Musou Black FABRIC KIWAMI (with back coat)

€25,00

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI The World's Blackest Fabric – Back Coated Version Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI is one of the darkest textile materials available to the public. With...

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Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI

The World's Blackest Fabric – Back Coated Version

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI is one of the darkest textile materials available to the public. With 99.905% visible light absorption, this specialized fabric creates an exceptionally deep black surface that dramatically reduces reflections and can make objects, backgrounds and spaces visually almost disappear. This version is resin-coated on the back to stabilize the fiber structure and reduce pile shedding.

âś“ 99.905% light absorption

Extremely low visible reflectance of only 0.095% at AOI 8° — for an exceptionally deep, ultra-matte black effect.

âś“ Back Coated Version

The back coating stabilizes the fiber structure and reduces pile shedding. As a result, this version feels slightly stiffer.

âś“ For large areas

Ideal for home theaters, projection rooms, photography, museums, stage design, exhibitions and professional light control.

âś“ Made in Japan

Engineered for maximum visible light absorption through long rayon fibers, special dyes and a three-dimensional pile structure.

Before / After: The KIWAMI Effect

See the difference between ordinary dark surfaces and Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI. This interactive comparison shows how strongly reflections can be reduced when bright or reflective surfaces are replaced with an extremely light-absorbing material.

Without KIWAMI Fabric With KIWAMI Fabric

See the Difference

With and without KIWAMI ultra-black fabric

WITHOUT
KIWAMI FABRIC
WITH
KIWAMI FABRIC
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What Does “Back Coated” Mean?

The Back Coated version is the rear-coated variant of Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI. During development, a resin coating was added to the back in order to reduce pile shedding caused by loosened threads. This makes the fiber structure more stable and the material better suited to permanent installations, larger areas and demanding applications.

This back coating does make the fabric somewhat stiffer than the non-coated version. When maximum flexibility, softer draping or especially soft folds are more important than stability, the non-back-coated version may be the better choice. For many installations—particularly walls, frames, stages, exhibitions and home theaters—the Back Coated version is the more professional and robust choice.

Property Back Coated Version Non Back Coated Version
Stiffness Slightly stiffer Softer and more flexible
Pile shedding Reduced by the back coating Potentially higher
Recommended use Permanent installations, frames, walls and technical applications Draping, soft curtains and applications requiring maximum flexibility

Product video

Why Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI?

Ordinary black fabrics, velvet or stage velour may look dark in many applications, but they still visibly reflect light under direct illumination. In projection rooms, studios, museums and optical applications, this residual reflectance can cause stray light, lower contrast and a less intense black effect.

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI was developed to absorb visible light extremely effectively. Longer vertically aligned rayon piles, special black dyes and an optimized weave create a three-dimensional surface in which incoming light is reflected and absorbed multiple times between the fibers before it can escape.

The result is a fabric with 99.905% visible light absorption. In practice, backgrounds appear significantly darker, objects stand out more strongly, projections appear more contrast-rich and visual installations gain an almost surreal depth of black.

How Black Is 99.905% Light Absorption?

The difference between 95%, 99% and 99.905% light absorption may look small on paper, but visually it is enormous. The less light a surface returns, the more contours, folds and surface texture disappear. Under controlled lighting, KIWAMI can therefore appear much darker than ordinary black fabrics or paints.

In exposure comparisons, the KIWAMI background remains black while other black objects, camera housings or standard fabrics become visibly brighter with longer exposure. This makes KIWAMI especially suitable for applications where maximum visual darkness and minimum residual reflectance are critical.

Comparison Images and Real-World Black Performance

The following comparison images show how strongly Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI differs from ordinary black materials. The photographs were not artificially edited; they are intended to illustrate the difference in reflectance and exposure behavior.

