Paper-Backed Fabric Installation

[Robinson]

I have paper-backed fabric wallcovering to install on a wall 8.5 ft.H x 15 ft.W. The pattern is a silk screened four-way repeat that I designed and printed myself. I have no experience hanging wall coverings and it's importatnt that this be done to a professional standard. Here are some of the details:

Paper-backed Cotton Sateen

54" total width

3" unprinted border on each side

printed-pattern repeat overlaps at comfortable margin of about 3"

Trimming will be required

I am a not-yet famous emerging artist and this project will be installed at the Studio Museum in Harlem in my first major museum exhibit. The show Opens on July 20 and lasts until October 23. The Summer / Fall show is traditionally reviewed in the NY Times.

I'm over budget on this one, but It is likely that the wallpaper will be purchased by art collectors and lead to more installation work where money will not be such an issue.

If services can be donated, credit will be given to the wallpaper hanging contractor on the museum wall-label, as well as priority for fututre installation if it goes into production.

If this sounds even vaguely interesting, please contact me at marcrob2000@hotmail.com
or 212-864-4500 ext. 267
I am open to negotiation.

Thanks, Marc

[Bill Archibald]

Marc,

This sounds like a very interesting project - and I like your description of yourself :D

Although I am not one to be able to help you with the installation, I will post this to other forums where it may reach qualified installers in your area. Not every member of the NGPP accesses this bulletin board.

Good luck, I hope it all fullfills your widest dreams.

-Bill

[Robinson]

Thanks Bill,

I appreciate you spreading the word. If I don't have any luck finding someone in time, can I call upon you for advice on hanging this stuff myself?

I've looked around online for specific info and so far the only thing I've found on paper-backed fabric is that it's a hassle, it's expensive, and should be avoided.

It's such beautiful material though, and I got it for a song, due to a very minor irregularity in the color of the fabric (barely detectable). I couldn't pass it up. I printed it with the help of my friends at the Fabric Workshop in Philly.

Anyway, Thanks again!
-Marc

[Bill Archibald]

Your welcome Marc, my pleasure.

Sure you CAN ask me, but personally I would advise strongly that this is not a project you want to tackle as a first time installation. Also, paper backed fabric, especially 54" wide, is not my forte. There are many others with much more experience and better instructional skills than I.

I would have to defer to others if they thought this was an appropriate first time project. .

-Bill

[Paul Sullivan]

Originally posted by Robinson


I am a not-yet famous emerging artist and this project will be installed at the Studio Museum in Harlem in my first major museum exhibit. The show Opens on July 20 and lasts until October 23. The Summer / Fall show is traditionally reviewed in the NY Times.

I'm over budget on this one, but It is likely that the wallpaper will be purchased by art collectors and lead to more installation work where money will not be such an issue.

If services can be donated, credit will be given to the wallpaper hanging contractor on the museum wall-label, as well as priority for fututre installation if it goes into production.

Thanks, Marc

Though you are over budget on this one, your safest bet is to hire a professional installer experienced in 54" patterned fabric and pay the full going amount for that type of installation. Installers do much better "favors" after you have already given them boatloads of work.

Because (think about it) even though you may bend over backwards trying to promote them with the best of intentions, the public's attention (including the press) will all go in one direction - yours.

Unless of course, he or she happens to botch the installation.

Just trying to help,
Paul Sullivan

[Chris Murphy]

If you printed your design on material that came paper-backed, it should hang easily. The main thing to keep in mind is that the fabric probably won't tolerate moisture or paste on the face.
The tough thing is wanting work in exchange for the vague promise of possible future benefits; we get offers like that, and that future work just never seems to come around. I'm in Atlanta so I can't give you a hand. but it would probably only take a competant hanger 2-3 hrs. to so this.

[Bill Archibald]

Chris,

I was thinking that either an individual or two in the New York Chapt could see this as a quick Charity Project - after all it is in a museum. And the whole project, especially with Marc's designing and printing of it, might make an interesting INSTALLER article.


-B.

[Bill Archibald]

Paul,

Murph and I have enterred the thread on the same subject from Marc at:
Public Discussions > Find a Professional Wallpaper Installer > I need a pro

Come on over and join us.

And if any Moderator is reading (I know Tim has nothing better to do :D :D :devil: ) maybe this thread could be consolodated in one place.

-Bill

[ProWallGuy]

And if any Moderator is reading (I know Tim has nothing better to do ) maybe this thread could be consolodated in one place.
Bill, once again you are right. Me and my 17 cats were drinking Tang and wondering what to do on this dreary Monday morning. It was either watch Murder She Wrote reruns, or do a little forum maintenance. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.

http://jesmaine.tripod.com/images/image.bookcover5.jpg

[Paul Sullivan]

Originally posted by Bill Archibald
personally I would advise strongly that this is not a project you want to tackle as a first time installation.

-Bill [/B]

The problem: simply by starting out hanging a material where you have to keep paste off the face - you have already entered into a higher level of difficulty. Then add the extra width - even if you're a professional who doesn't regularly hang fabric - even more difficult.

There's the physical challenge of hanging wider goods combined with the dexterity needed to keep the face clean. I just recently banged away at it myself with the material shown below "Moulin Rouge" by Maya Romanoff - 43" wide silk, and it's not even patterned.