Photo Backdrop Material Descriptions
Below is a description and close up photos of each of the different backdrop materials that we offer.
All of our backdrops are printed in the U.S.A.
POLY PAPER: Poly Paper is a lightweight, synthetic coated paper that is tear-resistant and offers an affordable backdrop option. It is much lighter than vinyl or fabric and can be attached to a backdrop stand with clamps or secured to a wall with blue painter’s tape.
Poly Paper has a matte, glare-free finish and produces a bright, vibrant print. Each Poly Paper backdrop includes a small white border around the printed design, typically approximately ¼ inch. This border is included within the listed dimensions of the backdrop. When pairing a backdrop and floor, the border can usually be tucked underneath the floor portion so it is not visible in photographs.
Poly Paper may be used as a floor drop, but it must be handled carefully. Sliding props across the surface, walking on it, or placing rough objects on it may cause scratches, scuffs, footprints, or creases. Poly Paper is not recommended for cake smash sessions because it cannot be wiped clean and liquids or frosting may permanently damage the surface.
Care Instructions:
- Store Poly Paper rolled when not in use, preferably inside the original shipping tube.
- Do not fold the backdrop.
- Do not wash or wipe the surface with water, cleaning products, or other liquids.
- Lift and place props rather than dragging them across the backdrop.
- Avoid walking directly on the printed surface whenever possible.
Poly Paper may develop a slight wave or mild warping during the printing process or while hanging or lying flat. This is a normal characteristic of the material and is not considered a defect.
Please note: Due to the increased risk of damage to oversized shipping tubes during international transit, Poly Paper backdrops are available for shipping within the United States only.
Royal Fleece: Royal Fleece is a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative to Dream Fabric and our standard Fleece. It is softer than our other fleece option and has a slight stretch, allowing it to be gently pulled taut for a smooth appearance.
The edges are laser cut to help prevent fraying. Royal Fleece does not include hemming or a pole pocket, which helps us keep production costs lower and pass those savings on to our customers. It can be easily attached to a backdrop stand using clamps.
Although Royal Fleece is one of our more affordable materials, it photographs just as beautifully as our higher-priced options.
Please note: Listed sizes are approximate. The material is measured before printing and may shrink slightly during the printing process.
DREAM FABRIC: Our Dream Fabric backdrops hang and photograph like a dream! This material is made from 100% polyester specifically intended for photography backdrops and has a slight stretch, allowing it to be gently pulled taut for a smooth, professional appearance.
Dream Fabric backdrops measuring 8' x 6' and larger include a sewn pole pocket along the top for easy hanging on a backdrop stand. Smaller sizes, including 8' x 5', 7' x 5', 6' x 5', and 5' x 5', are laser cut and do not include a pole pocket.
Please keep in mind that the sewn pole pocket uses approximately 2–3 inches of the total backdrop height. Dream Fabric is an excellent choice for detailed scenes and room designs that look best when the material is pulled tight.
This material arrives folded. To remove fold lines or wrinkles, place it in the dryer on low heat for approximately 5–10 minutes, or gently use a handheld steamer.
Please note: Listed sizes are approximate. The material is measured before printing and may shrink slightly during the printing and finishing process.
In-use image using a Dream Fabric backdrop:
FLEECE: Our Fleece backdrops feature the printed design on the front with a white reverse side. The material has a matte, glare-free finish and is naturally wrinkle-resistant, allowing most backdrops to be hung and photographed right away.
Fleece backdrops do not include a pole pocket and can be attached to a backdrop stand using clamps. Each backdrop is hemmed on all four sides, and the weight of the material allows it to hang beautifully.
If hard creases develop, place the backdrop in the dryer on low heat for approximately 10 minutes or gently use a handheld steamer. Fleece backdrops may be stored folded when not in use.
Please note: Listed sizes are approximate and reflect the dimensions of the material before printing and hemming. Our 80" x 60" Fleece backdrops are made from a slightly lighter-weight fleece material than our other Fleece sizes.
Our matte vinyl backdrops are made with a durable fabric core coated with a thin layer of vinyl. This high-quality, heavy-duty material works well as either a backdrop or floor drop and is a popular choice for cake smashes and other messy sessions because it can be gently wiped clean.
Although the material has a matte finish, vinyl is not completely glare-free. Darker designs may show some sheen where studio lights reflect off the printed surface, so lighting placement and angles may need to be adjusted. If even minimal sheen is a concern, we recommend choosing Poly Paper or Canvas instead. Many customers still prefer vinyl because of its durability and easy-care surface. Any unwanted highlights can also be reduced during editing by gently darkening the brighter areas.
Care Instructions:
- Store the backdrop rolled when not in use, preferably inside the original shipping tube.
- Wipe gently with a damp cloth only. Do not use household cleaners or chemicals.
- Vinyl may be used for cake smash sessions, but frosting, food coloring, and liquids can still stain the printed surface.
- Test frosting or other messy materials on a small corner of the backdrop before the session.
- Clean spills promptly and avoid allowing liquids to sit on the surface.
FLEECE, DREAM FABRIC & ROYAL FLEECE SHIPPING: Fabric and fleece backdrops may ship separately from Poly Paper, vinyl, and floor mats because these products require different packaging. If your order contains multiple materials, you may receive separate packages, tracking numbers, and delivery dates.
HANGING EXTRA-LARGE FABRIC BACKDROPS: A helpful way to secure an extra-large fabric backdrop is to allow a small amount of the material to extend onto the floor, then fold the excess back toward the wall. Place a clean 2" x 4" piece of wood behind the backdrop and on top of the folded material to add weight and help hold it in place. Adjust the fabric and gently pull it taut as needed.
You may also secure the corners to the floor with tape or pin the backdrop directly to a wall. If you order a sweep with a continuous backdrop-and-floor portion, placing a floor mat underneath the floor section can help prevent the fabric from shifting.
AVOIDING WRINKLES, CREASES & SCRATCHES: Poly Paper and vinyl are durable and resistant to tearing, but they are still printed surfaces that must be handled carefully. They can be scratched, scuffed, creased, or permanently marked if props are dragged across them or if they are stored improperly.
To help prevent damage:
- Store Poly Paper and vinyl backdrops rolled inside their original shipping tubes whenever possible.
- Never fold Poly Paper or vinyl.
- If the original tube is unavailable, roll the backdrop tightly and store it horizontally rather than standing it upright.
- The opening in the center of the roll should remain round. If it becomes oval-shaped, the backdrop is not rolled tightly enough and may begin to flatten or crease.
- When using the backdrop as a floor, lift and place props instead of dragging them across the printed surface.
- Avoid walking directly on Poly Paper, as shoes may leave footprints, scuffs, or scratches.
PLEASE REVIEW YOUR ORDER CAREFULLY: Before completing checkout, please confirm the design, size, material, crop, orientation, and quantity selected. All of our backdrops are made to order according to the options chosen by the customer. Once an order has entered production, it cannot be canceled or changed. Customer ordering errors are not eligible for a return or traditional exchange. Please review our Return Policy for complete details
VIEWING: Large format prints are intended to be used at a distance and are not meant to be viewed up close. Photography backdrops are designed to be in the depth of field, approximately 4-5 feet away in typical.