Seamless Paper Storage Clip 
Paper backdrops are the best backdrops!
Okay, we may be a little biased, but they do have some undeniably great advantages. Seamless and printed paper rolls are versatile for most any shooting space, offer almost endless color and design options, and are among the most cost-effective studio backdrop options available.
While paper backgrounds are a popular tool for studio photographers beginner to expert, we wanted to offer some basic tips geared for new users to help make sure you have the best experience with Savage Paper.
We encourage our readers to add your tips and thoughts in the comment section below to help us grow this list!
1. Store in Dry Spaces
Evaluate the environment of your storage and work space for issues with humidity. Paper stored and used in humid conditions will absorb moisture from the air which can form wrinkles and ripples.
2. Store Vertically
The best way to store backdrop rolls is vertically. This position ensures that the roll will not weigh itself down over time, misshaping the inner cardboard core and causing waves in the material, particularly for the heavier, extra-wide rolls. Our Seamless Paper Storage Clip and Pro Storage Rack keep rolls organized and out of the way.
3. Don’t Leave it Hanging
Don’t leave your backdrop hanging on a stand as storage. After each session, roll the paper back up tightly and evenly to avoid wrinkling. Grab a friend to help with a large roll.
4. Have a Few Clamps Handy
Spring clamps are an important accessory for paper rolls. A full roll of seamless paper is thick and heavy, and if a user pulls it out quickly, the roll may continue to unwind for several extra feet. Secure a clamp to to the top of both ends of a roll to keep it in place and secure. Clamps are an inexpensive tool that can be found at any hardware store.
5. Clean Your Shoes First!
Clean your shoes or think twice about walking across the paper! Footprints can show up in your images, especially with light colored paper. Limit marks on the paper by wearing shoe coverings or trying socks-only when possible.
6. Only Sweep onto a Flat, Hard Surface
Your paper backdrop can crinkle and tear once your model steps foot onto it if it’s swept out onto carpet or uneven flooring. This will cause your backdrop to go from “seamless” to unsightly!
7. Find an Assistant
When handling 9′ wide rolls, having an extra pair of hands can be very helpful with sliding your backdrop onto a support system, clamping and rolling it back up evenly.
8. Tape Edges Down on the Floor
If you wish to sweep the paper backdrop out onto the floor, we recommend using gaffer tape around the edges to keep the paper smooth on the floor. If not secured, the end of the roll may curl and become a tripping hazard for your crew when walking across the set. Gaffer Tape is recommended over Duct Tape because its blended resin and natural rubber compound allows for non-transferring adhesion, to deliver a clean removal with no residue.
9. Experiment with Lighting
Colored background paper is a fun canvas for trying out different lighting scenarios. Adjust the color lighter or darker with your positioning, or pair it with an RGB light to completely change it up every once in a while.
10. Recycle
Remember, paper is recyclable! We recommend recycling your end sheets instead of trashing them. Tip: A utility knife typically allows for a cleaner cut than a pair of scissors.
Have another tip for working with paper backdrops?
Share it in the comments below!
Thanks for these tips. I just installed a backdrop system and now I need to look for a handy storage whatchamacallit for seamless rolls like what you have pictured in the second photo above.
Dear Savage,
I’m planning on shooting a dance music video (with medium & long shots) using seamless paper in the near future. What size dimensions would you recommend?
Thanks,
James.
Hi James, thanks for your question! We would recommend checking out our larger sizes of Seamless Paper. We offer all 65 colors in both 107″ x 12 yds and 107″ x 50 yds. We also have offer Super White (01), Black (20), Storm Gray (70) and Tech Green (46) in an extra wide size of 140″ x 35 yds. We hope this helps answer your question!
Can you sketch on this paper
Hi Mico, thanks for your comment! Absolutely – our seamless background paper rolls are great for getting creative and customizing for special crafts or photo shoots. It is similar to a thick construction paper. We’ve seen users draw and paint on it, cut out shapes with it, crinkle and tear it and other cool ideas!
What is the difference between the “Pure White” & “Super White?” Thank you Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for your question. “Pure White” and “Super White” are a completely neutral tone with the difference being the “Super White” has UV brighteners added and slightly more fine texture.
