IR Flock Sheet Volume Discount
Available
Ships within 1~2 weeks
*Please note that we are unable to ship to PO boxes & military addresses.
*For orders of one roll (approx. 20m) or more please inquire for bulk pricing and availability.
*For those interested in our blackest fabric for visible light absorption, please visit the Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI page.
IR Flock Sheet
- As a drawback of the flocking process, little bits of particulates may be generated due to pile-loss, so it may not be suitable in environments where cleanliness is a top priority such as internal parts of precision equipment.
- There is an area of about 20mm on the corners that are non-flocked and has punch holes. This area is excluded from the effective length of the 950mm measurement.
- In the case of wrinkles or creases, indirectly applying steam and brushing with a soft brush may restore its performance.
- Do not leave any heavy objects on the fabric as it will likely result in a drop in light absorption performance.
European Distributor
MUSOUBLACK.COMAmerican Distributor
Musou Black USAStable, low reflectance from visible light to 2500nm
A typical black material can look identical to the eye but behave very differently to a sensor. In our own testing, a representative velvet-surface "blackout" material commonly sold for optical baffling reflected well in the visible range but suffered a sharp reflectance spike once it crossed into the near-infrared, exceeding 20% by 950–1500nm. That kind of spike is exactly what turns a "black" baffle into a bright, sensor-confusing surface for LiDAR, near-infrared cameras, and NIR spectrometers.
IR Flock Sheet holds a flat, low reflectance across its full rated range, 250nm to 2500nm, with no such cliff. The chart below plots that full dataset alongside a representative competitor product (a velvet-surface blackout material commonly sold for optical baffling) measured under the same conditions.
The competitor's reflectance stays in the 1–3.5% range through the visible spectrum, then rises sharply past ~750nm to a plateau above 20% through most of the NIR band. Our own observation is that this competitor's pile fibers sit at random orientations rather than standing upright the way electrostatic flocking (our own construction method) does, a structural difference that may explain the gap, though we haven't confirmed this causally. IR Flock Sheet stays under roughly 0.5% through most of its rated range, remaining under 0.8% all the way out to 2500nm.
All reflectance values are total hemispherical reflectance measured at 8° angle of incidence (AOI) using an integrating-sphere spectrophotometer (Shimadzu SolidSpec-3700DUV) at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute.
Under visible light (left), both panels read as the same black to the eye. Switch to a near-infrared camera (right), the same class of sensor used by LiDAR, and the standard black fabric turns pale gray while IR Flock Sheet keeps absorbing.
A flocked fabric that stays black into the near-infrared
IR Flock Sheet is made by electrostatically flocking a specialized rayon pile onto a durable, flexible rayon backing fabric, the same manufacturing principle behind our visible-light-optimized flock sheets, extended into the near-infrared. The pile itself is a specialty rayon fiber formulated to contain carbon, giving the fabric absorption capability well beyond 1000nm.
Where our visible-light flock sheets (VL Flock Sheet, Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI) are optimized for what the human eye sees, IR Flock Sheet is built for what your sensor sees. It is available with or without an adhesive backing, and can be precision-cut to custom shapes for prototyping or production runs.
Backing side of the fabric, shown without adhesive; the pile is flocked onto the opposite face.
Standing perpendicular to the backing fabric, the electrostatically flocked pile traps incoming light through repeated multi-angle internal reflection until it is absorbed, the same structural principle behind all of our flocked materials. IR Flock Sheet extends this trap deep into the near-infrared with a pile fiber formulated to contain carbon.
The result is a fabric that keeps absorbing where conventional blackout materials start reflecting: most black paints, dyes, and coatings are tuned for the visible spectrum only, and their reflectance can climb sharply above 750nm, invisible to the eye, but a major source of noise for NIR sensors.
IR Flock Sheet technical data
DOWNLOAD DATA SHEET →Source: IR Flock Sheet Technical Data Sheet, Musou Black | Koyo Orient Japan Co., Ltd., 2026.07
This document is for reference only and does not constitute a guaranteed value, Musou Black TDS, 2026.07
- Product edges: due to the manufacturing process, approximately 20mm along both long edges may be unflocked or contain punch holes. Our standard 950mm width accounts for this; please factor the trimmed margin into your usable-area planning.
- Pile lay: as with any flocked material, the pile can occasionally lay down (flatten) in localized spots, which locally raises reflectance in that area. This is a known characteristic of flocked fabrics and is not covered as a quality defect; please factor this in if your application requires a strict, uniform reflectance ceiling.
- Upper-band behavior: reflectance trends slightly upward near the top of the measured range, reaching roughly 0.78% at 2490nm in our test data. If your project requires a hard reflectance ceiling across the full 2500nm range, please review the full dataset with us.
- Care: if creases or wrinkles appear, place a cloth over the fabric or lightly apply a steam iron from the back. Do not apply an iron directly to the pile surface.