KIWAMI exposure comparison
Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI sample image

Key Benefits

  • The blackest Musou Black textile product for visible light
  • 99.905% visible light absorption at AOI 8°
  • Extremely low visible reflectance of only 0.095%
  • Back Coated version with a stabilized rear side
  • Reduced pile shedding compared with non-coated versions
  • Ideal for home theaters, projection rooms and high-contrast environments
  • Suitable for photography, product photography and macro photography
  • Strong visual impact in museums, exhibitions and display cases
  • Suitable for stage, theater, film production and TV studios
  • Can be used as a backdrop, wall covering, curtain or visual light trap
  • Creates a very deep, nearly contourless black surface
  • Suitable for large-area applications and available in roll format
  • Can visually outperform many ordinary black fabrics, velvet or stage velour
  • Especially effective for visible light and visual applications
  • Made in Japan

Application Areas

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI is especially suited to applications where visible light must be controlled and reflections need to be reduced across large areas. The following examples show typical professional, creative and technical uses.

🎬 Home Theaters & High-End Cinema Rooms

In home theaters, KIWAMI reduces distracting reflections from walls, ceilings, frames and side surfaces. Perceived image contrast can improve because less stray light is reflected back toward the screen, room and viewing area.

In high-end projection rooms, the difference from ordinary black fabric can be very noticeable. KIWAMI is suitable for screen surroundings, masking, wall surfaces, ceiling areas and acoustic frames when maximum visible darkness is desired.

đź“˝ Projection Rooms & Screen Masking

Projection systems are sensitive to stray light in the room. Even dark materials can reflect enough light to reduce perceived contrast or make bright areas visible in the viewer’s field of view.

KIWAMI can be used as masking around screens, projection surfaces or in technical projection rooms. Its extremely low visible reflectance keeps attention focused more strongly on the image.

đź“· Photography & Product Photography

For photography, KIWAMI is an exceptionally effective backdrop because it remains very dark even under longer exposures. Products, people and objects can therefore stand out much more strongly.

Especially with glossy products, jewelry, cameras, technical equipment or macro work, a highly low-reflection background can significantly improve the image. KIWAMI enables dramatic, high-contrast images without distracting background reflections.

🔬 Optical Laboratories & Research Environments

In optical laboratories, KIWAMI can be used for visible-light control, shielding and low-reflection background surfaces. It is particularly suitable for large areas where an extremely dark textile background is needed.

For applications in direct proximity to sensitive sensors or in cleanliness-critical systems, it should be evaluated whether Fineshut SP or another fiber-free material is more suitable. KIWAMI is primarily optimized for large-area visible-light absorption.

🏛 Museums, Exhibitions & Display Cases

In museums and exhibitions, KIWAMI can visually isolate objects and make the background nearly disappear. Artifacts, exhibits and illuminated objects therefore appear stronger and more focused.

The material is suitable for display-case backgrounds, presentation walls, object staging and dark exhibition rooms. Its low reflectance means less ambient light distracts from the actual exhibit.

🎭 Stage, Theater & Event Design

On stages and in event installations, KIWAMI can be used as an extremely dark background to emphasize lighting, objects or performers. The effect is particularly strong with directed lighting.

Compared with ordinary stage velour or velvet, KIWAMI can create a deeper black effect. This makes it suitable for visual effects, magical illusions, dark stage settings and premium presentations.

🎥 Film Production & TV Studios

In film and studio environments, KIWAMI can be used to reduce reflections and as an ultra-black background. It helps control light more effectively and minimize unwanted visible reflections.

For special effects, product shots, interviews, miniature sets or high-contrast scenes, the material can create a highly controlled visual environment. It is especially interesting for productions that work with dark backgrounds and precise light direction.

🎨 Art Installations & Visual Effects

Artists can use KIWAMI to make surfaces, spaces or objects visually disappear. Its extreme blackness enables effects that are difficult to achieve with ordinary black fabrics.

The material can have a strong impact in installations involving light, shadow, spatial depth or optical illusion. It is suitable for galleries, stage objects, sculptures, immersive rooms and experimental art.

