8x8 scrim- 70/30 mesh vinyl - backdrops for bands

What is a stage skrim?

A stage skrim, more commonly spelled “scrim,” is a freestanding display banner a band uses to emphasize their stage design. 

Typically, bands order scrims that are 5×5 feet, 6×6 feet, or 8×8 feet, and they always come as a set of two. Because they come as a pair, you can set them up on each side of the stage, with most bands opting to set them up in front of the amps/speakers. 

8x8 scrim- 70/30 mesh vinyl - backdrops for bands

Pair of 8×8′ Stage Scrims – 70/30 Vinyl Mesh

What are stage skrims made of?

Stage scrims are frequently made of vinyl mesh, but can also be made out of beautiful, high quality fabric known as 250D polyester cloth. Vinyl mesh is the most popular option because it is lightweight, high quality, and can be used for both indoor and outdoor venues.

70/30 vinyl mesh means the banner is 70 percent vinyl material, and 30 percent air holes. Therefore, the banner is reasonably light, and the 30 percent holes (negative space) are mostly invisible, with your eye and brain making up the difference to complete the image. 70/30 vinyl mesh is almost always the best option, whether you will be playing indoor or outdoor events. 

Quick stats on vinyl mesh:

  • 70/30 mesh is durable, lightweight and allows air/sound blowthrough
  • The 30 percent holes are invisible to the naked eye
70/30 vinyl mesh-northcoast banners - backdrops for bands

70/30 Vinyl Mesh Material

Why are stage skrims worth purchasing?

Stage scrims are the easiest, most cost-effective way to round out your stage presence. Because they come as a set of two, you can feature your band artwork or logos on both sides of the stage, ensuring that any photos of the event shared online or on social media will help to get your band name out there. 

Plus, they are lightweight, easy to transport, and a snap to set up. So even if you don’t have a ton of roadies or stagehands just yet, you know your stage will look great and professional! 

Should I get a band backdrop or a band stage skrim?

If your budget is tight, you may be considering which direction to go for your stage design. In fact, let’s break it down with some quick pros and cons!

Stage scrim (Set of 2)

Pros: Stage scrims are cost effective, and you will get two pieces for your price. They are lightweight and come with a carrying case, making them easy to store and transport. They are also extremely easy to set up!

6x6 stage skrim - backdrops for bands

6×6′ Stage Skrim Pair (Also Pictured: (2) 7×3′ & 8×4′ Coordinating Banners )

Cons: Stage scrims are smaller than backdrops, so they have the most impact if you are playing smaller venues. 

Backdrop

Pro: A backdrop is larger than stage scrims, and is positioned directly behind the band. In fact, music can actually sound better with a backdrop! After all, it’s all about the audience experience. 

mesh stage backdrop-backdrops for bands- north coast banners

8×10 Mesh Stage Backdrop

Con: Backdrops are more expensive, larger, and slightly more difficult to transport and set up. Also, if you only have a backdrop, your logo or artwork may be blocked by your band members in photos and from the audience. 

How do you set up stage skrims?

There are two options for setting up your stage scrim: purchase a metal telescoping stand or build your own! 

Metal Telescoping Stand:

  • Width is adjustable from 81″ to 120″
  • Height is adjustable from 41″ to 96″
  • Constructed from telescoping, black metal poles = maximum durability
  • FREE nylon carry bag included
  • $140 per stand

Build A Stage Skrim Stand:

A quick trip your local hardware store for these materials and you can get started on building your own stage scrim stand: 

  • Hacksaw
  • Sharpie Marker
  • 4 – 1″ x 10′ PVC Pipe
  • 2 – 1″ 90 Degree Elbow Joints
  • 4 – 1″ Tee Joints

For about $15 in materials, plus some tools and practice, you can build your own stand. Check out this article for step-by-step instructions!

How should I design my art for a band stage skrim? 

If you’re going to have stage scrims, the most straightforward approach is to have your band name and logo on them. Other options include album cover art or images related to your specific tour.

However, keep in mind that the more general you keep the design, the more you can use it. Therefore, you don’t want to put dates on your scrim designs, because then you can’t reuse them!

The artwork on your stage scrims will show up in photos from your show, so this is a great opportunity to really gain attention on social media. You want to be creative and unique and consider how the image will look up close AND from the back of the venue.

Check out this how-to for designing your band logo.

Can you print a different artwork on each stage skrim?

So now we know that stage scrims come as a set of two. But does that mean that they must be the same design? Absolutely not! While most bands will opt for the same design on each stage scrim for the sake of symmetry, but we can print different artworks on each one. And the price stays the same! 

Ready to get started? Reach out to the pros at Backdrops for Bands today!

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