The black used to recreate deep space for JAXA
IR Flock Sheet lines the interior of a star-tracker development darkroom used by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), where it helps recreate the near-total darkness of deep space during satellite instrument testing, a ground-based test facility, not hardware flown aboard a satellite. In an internal comparison against a premium imported space-grade absorptive material, IR Flock Sheet delivered comparable-or-better low-reflectance, and was adopted for this application on that basis.
That same absorption profile is also used for the JASMINE space-telescope project's ground-based test and simulation facilities, where visible-light stray-light control uses our separate VL Flock Sheet, a reminder that a surface can look pitch black to the human eye while still reflecting strongly to a sensor, and vice versa. The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has also adopted IR Flock Sheet to suppress background reflection noise across the infrared portion of hyperspectral pigment-identification measurements.
Image Credit: NASA
Beyond internal reflections in a telescope, faint reflected light from the ground and nearby equipment can also rob nebula detail of contrast. Turning a shooting environment into a portable darkroom with IR Flock Sheet brings that same space-grade absorption to astrophotography backgrounds, though note this is an amateur/hobbyist application we've seen work well, not a certified use case.
Stray-light control for LiDAR, space & research
- LiDAR calibration targets and internal stray-light baffling
- Autonomous-driving NIR sensor and camera calibration
- Smartphone facial-recognition (NIR) test environments
- InGaAs-type and other near-infrared camera testing setups
- Star-tracker development darkrooms and deep-space simulation chambers
- Satellite instrument testing (JAXA / JASMINE project)
- Telescope internal baffling for stray-light suppression
- Hyperspectral measurement, infrared-band background noise reduction
- Astrophotography background panels for suppressing local stray reflection
- Precision laser/die-cut components for sensor housings and robotics
- Curtains, covering, and photography backgrounds (fabric backing, no adhesive)
- Mounting inside equipment housings and DIY panel builds (adhesive backing)
FAQ
How is IR Flock Sheet different from VL Flock Sheet or Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI?+
VL Flock Sheet and Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI are optimized for the visible-light spectrum. IR Flock Sheet extends that absorption deep into the near-infrared (out to 2500nm), making it the right choice when your application involves LiDAR, near-infrared sensors, IR cameras, or astrophotography. If your use case is purely visible light and doesn't touch NIR, our visible-optimized products may be a better fit.
How does IR Flock Sheet compare to a standard black blackout sheet in the near-infrared?+
In our measurements against a representative velvet-surface competitor product, both looked similarly dark below ~700nm, but the competitor's reflectance climbed past 20% by 950nm and stayed there through 1500nm. IR Flock Sheet measured 0.30% at 950nm and 0.45% at 1500nm under the same test conditions, a large, sensor-relevant gap even though both appear "black" to the eye.
Can IR Flock Sheet be used inside precision optics, cameras, or cleanrooms?+
We don't recommend it for cleanliness-critical internal optics. Independent particle-emission testing found no measurable dust at rest, but tapping the material generated a meaningful particle count, one of the higher figures among our flocked product line. For dust-sensitive environments, our FINESHUT polyurethane-foam series is a better fit; it does have measured performance out to 1500nm, though at a higher reflectance than IR Flock Sheet in that range, so it's a trade-off between low particle-shedding and near-infrared absorption depth; we're happy to advise on the right choice for your setup.
Is IR Flock Sheet water-resistant or suitable for outdoor use?+
No. IR Flock Sheet is not water-resistant, and wet-condition crocking (color transfer) fastness is rated Grade 1, very low. Moisture can flatten the pile, increase local reflectance, and leave a permanent mark. We recommend indoor use only.
What is the maximum operating temperature?+
There is no official heat-resistance rating. Under direct sunlight, IR Flock Sheet's own surface temperature measured only about 10°C above ambient (~43°C; see the next question for that comparison). An in-house (non-third-party) test held the adhesive variant at 85°C/85%RH for roughly 200 hours with no measured optical or adhesive degradation, but this isn't a guarantee of long-term real-world performance. We recommend testing with a sample first, especially for permanent adhesive-mounted installations in environments that get hot (such as a vehicle dashboard), where we don't yet have long-term high-temperature adhesive performance data.
Is IR Flock Sheet flame-retardant?+
No, IR Flock Sheet does not carry a flame-retardant certification and will ignite under direct flame. If your application involves high-output light sources (solar simulators, lasers) and you're concerned about heat buildup or fire risk, please contact us; actual risk depends heavily on the specific setup, and we won't make blanket safety claims either way. For projects where flame resistance is a priority, our Musou Black Carpet (flame-retardant certification as a carpet product is in progress, with completion expected in the second half of 2026) may be worth discussing, though its wall-mounted flame performance is untested.
