Ultramarine Seamless Paper

Color Banding occurs when there aren’t enough tones available in the bit depth of an image to create a seamless transition two graduating areas of color, brightness and/or saturation.  Banding is often seen in images with a bright sky and can also occur with any smooth background such as with seamless paper or solid vinyl. Most frequently, the problem is seen in 8 bit images and in files that have been too heavily edited or compressed. When uploading to some sites on the internet that use strong compression methods, banding can occur in the converted image on the receiving end and that can be difficult to prevent. Here are some tips to avoid and fix:

In camera
Set your image quality to the highest available setting
Set your camera’s color space to AdobeRGB
Shoot in RAW file format (vs. JPEG)

On the computer
Edit in 16 bits per channel mode
Perform all post-processing in a PSD or TIFF file format before converting the final version to sRGB and JPEG format (which compresses the image data)

Here are two suggested approaches to correcting banding in Photoshop:

1) Blur method (effective on strong banding)
Work in 16 bit mode:  Image \ Mode \ 16 bits/Channel
Copy the background layer: CTRL/CMD – J
Make the layer copy into a Smart Object (so you can modify as desired): Filter \ convert for smart filter
Add a surface blur: Filter \ blur \ surface blur (won’t affect detailed areas as strongly as other blur modes)
Zoom into an area where banding is visible in the preview window
Adjust the radus and threshold values to the lowest values that resolve the banding. Threshold will have the most impact.
Add a black layer mask. Layer \ Layer Mask \ Hide All
Select the Brush tool. [B] Select a soft brush and set the opacity to 50%
Paint with white on the mask over the areas affected by banding.

2) Noise method (effective on mild banding)
Work in 16 bit mode: Image \ Mode \ 16 bits/Channel
Create a new 50% gray fill layer – Layer \ New \ Layer… then  Edit \ Fill… in “contents” field, select 50% gray
Change the layer blend mode to “Soft Light”
Add noise: Noise \ add noise
Choose Uniform, and tic the box for “Monochromatic”
Adjust the level until you see improvement
Add a black layer mask. Layer \ Layer Mask \ Hide All
Select the Brush tool. [B] Select a soft brush and set the opacity to 50%
Paint with white on the mask over the areas affected by banding.

While our paper is free of many harmful ingredients often used in paper manufacturing and a small amount is not likely to cause any problem; printed ink patterns and colored paper dyes in general cannot be considered safe for consumption.   Our paper backgrounds are very popular for pet photography because of their vibrant colors and patterns, low cost and recyclable nature.  They come highly recommended by many pet and shelter photographers.  We also recommend our durable vinyl backgrounds, which cannot be easily torn, and which are cleanable with mild soap and water.

For the best result when compositing, choose a genuinely neutral background that contrasts with the subject.

#60 Focus Grey is our neutral gray. It is ideal for most compositing. However; blonde hair, animal fur, or objects with gray tones can sometimes be difficult to accurately extract from a gray background because the tones are so similar. In such cases #20 Black can make detailed extractions of light tones easier. Conversely, very dark hair and clothing are more easily extracted from #66 Pure White.

Seamless Background paper is an artisan product made in batches. Thickness and weight of the final product varies slightly between colors and sizes due to differences in manufacturing processes and equipment.
Here are approximate industry standardized density measurements.

#1 Super White & #66 Pure White up to 107” width:
Paper Density: 163 GSM

All other colors in all sizes up to 107” width:
Paper Density: 145 GSM

Extra-Wide 140” width Seamless Paper; all colors:
Paper Density: 180 GSM

53″: 1 person
86″ 1-2 people wide
107″: 3-4 people wide
140″: up to 5 people wide

If you are hanging these backdrops one at a time, we recommend our 12′ x 12′ Background Stand, which can accommodate larger backgrounds with ease.

Our Focus Gray Seamless Paper is our closest color to neutral gray. Please note that while Focus Gray does not have a temperature/color cast and can be useful when adjusting your image for white balance, it is brighter than a “medium gray” or 18% gray card often used for determining image exposure. The Savage Seamless Paper closest to 18% reflectivity is Dove Gray, however it does have a warm color cast and should not be used as a white-balance reference.

Paper and vinyl are both popular backgrounds that produce a professional and seamless look, but differ in several ways regarding ideal use and lifespan. Check out our blog that discusses the two materials.
Paper and muslin both offer beautiful backdrop options in an array of colors for studio photography, but also have key differences. Check out this article for an in-depth comparison.

Our Seamless Paper is not flame retardant.

Our 140″ W x 35yd L seamless paper is available in four staple colors:Black, Super White, Tech Green and Storm Gray.

When possible, we recommend purchasing this size locally.  Because the dimensions exceed the maximums allowed by FedEx and UPS, they must ship by LTL truck, which is very expensive. A full listing of local retailers by zip code can be found in our Store Locator.

Yes! Savage Seamless Paper is 100% recyclable!

We are committed to producing products that are eco-friendly. Our paper products utilize on average 75% recycled fiber.

Absolutely! Get creative with your seamless paper by using acrylic paint!

It’s easy to cut your own seamless paper roll using a saw and a straight-edge. Using a mitre box from hardware stores, you can ensure an even, straight cut.

