Frequently Asked Questions
| What is Brusan? | Brusan is a free-form product that merges art, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness; dedicated to a constantly evolving ethos of creation, invention, and boundary-pushing experimentation. |
| How do I put two pieces of Brusan together? | Using high-strength adhesives two or more rolls may be combined to create much larger surfaces with virtually no visual seems on the textile side. Using a roller |
| How large of a continuous structure can I make? | As large as you want. Pictured below is an example of a single 48 m^2 piece made up of 4 rolls glued together. It measures 4.8m x 10m when layed flat, but can be folded into an area of less than a square meter for easy transportation. |
| How small of a structure can I make? | One of the best qualities of Brusan is the fact that you can make pretty much anything with it. From a tabletop nativity set to 40 foot tall caves. Pictured below is the model created as part of the design process for a large TV production set. |
| How long will Brusan last outside? | We have had the Brusan pictured below sitting outside the manufacturing facility for 8 years. This example is still moldeable and the textile is still intact. As you can see, natural moss has begun to grow on the surface. Proving that even nature is thought it was a real rock. |
Can I paint Brusan? |
YES, our clients like to paint Brusan after creating structures to simulate lighting / shadows as well as stick moss/foliage to rock faces to create a more realistic scene. (See examples in Projects.) |
| What can I use to paint Brusan? |
Any water-based paint may be used on Brusan®. It’s advisable to select Brusan® Canvas if extensive painting is planned. |
| Is Brusan recyclable? | Yes |
| Are there any special handling/safety recommendations? |
We highly recommend wearing gloves while handling Brusan®. If you are a pro and don’t think gloves are for you, keep in mind that silly gloves look better than silly bandages. Brusan® is perfectly capable of being handled gloveless without injury but in most scenarios Brusan will be handled by more than one person at a time and you don’t want to be holding on to an edge while someone at the other end is yanking it out of your hands. Aluminum cuts are like Rambo paper cuts. |
| How is Brusan environmentally friendly? | Brusan® is made exclusively from recyclable products. Our cotton fiber supports global sustainable agriculture, and enhances the health of our customers and our environment. The packaging for Brusan rolls is also made of recyclable products. The tubes we chose to package Brusan® with are just large enough to fit the rolls so that no space is wasted. Reducing wasted space improves logistic efficiency. For large shipments Brusan fit neatly on a standard palette. |
| Is Brusan realistic? |
We’ve had clients who used Brusan to help him blend in with the forest to take nature shots of wild animals. He told us he had consistent success just by covering himself and his equipment with it. Since it fooled wild animals on their own turf, we are confident that given the right setup it can fool just about anybody. On our outdoor endurance test sample (been out there for 8 years and still going) some local moss thought it was a real rock and started growing on it. Check out our projects section and see what you think for yourself. |
| What are the dimensions of Brusan rolls? | 120 cm wide, 10 m long |
| What area does Brusan cover? |
When layed flat: 12 m^2 Typically our clients factor in an additional 20-25% of area to make shaped structures. |
| How should I build a structure out of Brusan? |
Brusan can be self-supporting up to a certain point (< 3 foot tall structure depending on geometry.) Most of our clients use lightweight wood structures to support larger structures such as cliff faces, boulders, and caves. (You can get an idea of how the product is used by checking out our projects page, it contains hundreds of pictures from past builds.) |
| How do I attach Brusan to a supporting structure? |
The simplest and most common approach is to use heavy duty staples. Keep in mind that standard staples come in a shiny finish which, under very bright lights, might show up on camera, so fold over a piece of slack Brusan to cover up this effect, or use a paint, or simply get matte finish staples. |
| From the time I order, how long does it take for Brusan to ship? |
If we have the ordered product in stock it can be expedited to you in about 1-2 business days. If we are making a custom order turnaround time typically take 3-4 weeks from time of order. Most of our clients are in the production business and are tight schedules and like to order last minute. Help us help you by ordering early. |
| Can I use hot lights around Brusan? |
Unless in direct contact with the heat source Aluminum does not conduct heat. This makes it the ideal solution for structures under hot lights or around other heat sources. Also, Brusan is treated with a flame-retardant that complies with industry agreements for flame retardancy, namely: NFPA 701 in the USA, NF P 92 503-507 (M1) in France, DIN 4102 B1 in Germany and BS5867 in the UK. |
| Can Brusan be used in a water environment? |
YES, Brusan molding clothes are treated with water repellents. (See Projects / Le Sheitan for harmony between water and Brusan.) If you are going to be running water over the structure for an extended period of time (example created a small artificial waterfall) we suggest brushing a Crystal Clear Casting Resin on your structure. This will render the Brusan non-flexible so make sure to apply the resin AFTER shaping. This will add structural integrity and long term ‘waterproofness’ to your structure. |
| Can I wear Brusan? | Of course, the Brusan concept was originally invented to make haute-couture hats for Yves-Saint-Laurent! |
| Can I eat Brusan? | NO, unless your name is Michel Lotito (aka Monsieur Mangetout) which is not the case, because he’s dead. Keep in mind he also ingested large quantities of mineral oil and water to facilitate the ‘passing’ of metal through his digestive system. |
| Are Brusan structures load bearing? |
It can be made to be. Brusan has been used to cover stadium seating, scaffolding, chairs, etc… Brusan on its own does not have the structural strength necessary to support considerable weight. Although you can design the supporting structure behind Brusan to make supporting weight possible. |
| Will the aluminum backing show through the fabric under harsh lighting? | Our clients have found that when you look at Brusan from beyond 3 feet that any sheen that may be apparent up close is completely eliminated. |