Backdrops are made with latex paint over fabric – they are subject to damage from water, nails, staples and other things commonly found in studios. Whenever a backdrop is to be unrolled or re-rolled using the floor, make sure the floor is swept and free from all dirt, dust, staples, screws or other items that might cause damage. A backdrop is also ruined when folded, that is why they are delivered rolled tightly onto cardboard tubes (aka “cores.”) They must be handled gently, with a minimum of two people, and must be returned in the condition they left our shop. Damage fees will apply and may amount to the cost of replacing with a new backdrop. Please follow the guidelines below and call with any questions if a ‘situation’ arises.
HANGING
Backdrops can be hung from a crossbar or affixed to a flat, smooth wall. A minimum of two people is required to hang a backdrop. When using a cross bar make sure the hi-boys or stands are set at a distance slightly wider than the backdrop. Affix the backdrop to a metal bar with c-clamps or tape. Secure the backdrop to wooden crossbars or walls with c-clamps, tape or staples. Clamps and staples should be set 12” apart. Please use only a two-inch margin around the edge of the drop for securing. Damage fees will apply if the image is damaged.
When unrolling a backdrop horizontally one person unrolls the canvas while the other person secures it at the top. When you’re unrolling a backdrop vertically set the hi-boys to desired width and unroll the canvas on the floor once it’s been swept clean. Then secure the top of the backdrop to the crossbar and have two people raise it to the desired height. Any excess length at the bottom should remain rolled on the core tucked under and behind the set. NEVER fold or have anything with weight pressing down on top of a roll. Damage fees will apply. DO NOT DISCARD the cardboard tube/core as you will need that to return the drop.
RETURNING
To reroll a backdrop there are two options, a minimum of two people is required for each.
Option 1 – If the backdrop is set on hi-boys you may lower the drop to a clean floor to re-roll onto the supplied tube/core (which you stored behind the set, right?) Do not allow the drop to fall or crumple. Be sure to sweep the floor you will be laying the backdrop on. Place the drop face up on a clean floor and return onto the core by rolling from the bottom, being sure it is tightly rolled and square (no telescoping, PLEASE!). Also clean off any accumulated dust or other particles from the face of the drop. Do not place tape on the face of the backdrop. Secure the top of the drop with tape at the ends and in the middle.
Option 2 – If the backdrop was secured to a flat wall one person will remove the tape, staples…that are securing the canvas to the wall while the other person places the cardboard tube/core at the end and begins to re-roll the backdrop tightly to the tube. This process continues until the canvas is completely rerolled and then it is secure with tape at the ends. No tape is to be placed on the front of the image.
