FAQs

1) How Do I Install My Backdrops?
Please see our Backdrop Installation Page to get tips, techniques and helpful hints on installing your backdrops.

2) What should I NOT do when installing my backdrops (these suggestions apply to ANY backdrops from ANY company that does not have a protective laminate coating on them):

1. You should NOT get glue, plaster, paint, sculptamold, aggressive tapes or other scenery materials on the backdrop….you will ruin them.
2. You should NOT get the backdrops wet with any solvents, alcohol or household cleaners. While the backdrops are water resistant solvents, thinners, cleaners and alcohol will cause the inks to dissolve and run
3. On the Presentation Paper Backdrops you should NOT use spray glue, white glue, or contact cement to install them. You should only use Velcro or double sided tape or “paper cement” produced by Speedball Art Products. We will soon have this have available to purchase on our Accessories Page.
4. You should NOT apply any rubber based adhesive (self adhesive backing, peel & stick backing, contact cement, some double sided tapes, etc.) on latex paint. Rubber based adhesives should ONLY be used on 100% Acrylic paints.
5. You should NOT let your adhesive dry before you have squeegeed out ALL bubbles and creases.

3) What are 4 things I MUST do before or during backdrop installation:

1. Apply backdrops to a clean dry and prepared surface (if painted use only 100% acrylic paint or paint a clear coat of 100% acrylic over any latex paint).
2. Apply backdrops ONLY to smooth surfaces. Masonite, styrene, expanded PVC foam sheet are a few examples. Do not apply to plywood unless it is a very smooth hardwood plywood with no grain, knots and void fills that you can feel.
3. Follow the instructions on the package explicitly for ANY adhesive used
4. Properly squeegee the backdrop to eliminate any bubbles or creases. When using wallpaper paste it is recommended you come back and squeegee every 15-20 minutes until dry to reduce the formation of bubbles from uneven application of the paste.

4) What wall paper paste do you recommend for mounting the Poly or Vinyl backdrops:
We recommend Zinsser Brand, SureGrip 122 Pro. Other brands may work just as well but we have not tested with other brands.

5) What if my backdrops get bubbles or creases in them after installing:

1. If you have prepared the surface properly and used proper install techniques there will be no bubbles in the backdrop. Bubbles are ONLY caused by improper surface preparation or improper install techniques.
2. If you do get bubbles take a sharp pin or tip of a #11 X-Acto or other sharp hobby knife and poke a very small hole in the bottom of the bubble then squeegee the air/adhesive bubble towards the hole releasing it from underneath the backdrop.

6) What should I do if my backdrops are damaged or lost in shipment:

1. Immediately report it to the postal carrier/office
2. Take pictures of damage to both the backdrops and packaging
3. Contact us immediately for further instructions. If you paid to have the package insured we will file a claim and ship you out a new backdrop order identical to the damaged one.
4. If your package was not insured you will need to contact the post office yourself and file a complain. We are NOT responsible for packages damaged or lost in shipping. We recommend ALWAYS insuring any order.

7) What if my backdrops get bubbles or creases in them after installing:
If you have prepared the surface properly and used proper install techniques there will be no bubbles in the backdrop. Bubbles are ONLY caused by improper surface preparation or improper install techniques.

8) If you have question not found on this page or the install page you may contact by phone or email listed on our contact page.