MUSLIN SIZING CREATED BY A SCENIC ARTIST

The replacement for Argo's Gloss Laundry Starch, six years in the making.


FROM OUR PAINT SHOP TO YOURS✦ FROM OUR PAINT SHOP TO YOURS✦

Built with You and Your Work in Mind

  • The Recipe is on the Label

    No hunting through old notes, no squinting at the decades-old scribbled formula taped to your paint shop wall. Clear mixing instructions, right on the package. Every time.

  • 20 oz Starch = 4 Gallons

    A larger package quantity than the industry standard delivers a clean, consistent four-gallon yield of strong gloss starch. No rounding. No guessing.

  • Microwaveable Small Batch

    Our 4oz pouch is something new: a 3-quart quantity that takes the guesswork out of smaller batches and mixes right in your microwave. No proportioning. No leftover starch going to waste.
  • Two white stand-up pouches of Scenic Starch, one larger and one smaller, standing against a solid blue background. Both packages feature a teal and white label with the brand name 'SCENIC STARCH' and product details. Product sizes muslin backdrops for theatrical scenery.
  • One white stand-up pouch of Scenic Starch stands against a solid blue background. Package features a teal and white label with the brand name 'SCENIC STARCH' and product details. Product sizes/prepares muslin backdrops for theatrical scenery.
  • One white stand-up pouch of Scenic Starch stands against a solid blue background. Package features a teal and white label with the brand name 'SCENIC STARCH' and product details. Product sizes/prepares muslin backdrops for theatrical scenery.
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Scenic Starch

Professional backdrop sizing.

Prepares your fabric for the stage the right way: tightens the weave, smooths fibers, and gives a crisp surface that takes paint and dye beautifully.

Choose Your Size

4 oz: Makes 3 quarts. Covers ~100 sq ft. Prepare in a microwave.

20 oz: Makes 4 gallons. Covers ~600 sq ft. Requires a hotplate.

Size
$5.00 USD
$5.00 USD
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Need a case? Get in touch below for bulk pricing.

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WHY NOT CORNSTARCH?

Every kitchen needs cornstarch. Every scene shop needs Scenic Starch.

  • Optimized for the Task

    Scenic Starch is optimized for how it interacts with fibers rather than food texture. This means a more complete bloom, deeper penetration into fabric fibers, and a smoother, more uniform finish across every square foot of your backdrop.

  • Pinholes

    In our tests, Scenic Starch filled the spaces between warp and weft more consistently than cornstarch. Less bleedthrough, more glow.

  • Brushstrokes

    Our users report something cornstarch has never been able to deliver: a brush-mark-free surface. No streaks. No texture. Just a clean, even ground ready for paint.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is Scenic Starch different than basic cornstarch?

Scenic Starch is optimized for use on fabric, not in your kitchen. This means a more complete bloom, deeper penetration into fabric fibers, and a smoother, more uniform finish across every square foot of your backdrop. In our tests, Scenic Starch filled the spaces between warp and weft more consistently than cornstarch — and our users report something cornstarch has never been able to deliver: a brush-mark-free surface. No streaks. No texture. Just a clean, even ground ready for paint.

We believe our product offers the closest experience to the "red box" Scenics knew and loved, and will perform to your expectations better than other available products.

What fabrics can Scenic Starch be used on?

Starch is a suitable sizing medium for all cellulose fibers such as cotton muslin, canvas, linen, and ramie.

Why do I need to hold the starch over heat?

As the starch nears 200 degrees, the granules swell dramatically ("bloom"). The crystalline structure breaks down, allowing water to penetrate the starch granules. The mixture becomes much thicker and more viscous, forming a gel that has a glossy appearance and strong adhesion, and will not settle out if the prepared starch is stored for a time.
Follow the directions for the best results.

Is it possible to overcook it?

"Overblooming" can occur if you keep the starch mixture near boiling for too long (more than 5 minutes). At this temperature the starch granules will begin to rupture and viscosity will actually decrease. Follow the directions on the package for the best results.

What tools do I need to make it?

No specialized equipment required- just a few things you probably already have in your shop.

4oz Pouch

  • Microwave
  • Microwavable quart container
  • Gallon bucket
  • Whisk, spoon, or stirring device

20oz Pouch

  • Hotplate
  • 10–12 quart stockpot
  • 5 gallon bucket
  • Large whisk

Can I store leftover prepared starch?

Yes! Put a lid on your extra starch mixture and pop it in the fridge, and it will keep for a few days. When you're ready to use it again, warm it on a hotplate or in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

HOW TO APPLY

For best results, apply Scenic Starch evenly using the simple three-step method below.

  • Step 1: Prepare

    Follow the directions on the package to prepare the starch. The starch covers heavyweight muslin at a rate of approximately 150sqft per gallon.

  • Step 2: Spray

    Fill a pump sprayer with your warm starch mixture. Spray the surface of your fabric liberally, and have a large brush or soft broom at the ready.

  • Step 3: Brush

    Following quickly behind the sprayer, work the starch into the surface of the fabric with a soft broom or large brush. Use a gentle, circular motion. Ensure all areas of your fabric have been wet by the starch so your surface will take paint or dye uniformly.

FOR SMALL PROJECTS TO FULL DROPS


You've always needed a hotplate to mix starch. Until now. Scenic Starch is the first professional sizing starch available in a microwave-friendly size: a small innovation with a big impact for smaller theatres, teaching spaces, and anyone who paints away from a fully equipped scene shop.

One white stand-up pouch of Scenic Starch. Package features a teal and white label with the brand name 'SCENIC STARCH' and product details. Product sizes/prepares muslin backdrops for theatrical scenery.

Microwave-Ready

4 oz Small Batch

One pouch = 3 quarts and about 100 square feet of coverage- ready in minutes with nothing but a microwave, a quart container, and a bucket. No hotplate. No stockpot. No waiting.

Perfect for studio work, smaller productions, and painters on the move.

Buy Now
One white stand-up pouch of Scenic Starch. Package features a teal and white label with the brand name 'SCENIC STARCH' and product details. Product sizes/prepares muslin backdrops for theatrical scenery.

Our standard size

20 oz Large Batch

Makes 4 gallons of working starch, covering approximately 600 square feet. Designed for scene shops, production houses, and larger projects that need serious volume. Hotplate or stovetop required.

Buy Now
offer bulk shipping for professional scenic studios, educational theater programs

BULK ORDERS

BY THE CASE

We offer bulk shipping for professional scenic studios, educational theater programs, or anyone else that would benefit from having larger quantities on hand. Get in touch to discuss your needs.

Get in Touch

WHAT SCENICS ARE SAYING

  • "The quick microwave method worked surprisingly well... I found it did what I wanted, sized my muslin and made a nice paint surface."

    -Amy G. S., Charge Artist

  • "No brushmarks. It was lovely."

    -Sara H., Scenic Artist

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HOW CAN WE HELP?

Need help choosing the right size, estimating coverage, or placing an order?
Want to share a recommendation or feedback on the product?
Send us a message!

hello@scenicstarch.com

We typically reply within 1 business day.