When sweeping the paper out onto the floor for full body portraits, we recommend placing a few strips of gaffer tape along the edges to prevent it from curling. You can also use the Savage Background Leader Bar to weight the seamless paper down if you are not extending the paper onto the floor.

We recommend seamless paper to be used on a flat, hard surface. If seamless paper is rolled out onto carpet, the paper can crinkle and tear when walked on.

We recommend unrolling the paper so that the inner surface of the roll faces the camera. This enables a smoother sweep of the paper where it meets the floor, and the free edge is easier to secure to the floor with tape. In addition, the inner surface of the paper is dyed directly during the manufacturing process, so the outer surface may appear slightly lighter in tone on some paper colors.

Savage Seamless Background Paper is a dyed product, therefore does not have exact CMYK/RGB/Pantone matches. You can find similar matches to each color listed on each individual product page under the tab titled “Specs”.  Also, download our Swatch Exchange file here for graphic design and creative use in Adobe Photoshop™, Adobe Illustrator™ or Adobe InDesign™.

Before using our suggested RGB / CMYK values as a reference in Photoshop; verify the following document settings:

Edit\Color Settings\ Working Spaces…
RGB = sRGB IEC61966-2.1
CMYK = U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2
Gray: Dot Gain 20%
Spot: Dot Gain20%

The inner diameter of the core is 2 1/8” for all sizes except the 140″. The inner diameter of the 140″ roll cores is 2.625″.

Yes

Yes. Our matte seamless paper is non-reflective with a fine-tooth finish.

The 26″ x 12yd roll weighs 4 lbs
The 53″ x 12yd roll weighs 6 lbs
The 86″ x 12yd roll weighs 14 lbs
The 107″ x 12yd roll weighs 15 lbs
The 107″ x 50yd roll weighs 49 lbs
The 140″ x 35yd roll weighs 40 lbs

If utilizing a wall mount hanging system, an aluminum or PVC core insert is recommended to maintain cardboard core structure and decrease sagging over time. The core insert must fit snugly inside the 2.125″ inner core diameter.

We recommend hanging seamless paper from a backdrop stand. Because the paper is wound to a cardboard tube, it is easy to slide any standard crossbar through the inner core for an even hang. Hanging the 107″ wide seamless paper rolls can be difficult to do alone, so be sure to bring an extra set of hands to hang properly and efficiently from the stand. If hanging from a backdrop stand, secure the seamless paper in place by clamping the top two ends of the roll once you have swept out the paper to the desired length. This will prevent the paper from unraveling further. If you do not have a backdrop stand, you can cut off as much paper as you need to tape to the wall!

For more information on how to hang seamless paper check out this blog: https://savageuniversal.com/blog/how-to-hang-seamless-paper-backgrounds/

While our seamless paper is designed and meant to be torn off at the end when dirty, reducing clean up efforts, rest assured it is a durable and thick paper material. When using care working with the paper, a roll can last in good condition for years. Paper density: 145 GSM

We recommend purchasing our Seamless Paper Backdrop Accessory Kit, which includes the essentials: clamps and gaffer tape. We also recommend purchasing a storage system like our Seamless Paper Storage Clip or the 53″ Seamless Paper Display Stand.

We recommend storing your backdrop roll vertically to avoid sagging of the inner cardboard core if left hanging for long periods of time. Looking for storage options? Check out our Storage Clip or 53″ Paper Floor Display.

Our paper is custom made using dyes uniquely for Savage distribution. Therefore our backdrops are not made to exactly match specific color systems, like Pantone or RGB values. We do our best to visually represent all 65 shades on the website and we do provide approximate RGB values, but pictures may vary slightly from the actual product. We recommend ordering a Seamless Paper Color Chart to receive small samples of each paper, if you are looking for a very specific shade for an upcoming project.

Before using our suggested RGB / CMYK values as a reference in Photoshop; verify the following document settings:
Image\Mode\…
RGB Color  (for display output)    – or –   CMYK Color  (for print output)

Edit\Color Settings\ Working Spaces…
RGB = sRGB IEC61966-2.1
CMYK = U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2
Gray: Dot Gain 20%
Spot: Dot Gain20%

Edit\Assign Profile…
Profile or Working RGB:  sRGB IEC61966-2.1   (for Image Mode: RGB)
-or-
Profile or Working RGB:  U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2    (for Image Mode: CMYK)

We do not currently accept any custom color, print or size requests for paper. Please see questions about how to custom cut your roll at home.

We offer a Seamless Paper Chip Chart for purchase to ensure you order the best color for your upcoming project.

Finding the right size will depend on how you plan to use it!

26″ x 12yd is excellent for small product photography, crafting and banners
53″ x 12yd is best used for headshots and up to 3/4 body shots, children, pets or products
86″ x 12yd allows users to shoot full-body portraits in smaller spaces, and is more easily transportable than larger sizes
107″ x 12yd is ideal for full-body portraits and small groups
107″ x 50yd is intended for large, high traffic studios
140″ x 35yd can accommodate large subjects and mid-sized groups (*available in select colors)

For help determining the best sized paper for your project check out our blog!

Savage Universal products are available through an extensive retail dealer network as well as through SavageUniversal.com. Browse local stores in your area using the Store Locator or click on the tab above titled “Shop U.S. Dealers” to shop online.

International customers, please find your local Savage Distributor here.