Does IR Flock Sheet heat up in direct sunlight?+
The flocked pile structure has a very high surface area, which helps it release absorbed heat efficiently. In our own testing, IR Flock Sheet reached only about 10°C above ambient (~43°C) under direct midsummer sun, versus roughly 80°C we'd expect from a low-surface-area material like sheet metal in the same conditions. Very intense or focused light sources may behave differently, so we'd still suggest a real-world test for high-intensity setups.
Is IR Flock Sheet suitable for spaceflight or outgassing-sensitive applications?+
IR Flock Sheet has an established track record in ground-based JAXA test facilities (star-tracker darkrooms, space-simulation chambers). That said, in third-party ASTM E595 outgassing testing, its TML (3.86%) and CVCM (0.14%) both came in above commonly cited spaceflight-material guideline values (typically ≤1.0% TML, ≤0.1% CVCM). Prior facility use doesn't mean every application automatically qualifies; outgassing suitability depends on quantity, placement, and proximity to contamination-sensitive optics, so please share your specific requirements for an individual assessment.
Can you cut custom sizes or complex shapes beyond the standard options?+
Yes. Our precision cutting service can machine your design, from a single prototype to full production runs, based on your CAD or design data. Note that narrower slit widths than our standard 950mm roll incur additional slitting and material-loss charges; for large overseas orders it can sometimes be more cost-effective to purchase a standard-width roll and slit it locally.
Is a version without adhesive available?+
Yes. IR Flock Sheet is available both with an adhesive backing and without; check the specification table above and choose the type that fits your needs.
Can IR Flock Sheet be sewn into curtains or drapery?+
We supply the material only and cannot arrange sewing ourselves. Because it's a piled fabric, the flock can also foul sewing equipment, so the pool of sewing shops able to work with it is limited, and typically only for flat seams, not pleated or gathered curtain styles. You're welcome to source a sewing partner locally; we're happy to advise on material handling.
Are there export restrictions on IR Flock Sheet?+
IR Flock Sheet is not subject to Japan's list-based export controls. However, because its infrared-absorbing properties could have military-adjacent uses, it falls under Japan's "catch-all" export control provisions. For shipments outside our standard trusted-destination list, we require end-use and end-user information before we can process the order, and higher-risk destinations may need additional review. Please reach out with your shipping destination and intended use so we can confirm feasibility.
Do you provide product samples, and what about bulk pricing?+
We don't provide free samples, but you can purchase a standard cut size (starting at A4) from our online store with no minimum order, which is an easy way to evaluate the material firsthand. For high-volume or roll-quantity orders, please contact us with your project details; orders are made to order, with roughly 3–4 weeks lead time, and shipments over one roll (~20m) require a direct inquiry. Note we're unable to ship to PO boxes or military addresses.
Do reflectance values vary from lot to lot, and can you provide a guaranteed spec for incoming inspection?+
The reflectance figures on this page (0.26% / 0.30% / 0.45% at 550 / 950 / 1500nm) are representative measured values, not a per-shipment guarantee. If your incoming inspection requires a guaranteed ceiling rather than a reference figure, we can commit to ≤1.0% in the visible range, derived from our worst-case pile-lay testing; please let us know if you need this in writing.
Has UV or long-term sunlight exposure been tested?+
Not yet. Our published heat data (surface temperature under direct sunlight, and the 85°C/85%RH adhesive test) does not include dedicated UV exposure testing. We recommend indoor or otherwise UV-controlled use until we have long-term data to share, and are happy to discuss your specific exposure conditions.
Do you provide a certificate of conformance or test report with each shipment?+
No. We don't issue a formal certificate of conformance or lot report as standard. If you need supporting documentation, we can prepare a paid measurement report for a specific production lot (reflectance measured with our in-house JASCO V-780 integrating-sphere spectrophotometer, plus infrared-camera imaging and thickness); this is a summary of our own sample measurements, not a certified third-party report. Third-party lab testing is also available on request, but timeline and cost need to be discussed separately.
Musou Black | Koyo Orient Japan Co., Ltd.
IR Flock Sheet is developed and manufactured by Musou Black, a black-materials specialist brand founded in 2020 as an in-house venture of Koyo Orient Japan Co., Ltd., based in Ageo, Saitama, Japan.
Driven by a mission to solve light-reflection problems across industry and art, Musou Black combines world-class light-absorption technology with small-lot accessibility, serving customers in over 60 countries. IR Flock Sheet products are marketed globally via Musou Black. Its near-infrared absorption has been adopted by JAXA for satellite-instrument testing, and separately by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties for pigment-identification research.
Let's spec your project.
From sensor-calibration setups to space-simulation darkrooms, our engineering team can help confirm whether IR Flock Sheet is the right fit, and advise on custom cutting, adhesive selection, and export logistics.
Whether you're asking "will this work for our NIR sensor?" or "can you cut this to our CAD file?", reach out and we'll give you a straight answer.
REQUEST TECHNICAL CONSULTATION & QUOTEOpens our contact form; our engineers respond to every inquiry with a tailored assessment.

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