DIY Scrim Frames

In photography or film making, it becomes necessary to control the lighting. Photographers use gauzy material known as scrim to cut down the intensity of the sun or the bright lights of a studio. While scrim material can take many forms, from heavy white cloth to fine-mesh screen, the frames holding the material are usually a lightweight material like aluminum or plastic. While framed scrims can be expensive, you can build your own scrim frames using material found from a simple trip the local hardware store.

Instructions

Basic Scrim Frame

1

Determine the size of your scrim frames by considering how much scrim material you have or will need. Note that larger scrims may require thicker PVC or EMT. Also determine what will hold the scrim frame once completed. If you are using a C-stand or light stand, add a cross bar and make sure you have a clamp or something similar to attach it to the scrim frame.

2

Cut the PVC or EMT into two sections of equal length using the PVC cutter or saw. These are the horizontal supports. Cut two more equal lengths to make your uprights.

3

Take the two horizontal supports and attach the elbow joints to each end. Take the two uprights and insert them into the other side of the elbow joints, creating a frame. You can glue them together, but they are more portable unglued.

4

Attach your scrim material to the frames. Tie the material to the frame, or use Velcro on the corners. Elastic can also be sewn into the scrim material on the corners.

Making a Crossbar (optional)

5

To make a crossbeam so that the scrim can be attached a light stand, start by cutting the two long uprights in half and set aside. Cut a pair of 3-inch sections of pipe or conduit. Glue one end of each into the center hole of a T-joint and then glue the other ends into one side of 45-degree elbow joints.

6

Cut an additional PVC section to the length of the frame's horizontal supports and glue the ends into the open ends of the 45-degree joints. Insert the small uprights into the opposite holes of the T-joint, but do not glue them in.

7

Attach the uprights into the horizontal supports with the four elbow joints.

Make a Freestanding Scrim Frame (optional)

8

Make the standard frame form the directions above, but use two T-joints instead of the elbow joints at the bottom of the frame.

9

Cut two more sections of PVC of about 12 inches or so and insert them into the bottom hole of the frame's T-joints, extending the uprights.

10

Cut four more 9-inch sections and glue them into either end of two additional T-joints. These act as the base for the frame. Attach these to the uprights using the remaining center hole.

---

In photography or film making, it becomes necessary to control the lighting. Photographers use gauzy material known as scrim to cut down the intensity of the sun or the bright lights of a studio. While scrim material can take many forms, from heavy white cloth to fine-mesh screen, the frames holding the material are usually a lightweight material like aluminum or plastic. While framed scrims can be expensive, you can build your own scrim frames using material found from a simple trip the local hardware store.

Instructions

Basic Scrim Frame

1

Determine the size of your scrim frames by considering how much scrim material you have or will need. Note that larger scrims may require thicker PVC or EMT. Also determine what will hold the scrim frame once completed. If you are using a C-stand or light stand, add a cross bar and make sure you have a clamp or something similar to attach it to the scrim frame.

2

Cut the PVC or EMT into two sections of equal length using the PVC cutter or saw. These are the horizontal supports. Cut two more equal lengths to make your uprights.

3

Take the two horizontal supports and attach the elbow joints to each end. Take the two uprights and insert them into the other side of the elbow joints, creating a frame. You can glue them together, but they are more portable unglued.

4

Attach your scrim material to the frames. Tie the material to the frame, or use Velcro on the corners. Elastic can also be sewn into the scrim material on the corners.

Making a Crossbar (optional)

5

To make a crossbeam so that the scrim can be attached a light stand, start by cutting the two long uprights in half and set aside. Cut a pair of 3-inch sections of pipe or conduit. Glue one end of each into the center hole of a T-joint and then glue the other ends into one side of 45-degree elbow joints.

6

Cut an additional PVC section to the length of the frame's horizontal supports and glue the ends into the open ends of the 45-degree joints. Insert the small uprights into the opposite holes of the T-joint, but do not glue them in.

7

Attach the uprights into the horizontal supports with the four elbow joints.

Make a Freestanding Scrim Frame (optional)

8

Make the standard frame form the directions above, but use two T-joints instead of the elbow joints at the bottom of the frame.

9

Cut two more sections of PVC of about 12 inches or so and insert them into the bottom hole of the frame's T-joints, extending the uprights.

10

Cut four more 9-inch sections and glue them into either end of two additional T-joints. These act as the base for the frame. Attach these to the uprights using the remaining center hole.

---

• 
  

  Products Double Reflective Insulation - The Worlds Largest ...

  www.reflectixinc.com/basepage.asp?Page=Double+Reflective...

  Reflectix Products Double Reflective Insulation (Click on images to enlarge.) Pictured left to right: Double Reflective Insulation, Retail Rolls, 100 Linear Foot ...

• 
  

  upholsteryshop.co.uk

  www.upholsteryshop.co.uk/cms_display.php?content_id=3

  To complete this task you will require enough ; 35mm 1 Pirelli webbing or ; 50mm 2" Pirelli webbing ; Revolving Punch Plier 2-4.8mm and ; 1 pair of staple and ...

• 
  

  MDM Shelters - Portable Garages - Temporary Carports - Instant ...

  www.mdmshelters.com

  Portable Garages and more from MDM Shelters, a website of MDM Products, LLC, formerly Shelter King. For an instant garage or other temporary structure, MDM is a ...