Hello I was wondering if there was any alternative to a person with only carpet in their shooting area. Like is there a piece for “flooring” if you will, that you can purchase to put above the carpet when shooting.
Hello, thanks for your question! One option you can consider would be purchasing a large, inexpensive plywood sheet to lay over the carpet before sweeping your paper background out. This will allow a model to step onto it without piercing through.
Can you please advise the details of a stockist in Chiang mai Thailand. If none are located in Chiang mai, do you have stockist in Bangkok?
Hi Steve! Please check our International Distributor page to find the information on local distributors. It looks like we have one distributor in Thailand, Foto Systems, we suggest contacting them. https://savageuniversal.com/shop/international-distributors/ We hope this helps!
What size should I get? I’d like to add props into my session with clients, I’m looking for a wide paper?
Hi Katherine, great question! If you are looking for a larger size seamless paper backdrop we suggest looking at our mid-size paper (86″ x 12 yds) or our 107″ x 12 yds. We offer four colors in the mid-size (Super White 01, Black 20, Storm Gray 70, and Tech Green 46) and our 107″ x 12 yd seamless paper comes in 65 colors. We hope this helps!
Hi, what paper length is the red one in the picture above? And also which backdrop stand do you suggest?
Hi Chrisheena, thanks for your question! The size of the Primary Red Seamless Paper above is 107″ x 12YDS. We have a selection of great backdrop stands. Our Economy Stand is ideal for part-time photographers. The Port-a-Stand is perfect for on-location photo shoots. Our 12 x 12 Background Stand is strong yet lightweight, a great stand for studios because it can accommodate large backdrop sizes. The Multiple Polevault Background Stand is great for holding multiple rolls at once. Check out more information about these stands here: https://goo.gl/tjPDyS
What length is the light blue paper background in the picture above?
Hi Ashton, great question! That is our 53″ x 12 YDS Seamless Paper size. Let us know if you have any more questions.
LengthXwidth correct?
Hi Mike, thanks for your question. We list our backgrounds width by length.
Hi,
We are looking to record an individual person talking for 3 minutes. This person will most likely be sitting and only the upper half of the body will be focused on. Since only 1 person will pitch at a time, what size of paper would be the best to use? I am looking into ordering the Tech green but not sure what size to order.
Hi Jessica! Thanks for your question. Our 53″ x 12yd seamless paper size should work great for your project. This is about 4 1/2 feet wide, which will accommodate a single subject upper body shot well. Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Hi,
If you place removable stickers on this paper, can you remove them without damaging the paper?
Hi Aleta, thanks for your comment! It is difficult to provide an answer without product information on the stickers or testing them out. Our paper backdrops have similar qualities to thick, construction paper.
Just a suggestion: What if you were to photograph a person, full length and put it on your website to give customers an idea of the width of each dimension you sell like, 53′ 107″ . may be add a person for each size like 86, 107 side by side straight looking at the camera like say the girl on the green background so customers can see how many subjects can you fit on each size if they were looking squarely at the camera.
Hi Sazro! Thanks for your comment and we appreciate the suggestion. We have updated our seamless paper product galleries to include a chart of a model on all three seamless paper sizes. We also have a great article about picking the right seamless paper size (https://goo.gl/TxzEfK). We hope this helps and thanks again for the suggestion!
Helloo,im planing to buy grey savage paper back drop and i wish to know whether if the paper is rolled on the floor and the model stands on it directly ,will it cause tear or marks on the paper damaging it?or is there a way to protect the paper when the model stands on it.your suggestions will be helpful.
Thank you
Hi Kiran! Thanks for your question. If your seamless paper is rolled out on a hard surface (hardwood floors, concrete, tile) your model’s shoes should not cause tears. We suggest cleaning the model’s shoes before stepping on the paper if you’re worried about marks. If you’re shooting space is carpeted, you need to place a hard surface like a piece of plywood or plexiglass between the paper and the carpet. Otherwise, the heels of your model’s shoes will poke right through the paper if its not on a hard surface. We hope this information helps!
Hi, Emile from the Netherlands here. I am a little confused about the side to use with Super White rolls i have here. Some youtube videos i see they roll it down on the back, others on front. If i look at, or feel, the paper it seems to be different, the outside is much more smooth. I’m i wrong here? Please advise!
Kind regards.
