Ten tips when using seamless paper backdrops

Paper backgrounds that last a long time

Using paper backgrounds for photography and film often has great advantages compared to other types of photo backgrounds. The paper background is completely flat and seamless, is available in a large number of colors and sizes and has a favorable purchase price. Plus, you can recycle the paper when it's used up!

Here are some tips on how to keep your paper backgrounds looking good and give them a long life.

Store the paper backgrounds dry

Make sure the environment you store the backgrounds in has as low humidity as possible. Background paper that is stored for a long time and used in a humid environment will absorb moisture from the air, which causes wrinkles and ripples in the paper.

Paper backgrounds should be stored vertically

Use background stand or holder for wall/ceiling Background paper must be stored upright. This means that the paper roll will not be deformed by its own weight. Vertical storage is especially important when using the extra wide and heavy paper backgrounds.

Use a background stand or holder for wall/ceiling

Paper is heavy and combined with the width of the background roll, handling can be awkward and dangerous if the right accessories are not used. Be sure to use specially designed background stands in combination with a counterweight and spring clamp as locking, alternatively specially designed locking. If the background does not need to be mobile, mount the background on a wall or ceiling. Aifo offers several different solutions for both options.

Roll up the paper after use

Do not leave the paper unrolled after photography, but roll up the background paper tightly and evenly to reduce the risk of the paper becoming wrinkled.

Clean the shoes!

Ensure that anyone entering the backdrop has clean shoes or uses overshoes if possible. If soiling occurs from shoes or other equipment, roll out new paper and tear off the soiled surface. It saves a lot of time in post-editing.

Use background paper on a flat and hard surface

If the background paper is on a soft carpet or uneven surface, it can easily wrinkle and break when stepped on or by hard and angular objects.

Paper backgrounds are heavy - Ask someone to assist you

Background paper is both long and heavy, so avoid mishaps by having someone help you when you hang the background paper on a stand or wall holder.

Use paper weight and/or tape

When the background paper is on the floor, it is good to use a specially designed weight that is mounted on the end of the paper and, if necessary, to tape the side edges of the paper to the floor. This keeps the paper smooth and any tripping hazard is avoided. Make sure to use the so-called gaffer tape that is easy to remove without leaving any residue.

Test different lighting settings

Paper backgrounds come in a range of colors and each color can be varied in hue depending on how they are lit. Do you want a real stunner in a color such as red, try fitting the light source directed at the background with a gelatin filter of the same color as the background.

Recycle the paper background

Remember that paper is recyclable! We recommend that you recycle the background paper when the paper is dirty and torn.