you need to make a tough choice: endeavor to clean, repair and retreat curtains…or replace them.

Frequently a drape that has hung for 10 years is worn to the point of no return.

Often, replacement cost vs. cleaning /treatment is the first consideration.   Some fabrics, poly in particular, can (technically) be cleaned…though the cost to do so is often prohibitive.  Others, including cotton velvet or velour, cannot be cleaned.   You should also consider the time involved: the turn around time for new curtains is about a month, about the same as the time required to clean, retreat, and dry your existing curtains.

We find the vast majority of customers opt for the new curtain.

If you need assistance measuring your curtains for a cost estimate, click here.

Questions? Contact Parlights!  We are here to help.

From measurements to estimates, repairs to replacement – our team of professionals is your resource for Stage Curtains and Draperies!