Guide to Seamless Background Paper by ALZO Digital

Selection Guide

Background Paper

Seamless Background Paper

Graduated Paper

Specialty Paper

Muslin Backdrops

Hand-Painted Photo Backgrounds

Chroma Key

Digital Backgrounds

Usage with Studio Lights

ALZO Blog

Solid Color Seamless Background Paper

Seamless background paper is ideal for product and portrait photography. It is a simple low cost solution for a photo studio, and available in a wide variety of colors.

Most common sizes available are 53" wide by 36' long and 107" (9 feet) wide and 36' long. Wider widths are available but can not be delivered cost effectively by common carriers like UPS. Wider widths up to 20' wide are delivered by trucking companies and the cost of shipping usually exceeds the cost of the paper.

Seamless background paper is also available in Fire Retardant in a limited selection of colors.

Typically seamless paper is supported by a horizontal bar and is rolled out on to the floor to create a smooth "sweep". The end of the roll is taped to the floor to prevent movement. Seamless paper should not be rolled on carpet as the paper will dent and crease when walked on. Also it is difficult to tape the end of the paper to a carpet.

After some usage the lower part of the paper that is soiled is cut off and discarded and new paper is rolled out.

Seamless Paper Storage and Care

Seamless paper will last for years when properly stored. It is best to store seamless paper upright in a cardboard or plastic tube. There are paper support devices that have adhesive backing for attachment to a wall to hold paper rolls vertically. Colored Seamless paper that is not stored in a protective tube will fade along the edges but this is not very objectionable. It is very important to keep it in a dry place and away from direct sunlight to prevent warping and fading.

Transporting Seamless Paper

If you need to transport seamless paper we recommend using a 4" diameter section of PVC drain pipe available at a plumbing supply store. These tubes are typically sold in 10' lengths and tight fitting end caps should be purchased to seal and enclose the tube. If you cut the tube assure a very even cut to prevent leakage of the end caps.

This tube can be fastened to a car roof rack and will keep the paper dry in light rain. If you want better protection from rain use duct tape over the end caps.

Seamless Paper on a Background Support

A background support is required to support the paper and allow for roll-out. A background support can be as simple as a metal pole hung from the ceiling or wall. The most common background support is a portable background support consisting of 2 adjustable tripod base stands and an adjustable horizontal pole.

Some manufactures offer a portable background support with multiple horizontal poles for supporting several rolls of paper.

Superior Specialties is the largest manufacturers of photographic seamless background papers made in the USA. Super Spec paper is available at ALZO Digital.