What fabric is this?

[mrhogg]

I'm having a heck of a time placing this fabric:
http://www.battlestarprops.com/auctions/week11/1418.jpg

I'm thinking of the main suit; it looks rubbery with an almost gasoline-covered shine to it. Any thoughts?

 

[Buck-Beaver]

That's a sort of fake leather/vinyl material. It's fairly common. They used to sell it (or at least something very similar to it) in the fabric shops along Queen Street West in Toronto. If it's the stuff I'm thinking of it has a bit of a stretch to it.

 

[Jinx]

Generally it is not too difficult to find if you don't need a specific color. Start by looking in the upholstery section of your local fabric store.

As Buck mentions there are many variations available; different weights, surface finishes, etc. Some do stretch, others do not. Some are laminated to a woven backing.

Be advised also that it is not "breathable" so heat and moisture are likely to build up unless specific venting is factored into your design.

 

[TheCreatureWork]

In the 80's I had a Michael Jackson "Thriller" Jacket made from the same material. In those days we called it PLEATHER - I think that isn't the right name for the fabric, but I was the coolest person on the block...and use to get beat up daily...in retrospect I should have been a Van Halen fan.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

In the 80's I had a Michael Jackson "Thriller" Jacket made from the same material. In those days we called it PLEATHER - I think that isn't the right name for the fabric, but I was the coolest person on the block...and use to get beat up daily...in retrospect I should have been a Van Halen fan.

HA HA! You made me snort just now!