đź”­ Astronomy, Observatories & Planetariums

In planetariums, observatories or astronomical presentation rooms, dark low-reflection surfaces can help reduce stray light. KIWAMI is especially suitable for visible room surfaces, curtains and dark presentation areas.

For direct internal telescope surfaces or precision optical assemblies, it should be evaluated whether Fineshut SP or IR Flock Sheet is more suitable. KIWAMI is intended primarily for large-area visible applications.

🛍 Luxury Retail & Premium Displays

Luxury products, watches, jewelry, cameras and technical devices look especially premium against an extremely black background. KIWAMI can help direct the entire focus toward the product.

In showrooms, shop windows, product display cases or premium displays, the deep black effect can create strong visual contrast. Illuminated products then appear more dimensional and exclusive.

📦 Macro & Micro Photography

In macro and micro photography, small background reflections can be very distracting. KIWAMI creates an extremely dark background surface that remains less visible even under strong light.

This can be especially helpful for minerals, insects, technical components, watches or jewelry. The background recedes and the subject appears clearer, more contrast-rich and more dimensional.

🏢 Architecture, Interiors & Lighting Design

In architectural lighting installations, KIWAMI can make selected surfaces appear extremely dark. This allows light edges, objects and illuminated areas to stand out more strongly.

The material is suitable for dark niches, accent surfaces, projection areas or experimental interiors. Especially when combined with directed lighting, it creates a very strong spatial effect.

🎪 Theme Parks, Immersive Spaces & Experience Design

In theme parks, escape rooms, immersive installations or experience spaces, KIWAMI can make backgrounds, transitions or technical areas visually disappear. Its extreme blackness supports illusions and strong contrasts.

Especially under controlled lighting, the material can help direct attention precisely. It is suitable for dark tunnels, stage backdrops, projection zones and visual special effects.

🏫 Universities & Research Institutes

Universities and research institutes can use KIWAMI for demonstrations, optical experiments, photography, light studies or visual comparison tests. Its extreme absorption makes the difference between ordinary black and ultra-matte black very easy to demonstrate.

For teaching, laboratories, exhibitions or research projects, the material offers an impressive way to make reflectance and absorption visible. For NIR applications, however, IR Flock Sheet should be used.

Important: Optimized for Visible Light

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI is specialized for visible light and is not the best choice for projects involving infrared or Near-Infrared light. For Near-Infrared applications, LiDAR, sensor development or NIR test environments, IR Flock Sheet is the more suitable solution.

When your application involves both visible light and NIR, the material should be selected according to the relevant wavelength range. KIWAMI is ideal for visual blackness, while IR Flock Sheet was developed for Near-Infrared absorption.

KIWAMI Compared with Other Musou Black Materials

Application Recommended Product Why?
Home Theaters & Projection Rooms KIWAMI Fabric Extremely low visible reflectance across large areas
Near-Infrared / LiDAR IR Flock Sheet Specifically developed for NIR absorption
Sensor Environments & Internal Optics Fineshut SP Fiber-free surface suitable for sensitive assemblies
Art Objects & Small Rigid Surfaces Musou Black Paint Easy application to rigid objects and shapes
Stage, Museum, Exhibition KIWAMI Fabric Large-area textile surface with an extremely black visual effect

Technical Specifications

Product Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI Back Coated
Material Rayon base fabric / rayon pile with rear-side coating
Light absorption 99.905% in the visible light range
Reflectance 0.095% visible reflectance at AOI 8°
Thickness approx. 1.8 mm
Version Back Coated / rear-side coated
Flexibility Slightly stiffer than the non-coated version
Primary use Large-area visible light absorption and reflection reduction
Infrared applications Not recommended; use IR Flock Sheet for this purpose

Handling, Storage and Care

Pressure, abrasion and water damage can reduce light-absorption performance. The fabric should therefore be stored without pressure wherever possible and handled carefully. The upright pile fibers are particularly important to its exceptional black effect.

