How to Remove Wrinkles From Backdrops?

Article Date: October 24, 2024
Businesses and event organizers display backdrops to create a stunning visual impact or boost brand awareness and recognition. Consequently, they are often used as photo backgrounds at trade shows, conferences, fashion shows, weddings, and other special occasions.

Backdrops are often made of polyester, a fabric that is durable, lightweight, and easy to maintain. However, wrinkles and folds may occur when the fabric is washed or stored incorrectly. But fret not, we’ll share the different methods to eliminate creases from these portable photo backgrounds.

1. Spray with water

Hang your backdrop from its frame so you can spray water on the wrinkled areas. With the help of gravity and tension, the moisture can minimize the appearance of creases.

• For stubborn wrinkles, use your hand or brush to smooth them out.


• It’s not recommended to spray water mixed with fabric softener because it can wear down the water-resistant properties of polyester.

2. Hang the backdrop

Attach the backdrop to its frame and let gravity and tension smooth out the wrinkles. This process may take a few hours or one whole day.

• Hanging your backdrop outside can remove wrinkles quicker (than hanging it indoors), thanks to natural air circulation and sun exposure.


• You may want to spray some water when dealing with stubborn creases.

3. Use a garment steamer

Using a handheld steamer is the easiest and quickest way to remove wrinkles. Make sure you start with a lower heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric and gently move the steamer up and down until the wrinkles disappear.

• Damp polyester is prone to wrinkles, so make sure you allow the fabric to dry completely before using or storing it.


• If you see shiny streaks on the fabric even with a low heat setting, move the steamer farther away from the backdrop.

4. Use the washer and dryer

Use cool water with mild soap to wash your backdrop. Next, toss it in the dryer but don’t leave it for too long. Leave a little bit of dampness before you hang-dry it outside.

Avoid leaving your backdrop for too long in the dryer (ideally not more than 20 minutes) especially in high heat because it can damage the print or the fabric.

• Hang it up to dry. When a damp fabric sits out in the sun, the heat can help remove the wrinkles quicker as the moisture evaporates. Make sure the fabric is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and unpleasant odor.


• Do not bleach polyester backdrops.

5. Iron out the wrinkles

Most polyester can tolerate a medium-high heat setting, which is around 300 F. Nevertheless, it remains ideal to start with a low setting to prevent damage. If the iron is too hot, shiny streaks will appear on the fabric.

• Use a pressing cloth between the backdrop and the iron to prevent shiny streaks.


• Consider spritzing the fabric with water to treat stubborn wrinkles.

6. Store it properly

Roll the backdrop loosely around a sturdy tube (like a cardboard tube) to prevent creases. Next, use fabric-safe tape to secure its ends. As much as possible, avoid folding the fabric when storing it long term because it can lead to permanent creases.

• If space allows it, hanging is another great option to store backdrops. You can use a curtain rod or a dedicated rack.


• Keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

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Conclusion

Keeping your backdrops wrinkle-free can make their graphics look more vibrant when you display them at events. Of course, the printing process and the quality of material also determine their color vibrance.

At Signs.com, we print our backdrops on a 9 oz. polyester fabric using dye sublimation process, a method known for producing fade-resistant permanent colors that remain vibrant even after multiple washes. Additionally, our custom backdrops come with a free carrying case for easy transport and storage.

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