• DIY Bass Trap - YouTube

  www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iAw6q_bT6g

  For instructions, go to http://forums.anandtech.com/showthrea... That thread includes information about materials used, where to buy, how to make a backer ...

• WABI SABI Scandinavia - Design, Art and DIY.

  wabisabi-style.blogspot.com

  Wabi Sabi Art + Design from a Scandinavian perspective Natural elegance Scandinavian modern Harmonious style Creative spaces Clever DIY Tutorial

• DIY Portable Garages, Shelters, Sheds, Carports, Buildings, and ...

  www.diyshelters.com

  Find a variety of DIY Portable Garages and Shelters for nearly all applications. We have 1, 2, and 3 car portable garages, RV shelters, boat garages, portable storage ...

• 101 DIY Lighting Tutorials FilmmakerIQ.com

  filmmakeriq.com/2009/10/101-diy-lighting-tutorials

  New Courses. Everything You Need to Know About Aspect Ratio The Essentials of Screenplay Formatting The Evolution of Digital Non Linear Editing

• BLOCK OUT FENCE FABRIC : Marketplace DIY Network - Browse

  marketplace.diynetwork.com/Product.aspx?Lid=7346-IMP8367

  Fence Fabric is the original fauz stone/hedge alternative made from lightweight vinyl mesh, scrim, and block out materials. Choose from any of our standard images or ...

• Hudson Carpentry DIY Help - Tools - Plasterboarding Tools

  help.hudsoncarpentry.co.uk/ToolPages/plasterboardingTools.php

  Tools - Plasterboarding Tools - Dry Lining. Modern day construction uses plasterboarding more and more to a point where its now standard. Plasterboarding replaces the ...

• BONUS: DIY Scrim - Lightweight Location Lighting with Kevin

  www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwbaizFB7Ew

  This workshop is available now: http://www.creativelive.com/courses/l... Learn to create studio quality lighting under almost any condition! With ...

• Fixing to Plasterboard - Advice on screwing into plasterboard with ...

  www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/fixingtoplasterboard.htm

  Tips and advice on how to attach fixings to plasterboard walls and plasterboard surfaces. How to complete this project

• Trafford timber centre :: Wood timber and Building Materials

  www.trafford-timber.co.uk

  we can now carry very extensive stocks to meet the needs of local builders and joiners as well as the DIY requirements of local residents. 1298 Chester Road Stretford ...

• Hudson Carpentry DIY Help - Plastering - How To Plaster a Ceiling

  help.hudsoncarpentry.co.uk/plasteringPages/howTo/plasteringCeiling.php

  Its a good idea when plasterboarding ceilings to use a termal board or put insolating slabs up before the boards. This insolates the room more and increases the U ...

• Plastering Course tips and techniques - Plastering Courses, Tiling ...

  www.thediyschool.co.uk/how-to/plastering-essential-course-notes-1

  How to plaster, skim and reskim walls and ceilings - Video & Notes Index Page. Plastering Courses at The DIY School can enable you to learn to plaster to

• Chicken Coop Run Frame Extender, 3' Williams-Sonoma

  www.williams-sonoma.com/products/chicken-coop-run-frame-extender

  Designed to attach to the House Frame Run for our Briar and Alexandria chicken coops, this extender kit adds even more space for your chickens to roam outside. Hand ...

• Retractable Screens for Doors, Garages and Windows ScreenEx ...

  www.screenex.com

  ScreenEx custom made retractable screens for doors and windows of all sizes - stop bugs and insects. Screens are easy to install, disappear when not in use, and are ...

• Brand Page

  www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=brands

  Shop Used. Get the best value shopping our selection of used gear. Shop Used

• Hudson Carpentry DIY Help - Tools - Plasterboarding Tools

  help.hudsoncarpentry.co.uk/ToolPages/plasterboardingTools.php

  Tools - Plasterboarding Tools - Dry Lining. Modern day construction uses plasterboarding more and more to a point where its now standard. Plasterboarding replaces the ...

• Screen Printing: Cheap, Dirty, and At Home

  www.instructables.com/id/Screen-Printing%3a-Cheap%2c-Dirty%2c-and...

  You don't have to spend a ton of money on equipment or have a screen printing studio to make some pretty good quality prints. I taught some friends ...

• Plastering DVD - how to skim coat - how to plaster - online ...

  www.masteringplastering.com

  Plastering Course on DVD. Learn how to skim coat with these courses available for plastering. The courses are available all online or you could order a plastering dvd ...

• Online Shop upholstery tools, furniture legs, castors, fabrics ...

  jamiltonupholstery.co.uk/product_catalogue.asp

  Choose a category from the drop list above or click a product from the list below for our Box Cushion prices please Click Here.

• Stud wall - DIYWiki - UK DIY FAQ

  wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Stud_wall

  There are many ways to make partition walls, but the most popular is with a timber frame & a plasterboard covering. These walls are known as stud walls.

• Scaffolding Wellington

  www.cougarscaffolding.co.nz

  Cougar Scaffolding Wellington - for all your scaffolding requirements - no job is too big or small - servicng Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa

• Reflective Insulation Foil Insulation Radiant Barrier Insulation

  www.ecofoil.com

  Save money by reflecting radiant heat with EcoFoil's patented reflective insulation products for your attic, walls, basement, concrete floors, ducts and more.