Rolls longer than 10 meters are wrapped around a metal frame to avoid pressure on the pile during shipping. Meter cuts up to 10 meters are shipped in normal pressure-free rolled condition. To avoid any loss of performance from pressure, the fabric should also be stored as pressure-free as possible after delivery.

If reduced performance or pile collapse becomes visible, indirect steam and gentle brushing may help restore the surface to some extent. However, do not use so much steam that water droplets form, as this can cause water damage.

Shipping Note for Larger Cut Sizes

For sizes of 90 cm x 100 cm and longer, additional shipping charges for oversized packages may apply due to package dimensions.

Germany €22.90
Austria €12.90
Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus €19.90
Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Monaco €29.90
Rest of world approx. €34.90 or higher depending on destination

For orders longer than 10 meters, please contact us for an individual quote.

Home Theater and Application Examples

KIWAMI shows its strength particularly in spaces where light control is critical. In home theaters, studios and exhibition rooms, the fabric can create a significantly deeper black effect than ordinary black materials.

KIWAMI home theater example
KIWAMI fabric application example

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KIWAMI really the world’s blackest fabric?

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI achieves 99.905% visible light absorption and is one of the darkest fabrics publicly available for visible light.

What does Back Coated mean?

The back of the fabric is resin-coated to stabilize the fiber structure and reduce pile shedding. This makes the fabric slightly stiffer than the non-coated version.

Can I get a softer version?

Yes. The softer, non-back-coated version is available here where greater flexibility is required.

Is KIWAMI suitable for infrared?

No. KIWAMI is specialized for visible light. For infrared or Near-Infrared applications, we recommend IR Flock Sheet.

Can I use KIWAMI in a home theater?

Yes. Home theaters and projection rooms are among its strongest applications because KIWAMI can dramatically reduce visible reflections.

Can the fabric be sewn or cut?

Yes, the fabric can be cut and further processed according to the application. The delicate pile surface should be handled carefully.

Can pressure reduce performance?

Yes. Pressure can compress the pile structure and reduce light-absorption performance. Pressure-free storage is recommended.

Can water damage the fabric?

Yes. Water can affect the pile structure and optical performance. The fabric should be kept dry.

How can compressed fibers be improved?

Indirect steam and gentle brushing can help restore the pile structure to some extent. Direct contact with an iron or water droplets should be avoided.

Can I order a sample?

Yes. For testing, we recommend ordering a sample first to evaluate the effect, stiffness and suitability for your application.

Maximum Visible Blackness for Professional Light Control

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI Back Coated combines 99.905% visible light absorption with a stabilized rear side and is the ideal choice for home theaters, photography, museums, stage work, exhibitions and premium optical presentations.

 

* When viewed by the naked eye, each person's perception of "blackness" may differ depending on the lighting environment and other conditions. 

 

Total reflectance values of our materials are based on the industry-standard AOI 8° index. Total reflectance is the measurement result of combining both diffuse reflection and specular reflection measurements. AOI 8° means that the light is incident at an angle of 8° from the normal. 

For example, based on this index, our "Foam" series consistently absorbs light from ultraviolet to near-infrared light ranges. This performance is achieved by the uneven structure derived from the foaming process and the composition of carbon atoms blended into the resin. 

We also offer a variety of fabrics. Our entry-level “VL Flock Sheet” is cost-effective and provides strong light-absorption performance in the visible light range. In contrast, our “IR Flock Sheet” provides improved ultraviolet and excellent infrared light-absorption performance, which are the weak points of the entry-level VL Flock Sheet. Our premium fabrics, Musou Black Fabric FR and Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI, are our blackest products and have the best visible-light absorbing performances. The FR variant is treated to be fire-resistant and is great for indoor use. Meanwhile, our flagship, Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI, is the World’s Blackest Fabric in the visible-light range. 

Musou Black Paint's light-absorption performance will vary depending on the painting method, so please keep that in mind when applying. For best results, please apply with an air-brush.  

 

Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI The World's Blackest Fabric – Back Coated Version Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI is one of the darkest textile materials available to the public. With...

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