FAQs
A backdrop is made out of muslin material (a lightweight canvas). All backdrops are prepared with a light “muslin coat” prior to painting to adhere paint better. A water-base acrylic paint is used for all current backdrops to keep a sharp/vibrant look while keeping the backdrop as lightweight as possible. *Some of our backdrops are printed on state of the art large format printers using modern fabrics for maximum image quality and ease of us. Some of Grosh’s vintage inventory has been dyed. Certain backdrops may have scrim/netting adhered in certain areas.
The colors depicted on the website may not always be accurate when viewing the tangible backdrop/drape. Computer monitors/printer colors all vary in color separation. When photographing items, the Grosh team lights each backdrop and drape with four to six 600-watt lights to simulate stage/event lighting.
To successfully assemble your pipe and base, please follow these steps.
Step 1. Lay out the Backdrop
Step 2. Align the Base to the Backdrop Corners.
Step 3. Insert the Upright into the Bases
Step 4. Connect Crossmembers to Uprights
Step 5. Hang a Backdrop
Step 6. Lift Up the Backdrop
Step 7. Fix Imperfections
Step 8. Adjust the Height
And there you have it an assembled pipe and base.
Read more about it here.
- Slip one of the tie lines through an eyelet or a chain link on the track carrier.
- Then tie the two lines into a bow, allowing one set of tie lines to a carrier.
- Using an “A” frame ladder, tie the tie lines around the pipe from one end of the pipe batten to the other.
- Fasten the lines as you would tie a shoestring, lifting and tying as you go. If you feel resistance as you lift the backdrop to tie it, do not force, jerk, or tug on the backdrop. Investigate the problem before you continue. If the resistance is caused by the sheer weight of the backdrop, have a second or third person on the floor lift the drop. This will relieve stress on the backdrop.
- Lower your pipe batten to the floor.
- Choose where you will work from either one end of the pipe batten or from the middle.
- Starting at one end or in the middle, begin working your way out, and tie all of the tie lines in a bow (as you would a shoestring).
- Slowly raise the pipe up off the floor, using the counterweight system. Make sure you add weight to the arbor to counterbalance the weight of the backdrop.
When receiving your rented item, take time in your preparatory steps to make sure the area is clean before you unroll the drop. If debris, sharp objects, dirt, oil or liquids are in the area, you run the risk of damaging the item. Please review our care and maintenance page to for details on receiving and preparing your item/area.
Grosh Scenic Rentals uses Fed Ex shipping services standardly. Determining shipping time frames/levels are established upon required dates when the renter needs the drop in hand. (Grosh cannot be held responsible for interruption of service for circumstances beyond our control. This includes any freight carriers not meeting deadlines at their fault or for reasons beyond their control. Grosh Scenic Rentals is not responsible for additional costs relating to crews hanging or taking down backdrops/drapes at your location for delayed, misrouted or any other circumstances out of our control.)
Due to high demand, our Seasonal backdrops shipping in November and December will be shipped via Express service only.
Upon ordering a backdrop/drape, your backdrop consultant should have discussed a pick-up time with you. Grosh’s standard pick-up times are between 8:00 am – 3:00 pm daily. When picking up, come to the rear of our office at 8050 San Fernando Rd. Sun Valley, CA 91352. All pick ups are done at the back of our building (industrial complex); you may enter the parking lot gates off of N. Clybourn Ave and park in front of the left loading door. Returning of your rental items will be at the same rear loading door.
When you receive the backdrop:
- Take it out of the sealed plastic bag and untie the lines that hold the backdrop in a rolled position. Hang on to these items – they will be required for the return trip.
- Take a good look at the backdrop. Notice the exact way it is folded and rolled. You will want to remember this so you can duplicate it after the drop is used and you are ready to pack it up. (Ever notice that things do not go back together the same way that they came apart?? Well, our backdrops do – just pay attention when you’re unpacking it, and you will not have a problem!)
- On a clean, dry surface free of protruding objects, unroll the backdrop with one person positioned on either side.
- Unfold the first flap, then each person should grab a corner of the next flap.
- With a flap in hand, start walking across the floor.
Grosh recommends letting the drop hang for 24 hours or more to reduce any wrinkles. Placing a PVC or one-inch metal pipe in the bottom pipe pocket, or using clamps to stretch out the sides and top of the backdrop, can also be helpful. Please do not attempt to steam the backdrop as this will cause it to stain.
Notify Grosh Rentals right away of any damage, and if it is outside our business hours please leave a message. In the meantime, you can put a piece of gaffer tape on the back of the tear to hold it until the end of your show. Do not attempt to sew the drop yourself.
- Fold the top portion of the backdrop over until the desired height is acquired.
- Then with rubber-tipped “grip clamps,” clamp the folded part of the backdrop to the pipe batten.
In the event the backdrop is too wide, simply fold back the side or sides of the backdrop that you do not want to be seen and tie the lines at the top.
Clean the surface under the backdrop, and then fold under the bottom portion of the backdrop. A pipe can be laid on the back side of the backdrop to give it weight. Paper or plastic should be laid on the floor where the face of the backdrop will make contact with the floor.
Keep your backdrop away from oil, grease, and food in general, do not step on or drive over the backdrop, and do not expose a backdrop to harsh weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Also, avoid dragging the backdrop over the floor, and never use staples or nails on it.
Read more about it here.
Please be sure to inspect your backdrop within 48 hours. Do not hesitate to contact Grosh Rentals if you have any questions or concerns about the backdrop so we have ample time to assist you.
- Log onto your Grosh account using your username and password.
- Complete the Rental Agreement and accept the Terms & Conditions by clicking ACCEPT.
- Pay a $100 (non-refundable) deposit per backdrop or drapery/per rental week or full balance.
Grosh accepts all major credit cards:
- If paying by check, it must be received 14 days after placing your order.
- (Schools Only) Signed Purchase Orders must be received and approved within 10 days of placing the order.
Returns
- Find the return label in the backdrop box
- Check the numbers on the label so you know where to ship it (If a SQU number starts with an S or D, it returns to California; if it starts with ES or ED return to Indiana)
- Drop the item at the local FedEx facility or schedule a pick-up (schedule your pick-up at least one business day in advance)
![How to Return a Rented Backdrop to Groshs Warehouse 4](https://grosh.com/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Return-a-Rented-Backdrop-to-Groshs-Warehouse-4-768x1024.png)
Backdrop Conditions
To better assist our customers when renting items from Grosh’s vast inventory, we have rated all of our items by condition level. Please make yourself aware of the condition of each piece rented from Grosh.
A – Like New. No visible damage or repairs. Backdrop is usable for all venues.
B – In newer condition with minor wear which may include repairs and cracking in some of the painted areas. May show fading in darker areas of drop. Backdrop is usable for all venues.
C – Backdrop has been rented several times and has mild cracking of the paint. Will have repairs and stains visible from closer distances and under certain lighting. Usable for most venues and can be improved with proper lighting. Best used on stage and some distance from the audience.
D – Vintage backdrop with medium to heavy cracking in the paint and/or fading of the design. Will have some visible repairs. Can be improved with proper lighting and/or props. Rents “as is”.
Read more about conditions here.
![Grosh Backdrops Drapery](https://grosh.com/wp-content/uploads/Grosh-Backdrops-Drapery-768x1024.png)