A black backdrop that disappears in the photo. In the manufacturer's measurements, Musou Black KIWAMI absorbs 99.905% of visible light. When the backdrop does not reflect light back, wrinkles, seams and the fabric surface do not show up as grey – the subject floats against deep black. We supply the fabric cut to length for photography, video, studios and exhibitions: width approx. 1.1 m, lengths 1–8 m or a full roll.
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Want to see the blackness first? An A4 sample ships from stock in 1–3 working days.
Same lighting and the same camera settings (ISO 200, f/4, 0.8 s): KIWAMI fabric and ordinary black fabric side by side.
Why an ordinary black backdrop looks grey in photos
Ordinary black fabric, paper or velvet reflects part of the light back into the camera. Under studio light it shows up as a grey surface where every wrinkle, seam and pile direction is visible – and has to be fixed in post-production.
In Musou Black fabrics, the vertical pile and special black dyes handle light differently. Light enters the pile, bounces several times between the fibres and is absorbed before it can return to the camera. That is why the backdrop looks like an opening rather than a material.
Which fabric for a backdrop: KIWAMI or Fabric FR?
| KIWAMI | Fabric FR | |
|---|---|---|
| Light absorption | 99.905% (visible light) | 99.80% (visible light) |
| Width | 1,100 mm | 1,090 mm |
| Lengths | 1–8 m or a 22 m roll | 1–8 m or a 44 m roll |
| Weight | 305 g/m² | approx. 280 g/m² |
| Fire test documentation | No | Yes, incl. EN 13773 class 1 and NFPA 701 (curtains and drapes) |
| Best for | Photo studios, product and macro photography, video, home studios, exhibitions | Theatres, events, trade fairs, museums and other public spaces |
Both are made in Japan and optimised for visible light. If no fire documentation is required, KIWAMI is the blacker choice. If the backdrop will hang in front of an audience in a public space, choose Fabric FR and give its test reports to the person responsible for fire safety at the venue for assessment.
Stage: Fabric FR as a backdrop – the spotlights do not reflect off the background. Illustration.
What size do I need?
- Product and macro photography on a table: 1–2 m is often enough to make a curve from the wall to the table without a fold line.
- Portrait and video: typically 2–3 m in length. Wider framing needs several widths side by side.
- Exhibitions, display cases and set design: measure the surface and tell us the width × height – we will suggest a suitable combination of widths and lengths.
KIWAMI comes in two versions. The back-coated version is stiffer and sheds less pile, so it suits fixed backdrops, frames and walls. The version without back coating drapes more softly and suits curtains and folds. The fabric can be cut and sewn.
Handling on set
- Do not fold or press. Pressure flattens the pile and reduces light absorption. Store the fabric on a roll with nothing on top. Rolls over 10 metres are delivered wound around a metal frame so the pile is not crushed in transit.
- Keep it dry. The fabric is not washed, as water can permanently damage the pile. Remove dust by brushing gently.
- Steam out pressure marks. Indirect steam and light brushing restore flattened pile. Do not let water droplets form on the surface.
- Not for infrared. The fabrics are optimised for visible light. For IR and LiDAR use IR Flock Sheet.
How to request a quote
Fabric by the metre and rolls are made to order, with a delivery time of 1–3 weeks. In your request, tell us:
- what you will use the backdrop for (e.g. product photography, video, studio, exhibition)
- the width and height of the backdrop or the number of metres needed
- the fabric and version, if you already know (KIWAMI back-coated or soft, Fabric FR)
- your schedule and the delivery postcode
- for public spaces, the venue's fire requirements
With this information you will get a quote in one round – and we will tell you up front if the fabric does not suit your project. We also serve businesses with quotes and invoicing.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a black backdrop fabric cost?
The price of fabric by the metre depends on the fabric, version and length, so we send it as a quote. You can order an A4 sample directly from the KIWAMI product page.
Will the backdrop show in the photo at all?
Lighting is what matters. When the light is directed at the subject rather than straight at the backdrop, KIWAMI renders practically black. Compare the image above, where the fabric and ordinary black fabric were shot with the same settings.
Can the fabric be washed?
No. According to the manufacturer, water affects the pile structure and the optical performance. Keep the fabric dry and remove dust by brushing.
Can widths be joined for a wider backdrop?
Yes, widths can be mounted side by side. Tell us the size of the backdrop in your request and we will suggest the number and length of widths.
Can KIWAMI be used in public spaces?
KIWAMI has no fire certification. For theatres, trade fairs, hotels and other public spaces choose Fabric FR, which has fire test reports.
Fabric or paint?
Fabric for backdrops and large surfaces: it is blacker and covers a surface quickly. Musou Black paint suits three-dimensional objects and rigid shapes. Compare all materials: Which black should you choose?
Dekoja.net is the official importer and the only seller of Musou Black in Finland, and you will find us on the manufacturer's Distributors page. The fabric data is based on the manufacturer's (Koyo Orient Japan) product information and measurements from July–August 2026. According to the manufacturer, the values are not guaranteed and there may be slight variation between production batches.