How to Care for and Store Your Vinyl Photography Backdrops

Welcome to West Coast Backdrops—your go-to source for high-quality vinyl photography backdrops. Whether you're a product photographer, food stylist, or content creator, keeping your backdrops in top shape ensures long-lasting use. Here’s how to properly care for, clean, and store your vinyl backdrops.

Unrolling & Flattening Your Backdrop

Your backdrop will arrive rolled in a tube and should lay flat almost immediately. If there’s a slight curl, here’s how to get it photo-ready:

✔ Lay it flat – Place the vinyl backdrop on a smooth, clean surface and let it relax for about 10 minutes.
✔ Reverse roll – Gently roll it in the opposite direction and hold for a few minutes.
✔ Apply gentle weight – If needed, place a few books or a soft, even weight along the edges for a short time.

Cleaning Your Vinyl Backdrop

Keeping your vinyl backdrop clean ensures professional-looking photography and prevents the surface from getting scratched by grit or debris. Here’s how to maintain it:

✔ Wipe gently – Use a soft cloth to remove dust or grit.
✔ Skip the harsh stuff – Avoid strong chemicals or abrasives that can damage the print.
✔ Tough stains? – A mild soap solution works, but make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward.
✔ Waterproof and mess-friendly – Vinyl is totally fine with water-based liquids, but oil-based and highly pigmented substances like turmeric (ever spill a turmeric latte?) can stain. If you're unsure, do a patch test first.

Proper Storage to Prevent Damage

Your backdrops will arrive in a sturdy cardboard mailing tube—and that's a great place to store them when not in use! Because they’re made of vinyl, they easily roll out for your shoot and roll back up when you’re done.

✔ Keep it rolled – The thick mailing tube prevents bends and dents, keeping your backdrops safe.
✔ Do not fold – Folding will create permanent creases that cannot be removed.
✔ Store away from direct sunlight – Prolonged exposure can cause fading over time.
✔ Keep in a dry place – While vinyl is waterproof, excessive humidity may cause slight warping.

Be Careful with Heat Sources

Vinyl is durable, but heat and direct contact with hot objects will cause damage—marking the surface or making the material warp or ripple. If something is too hot to comfortably hold in your bare hands, it’s too hot for your vinyl backdrop.

To keep your backdrop safe when shooting hot props use a chopping board, slate, or plinth between the backdrop and the heat source.

With the right care, your West Coast Backdrops will stay in great shape, shoot after shoot. Store them properly, keep them clean, and be mindful of heat and staining risks—and they’ll serve you well for countless photography sessions.

📸 Show us your setup! Tag us on Instagram @west_coast_backdrops so we can admire (and maybe even share) your work.