Musou Black fabrics – super-black textiles

Black fabric that does not reflect light back. Musou Black fabrics are super-black textiles from Koyo Orient Japan for photography, video, set design, exhibitions and light control. Ordinary black fabric looks grey under studio light, but the pile of Musou Black fabrics absorbs light so that the surface looks like an opening rather than a material.

Choose the fabric for your application

• KIWAMI – the blackest fabric in the range for visible light: absorbs 99.905% of visible light (manufacturer's measurement). A backdrop for photo studios, product and video shoots and exhibitions.
• Fabric FR – 99.80% with fire test documentation (incl. EN 13773 class 1 and NFPA 701). For theatres, trade fairs, museums and other public spaces.
• VL Flock Sheet – 99.7% with a touch-resistant nylon pile. A cost-effective choice for large surfaces.
• IR Flock Sheet – reflectance below 1% across 250–2500 nm. For LiDAR development, machine vision and optical test environments.

Looking for a backdrop for photography? Read our guide to black backdrop fabric for photography: choosing the fabric, sizes, handling and requesting a quote. Compare all materials: Which black should you choose?

What is black fabric used for?

• Home theatre and projection: black fabric around the screen, on the ceiling and on the side walls reduces stray light, so the picture looks deeper and has more contrast.
• Exhibitions, display cases and museums: when the base and back wall do not reflect light, the object separates from its background and appears to float.
• Theatre, set design and events: masking, side drapes and backdrops that disappear under spotlights. For public spaces choose the fire-tested Fabric FR.
• Photography and video: a backdrop that does not turn grey in the picture. Sizes, handling and quotes: black backdrop fabric for photography.
• Technical applications: stray light control in test environments and on the inside of enclosures. The touch-resistant VL Flock Sheet suits surfaces that are handled, and IR Flock Sheet suits infrared and LiDAR.
• Art, crafts and scale models: an A4 sheet as a diorama background, for framing or as a base for product photography.

Black fabric by the metre or as A4 sheets

KIWAMI and Fabric FR are supplied in widths of about 1.1 metres, in lengths of 1–8 metres or as full rolls. Wider surfaces are made by mounting widths side by side. All four fabrics are available as A4 sheets from stock, so you can test the blackness under your own lighting before a larger order.

Frequently asked questions

Do you sell black fabric by the metre?
Yes. The fabrics are supplied cut to length and in rolls as made-to-order products: the delivery time is 1–3 weeks and the price is quoted on request. A4 sheets ship from stock in 1–3 working days, so you can test the blackness first.

Why does ordinary black fabric look grey in photos?
Ordinary black fabric or velvet reflects part of the light back into the camera. In Musou Black fabrics the light is trapped in the pile, so wrinkles and seams do not show.

Does the fabric tolerate touch?
KIWAMI and Fabric FR are best installed where they will not be touched, as pressure and abrasion flatten the pile and reduce the blackness. For surfaces that are handled, choose VL Flock Sheet, whose nylon pile tolerates contact.

Can the fabrics be washed?
No. Water can alter the pile structure and permanently reduce the blackness, so keep the fabric dry. Dust comes off with light brushing.

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