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How to Make a Backdrop With PVC Pipe

Backdrops are a must for theaters, photographers and videographers. However, buying a backdrop can be expensive. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipes can be used to create an inexpensive, portable backdrop. The backdrop is 6-feet by 6-feet. The plans can be altered to create backdrops of varying sizes or multiple backdrop panels. To keep the backdrop sturdy, the width of each panel should not exceed 6-feet.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC glue
  • 2 PVC Cross Connectors, ¾-inch diameter
  • 8 PVC pipes, ¾-inch diameter, 1-foot long
  • 4 PVC T-connectors, ¾-inch diameter
  • 8 PVC flat end caps, ¾-inch diameter
  • 4 PVC pipes, ¾-inch diameter, 2-inches long
  • 4 PVC pipes, ¾-inch diameter, 6-foot long
  • 2 PVC elbow joints, ¾-inch diameter
  • Backdrop fabric
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Needle
  • Thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place PVC glue inside one port of the cross connector and insert one 2-inch pipe into the glued port on the connector. Repeat the process for the other cross connector. It does not matter which port is used.

    • 2

      Apply glue to the insides of the other ports and insert 1-foot pipes into the open ports. Place a ring of glue around the outside edges of the open end on the 2-inch pipes and slide one of the horizontal ports of the t-connectors on the open end of the pipe. Point the vertical port upward.

    • 3

      Glue the inside of the other horizontal ports on the T-connectors. Insert 1-foot pipes into the glued horizontal ports.

    • 4

      Place end caps on the open ends of the pipes except for the open port on the T-connectors.

    • 5

      Apply a ring of glue around the inside rim of the open ports on the T-connectors and place 2-inch pipe end in each open port.

    • 6

      Glue along the inside rim of one horizontal port on each of the remaining T-connectors and push the glued ends over the ends of the 2-inch pipe.

    • 7

      Slide a 6-foot pipe into the top port on the T-connectors and place elbow joints on the ends. Point the open end of the elbow toward the other elbow. You now have two stands.

    • 8

      Connect the stands together by inserting 6-foot pipes into the open ports on the elbow and T-connectors. Do not glue these together. If you do it will be difficult to hang the backdrop.

    • 9

      Measure the backdrop fabric and cut it into pieces that are 6.5 feet long. The fabric can be hemmed down the side if necessary. Fold the top of the fabric over 1/2-inch and sew the fabric together making a loop. Repeat for the bottom. Undo one side of the backdrop frame and slide the fabric onto the horizontal bars.

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