is there a stick or a some other link out there that shows the best techniques for hanging fabric on the walls?

there is no sticky, but it has been discussed quite a bit. Most people use some type of 1" furring strip (I used some spare 2x10's ripped down to 1" width) attached to the wall with adhesive/finish nails/drywall screws (I used adhesive and finish nails). You then cut your fabric to the right size (cut a bit larger than you need) and staple to the wall.

I usually started with the top ends, then did the two sides, then the bottom. Various types of fabric have different amounts of stretch, how much to to stretch the fabric is hard to describe, but you'll figure it out pretty quickly. To much stretch and the fabric pulls when you staple, and too little and the fabric sags. It's pretty east, though.

The only part that is somewhat tricky is the corners, or anywhere else where the staples will not be covered by trim. There you want to leave off one of the furing strips and staple both pieces of fabric into the one moutned strip. Then mount the second strip and wrap the fabric around it. (I know that was a terrible description - there is a great picture of the technique and I'll see if I can find it.)

When I put up my furring strips I left the top horizontal strip off and just installed the sides and bottom. Then, I stapled the fabric to the back of the top strip. When you put the top strip up, you can then go "under" the fabric and nail the top strip to the wall. That way you don't see any staples at the top. Then I just stapled the sides and bottom (since they would both be covered with trim).

I think it was SandmanX that did that originally, but I can't find the post - that may be the picture you were thinking of Kevin.

strange_brew, I have read your HT thread and I think I understand it....btw, AWESOME Theater!!!!


The only part that is somewhat tricky is the corners, or anywhere else where the staples will not be covered by trim. There you want to leave off one of the furing strips and staple both pieces of fabric into the one moutned strip. Then mount the second strip and wrap the fabric around it. (I know that was a terrible description - there is a great picture of the technique and I'll see if I can find it.)

A picture would be great, I think understand everything except how the corners are done.

You can use a fabric track system like www.fabricmate.com or do the hidden staple method. like Strange Brew stated. I have also used tack strip which you can get from joann fabrics or other fabric stores. it's used in furniture repair and covering.

strange_brew, I have read your HT thread and I think I understand it....btw, AWESOME Theater!!!!

A picture would be great, I think understand everything except how the corners are done.Thanks!

For the corners, I did something like what Kevin (I think) was describing. If you have 2 walls that intersect at the corner, you don't need to cover the staples on one of the walls because they can be covered by the edge of the furring strip for the 2nd wall you do. You just need to make sure you keep the staples close to the edge of the first wall. Then, when you do the 2nd wall, you need to keep BOTH the top and side furring strip off. Staple the fabric to the back then install the strips. Because I couldn't get "under" the fabric with both the side and top stapled, I had to fire brads through the fabric (you shouldn't need many nails as I'm assuming you'll be using adhesive on the back of the strip as well). Anyway, it shouldn't be a problem with most fabrics - you just need to be careful when you do it. If your fabric is stretchy enough, you may still be able to get underneath.

I'll look through my pics and see if I have anything that might show you.

Hope that makes sense.

You can use a fabric track system like www.fabricmate.com or do the hidden staple method.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I could maybe do a combination. Maybe the fabric track system will work well in the corners (because Im still pretty dumb about it) and the rest of the room I can use Strange_brew's method.