Handling & Care

Photographic Backings, and backings in general, are expensive items to produce and repair. So, it is best to handle backings in such a way so as not to damage them. Cost to fix damaged backings can be significant, especially if the backings are torn, scratched, burned or stained. To keep damage at a minimum, please pay attention to the following.

Unpacking

The location to be used for unpacking should be dry, clean and free of dust and debris, any construction materials such as nails, screws, utility knives and blades, paint, primers, glues and epoxies, etc. Inorganic materials, such as oil paint, primers and thinners, PVC primers and welding glues, etc, will cause permanent damage and care should be taken to ensure these materials are not within reach of any backings while unpacking or hanging. Likewise, under no circumstance should anyone walk on backings or allow any vehicles or lifts to drive over them.

Rigging & Hanging

All of our backings are printed on a polyester fabric that weighs nine ounces per square yard. As such, at least two people should be utilized to hang any backing 20 feet or wider, however, more may be necessary for larger backings. Backings that are 80 feet or wider should be moved with a fork lift or pallet jack only due to their weight, and should be positioned where they will be hung before unpacking.

All of our backings are edged with grommets every 18 inches. Use these grommets to tie backings onto piping and supports for hanging.

Lighting and Fire Retardant Ratings

Our fabric is manufactured to be highly fire retardant, and the exact rating and manufacturer’s MSDS can be supplied upon request. However, care should be taken when lighting backings with tungsten lights, or any other lights that give off a similar amount of heat. These lights should be placed at least six feet from any backings.

Creases, Wrinkles & Fold Marks

All of our backings are shipped utilizing a “loose fold” within packages/crates larger than necessary to ship them. This is to keep any creases to a minimum, however creases will form in certain areas. To remove, a day of hanging should be allowed for the creases to fall out. Likewise, it is important to rig the backings to be as “tight as a drum” to further pull out any fold marks.

Do not attempt to remove any creases using heating irons or steamers. Hot distilled water can be evening misted onto fold marks on the back side only to assist pulling out wrinkles, however be limited in it application.

Cleaning & Staining

Backings can appear somewhat dusty when unpackaged, however it is best not to try to remove any dust from the backings. Dust should not be apparent once lit and filmed at the appropriate set distance.

Due to the nature of polyester, most organic liquids, such as soft drinks, coffee, wine, etc., will not permanently stain our backings. If these liquids come in contact with our backings, they should be cleaned immediately before they can dry using a non-abrasive wet cloth and then allowed to fully dry. Non-organic liquids, such as primers, epoxies, oil paints and thinners, etc., will permanently stain our backings and care should be taken to keep these materials from coming in contact with any backings. If these substances come in contact with a backing, the backing will need to have that section reprinted and replaced.

Using Sections

Backings can be loosely folded in order to utilize less width or height. If using only a section of the backing, be sure to fold the non-utilized area towards the front to protect the printed surface. Never clamp or place weight on the backing to create a crease. Compressed creases can cause cracks to form in the ink.

Alterations


No alterations of any kind are allowed. If an alteration is made, client will be financially responsible for replacing or repairing the backing.

Repacking

All backings should first be lowered to the floor before being released from their supports. The floor should be clean and free from debris, dust and any construction materials, and should be dry. Loosely fold the backing and place back into the shipping container it was sent in or one that is at least as large. Do not compress, push down on or vacuum seal any backings.