Hi Emile! We have seen both ways as well and it’s a personal preference. The standard use of seamless paper is rolling the paper under the roll. This makes it easier for you to secure your paper down with tape. Our paper is also dyed on that front side, so the color may be lighter if rolled out on the back. We hope this helps!
Hi Savage,
I have the 107″ but need wider backdrop like 150″. What do you recommend doing? Stitch two backdrops and edit in PS?
Thanks,
Hi Victor! Thanks for your comment. We do offer an extra wide seamless paper size of 140″ x 105 ft. However this size is only offered in four colors: Super White, Black, Tech Green and Storm Gray. We hope this helps!
Hello! My studio is in my home and I always have to setup my backgrounds for every session. I have always work with canvas but I want to start using seamless paper. My question is, is it ok to setup seamless paper for every session? or do you recommend to keep it hanging permanently? I have the feeling that since it is paper, I am going to break it if I have to touch it too much while setting my studio every time.
Thanks!
Hi I’m looking to join two paper rolls together to get more length. Can you suggest the best way to do this in order to keep the join seamless as possible?
Hi David, thanks for your comment. We recommend taping the seam from the backside to secure the two edges together with minimal bubbling or wrinkling.
Hello, Which of your grays are closest to neutral, in terms of hue, even if not “50%” gray in terms of value? Thanks.
Hi Jason, thanks for your comment! Our most neutral gray is #70 Storm Gray (https://savageuniversal.com/products/seamless-paper/storm-gray-seamless-paper/).
I have a 10(h) inch x 12(w)inch backdrop stand what would be the correct size for me to get
Hi Jay, thanks for your question. To confirm, is your backdrop stand measurements in inches or feet? We do not produce backgrounds small enough to meet a 10″x12″ support, though keep in mind paper is able to be cut to any custom size you wish. If your stand measurements are in feet, it will be able to accommodate up to our 107″x36′ paper roll.
I’m looking to shoot a whole gymnastic team individual shots as well as group shots as much as 10 gymnasts in one photo. What size paper would you recommend I use and can you recommend a backdrop stand?
Hi Anna! Thank you for your comment. Here is a visual representation of how many people you can fit on each seamless paper size (https://savageuniversal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Savage-Seamless-Paper-Width-Comparison.jpg). It sounds like with your larger group you would need a 140″ x 35yd roll, which in that case we’d recommend you use the Multiple Polevault Stand (https://savageuniversal.com/products/backdrop-stands/multiple-polevault-stand/). We hope this helps!
Do you have visual examples as to what size to order
Hi Africa! Thank you for your question. Yes, we do have a visual that displays how many people can fit on each backdrop size: https://savageuniversal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Savage-Seamless-Paper-Width-Comparison.jpg. We hope this helps!
I liked what you said about how you should store your paper backdrops vertically. That does seem like a good thing to consider when you want your backdrops to last a long time.
How can I remove the wrinkles created by the roll from a seamless paper roll (Fashiong gray?)
Unfortunately if your paper roll has accumulated wrinkles, your best chance of removing them will be in postproduction. Keep these tips above in mind in the future for decreasing the chance for any wrinkling to appear.
Make it easy to swap out paper on the floor by having two separate pieces for the backdrop and floor. By sweeping the paper backward, and having a large sheet separate on the floor. Reduces editing out scuff marks when you can keep the paper clean!
How much does the 140″ roll weigh and how would you recommend this to be mounted to a wall?
Hi Patricia, thank you for your question. A 140″ wide roll weighs approximately 40 lbs, so you will need to ensure your wall system will support this weight. While Savage does not offer wall mount systems currently, we recommend checking out our Multiple Polevault Stand which will accommodate this backdrop size.
Hi there at Savage,
I own a total of six seamless rolls now, all of which are 272cm wide. As I use my black, grey and white ones on a daily basis, I’d prefer to be able to leave them hanging in my Godox wall mounts. Problem is that they buckle under their weight.
Do you perhaps know of a manufacturer that makes anything to help prevent this, like a synthetic or metal tube for inside your core tubes?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hello Diederik, thank you for using Savage paper! We recommend sourcing a 2″ outer diameter aluminum tube from a local hardware store, that can be inserted through the cardboard core to prevent sag if left hanging.