5 Tips for Maintaining and Storing Your Backdrop

For any big event, it is just as important to have your brand’s backdrops looking as fresh, clean, and wrinkle-free as the outfits you’re wearing. A bright, show-stopping backdrop printed with your logo, branding colors, or important messaging can help your company or organization really stand out. Properly cleaning, maintaining, and storing all of your branded backdrops will help your booths, stages, and runways really dress to impress.

Wholesale backdrops can be ideal accessories for advertising and trade show brand recognition. For any event with a runway or guest photography, you may also want to consider adding a step and repeat backdrop, which is the perfect low-cost addition to increase marketing impact and add a touch of class. Guests will love the chance to feel like a celebrity.

There are many options for backdrop materials, including vinyl and different polyester fabrics. Backdrops made of canvas will have a textural look, polyester is flexible, and fleece-like fabrics make great green screens. Though with any printed backdrop, cleaning and maintenance will be vital to its longevity.

Backdrop Maintenance

Some printed backdrops will be machine washable, some will simply require spot cleaning with a sponge, and others, such as paper backdrops, can be one-time-use banners and disposable. Depending on the material and size, you may want to fold your backdrop, roll it, or flatten it for storage. Here are some general maintenance tips for the best backdrop care.

1. Keep Your Backdrops Clean

Keeping backdrops clean will help prevent stubborn stains and ensure you make the best impact at events. Methods for cleaning your backdrop will depend on the material. Using the wrong solutions or cleaning methods may cause permanent damage.

Vinyl

With vinyl, you can easily wipe the backdrop down with a damp, clean cloth. It is a simple task to clean most substances off of vinyl surfaces however, some dyes or liquids may still stain. Take care of what goes on or near your backdrops.

Polyester Fabric

Most polyester fabrics are machine washable in cold water with mild soap. Be sure to use the gentle or delicate cycle and to air dry when done. Limit the number of times you machine wash as excessive washing may end up fading the printed colors. You should never tumble dry, iron, dry clean, or bleach polyester backdrops. If needed, steam on cool to remove any wrinkles or fold lines.

Canvas or Muslin Fabric

Most fabric backdrops will just need spot cleaning and spraying down with water. To remove any big wrinkles or fold lines, you may toss your backdrops into a dryer on a low heat or hang your fabric and use a steamer. Do not use a high heat if you’re putting backdrops into a dryer to avoid shrinkage.

2. Store in a Dry Place

Before storage, fabric backdrops should be completely dry. After any cleaning, lie or hang backdrops flat to dry. Inspect the chosen storage area for any humidity. When stored in humid environments, backdrops may pick up moisture in the air and cause wrinkles, mold, or bacterial growth. Open ventilation or storage in rooms with windows can also help to prevent mold and dust buildup. It is also important to make sure your storage space does not get any direct sunlight which could fade your printed fabrics.

Backdrops may be folded, hung, or rolled up for storage. Storage tubes like shipping tubes can be great for preventing fold lines and wrinkles and also for humidity control. Roll up your backdrop nice and tight to avoid flattening or folding before sealing them into the tubes. For printed backdrops, you will also need to avoid any scratching or creasing that may damage graphics, printed colors, or imagery.

3. Avoid Foot Traffic

Wherever your backdrop is set up or stored, you should be sure to avoid any walking on the material. When hung, keep backdrops from draping across the floor. Some fabric backdrops, however, are actually made to cover the floor as well as the background. For these setups, consider using removable shoe covers on guests or models or putting down rubber floor mats for protection.

4. No High Temperatures

High temperatures do not go well with vinyl or fabric backdrops. While some fabrics can be dried in a clothes dryer, your machines should always be on a low heat setting. The same goes for steaming and ironing. If you choose to use a steamer to try to get out wrinkles, pay close attention to the temperature.

A hand-held steamer is typically a better option than a conventional clothing iron. The direct contact of a metal iron may be more damaging to the fabric. When using heat to dry and care for your backdrops, slow and steady is the key. Work a cool iron or warm steam slowly over the fabric, checking in to make sure it doesn’t get too hot.

5. Use Dedicated Tapes and Accessories

When securing your backdrops, be sure to stick with tape, clamps, and accessories meant for the task. Fabric-specific tapes will help prevent tearing and damage. The same is important in storage. Backdrop or fabric-specific storage materials and equipment will keep your backdrops safe and secure for many events to come.

Whether you invest in trade-show backdrops, step-and-repeats for event runways, photography studio backdrops, or any others, knowing how to care for your fabric backdrops will make a big difference. With a bit of attention and proper storage, your company’s backdrops will not only look their best at upcoming events but last for years to come.