Care Instructions

Vayl backdrops are made with genuine stone. With proper handling and storage, your backdrop can provide years of use while preserving its natural texture and character.

Unrolling Your Vayl

Your Vayl may retain some curl after shipping. This is normal and should relax after the backdrop has been unrolled.

  1. Carefully remove the packaging and shrink wrap.

  2. Slowly unroll the backdrop on a clean, flat surface.

  3. Allow it to rest flat for approximately one hour.

  4. If the curl remains, gently warm the material with a hair dryer while allowing it to relax naturally.

  5. Keep the hair dryer moving and avoid concentrating heat in one area.

Do not force the backdrop flat, bend it sharply, or place extremely heavy objects on its edges. Never use high heat, an iron, heat gun, or open flame.

Handling Your Backdrop

Although Vayl is flexible, it is still real stone and should be handled with care.

  • Support larger backdrops with both hands when moving them.

  • Roll and unroll the backdrop slowly.

  • Never fold, crease, or sharply bend it.

  • Avoid dragging the stone surface across floors, tables, or other rough materials.

  • Keep knives, scissors, and sharp props away from the surface.

  • Do not stand, sit, or place excessive weight on the backdrop.

  • Take extra care with edges and corners when moving larger sizes.

Deeply textured styles are naturally less flexible than thinner, smoother styles. Roll these backdrops more loosely and never force them into a tight roll.

Cleaning Your Vayl

For routine cleaning, gently wipe the surface with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth.

For more stubborn residue:

  1. Remove any loose material with a soft, dry cloth or brush.

  2. Use a small amount of water and do not soak the backdrop.

  3. Gently blot or wipe the affected area.

  4. Remove any remaining soap with a clean, damp cloth.

  5. Allow the backdrop to air-dry completely before storing it.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing. The surface is genuine stone, and excessive friction may alter its texture or cause flaking.

Do not use:

  • Abrasive sponges or scrub brushes

  • Bleach or harsh household cleaners

  • Solvents, alcohol, acetone, or adhesive removers

  • Scouring powders

  • Metal utensils or scraping tools

  • Pressure washers or steam cleaners

When trying a new cleaning product, test it first in a small, inconspicuous area.

Spills and Stains

Vayl is protected with a matte, non-VOC sealer, but it is not completely stain-proof. Natural stone can absorb certain liquids, oils, and pigments if they remain on the surface.

Wipe spills promptly, especially:

  • Oils and grease

  • Coffee, tea, and wine

  • Sauces and syrups

  • Berries and strongly colored foods

  • Acidic ingredients

  • Makeup, paint, and dyes

Blot spills instead of rubbing them further into the texture. Avoid allowing liquids to collect in grooves or remain on the surface for extended periods.

Some stains may be difficult or impossible to remove completely, particularly on lighter or deeply textured backdrops.

Using Food on Vayl

Cold, dry foods can generally be placed directly on the backdrop. For wet, oily, acidic, strongly colored, or staining foods, use a plate, tray, parchment, liner, or other protective barrier.

For the safest and easiest cleanup:

  • Use barriers under oils, sauces, marinades, and raw ingredients.

  • Place drinks and wet containers on coasters.

  • Clean spills immediately.

  • Do not cut, chop, or prepare food directly on the surface.

  • Do not use Vayl as a serving board or cutting board.

  • Do not place raw meat directly on the backdrop.

  • Do not submerge the backdrop or wash it in a sink or dishwasher.

Vayl is intended as a photography surface, not as food preparation equipment.

Heat Protection

Never place hot cookware, baking sheets, appliances, candles, or freshly heated food directly on your Vayl.

Always use a heat-resistant barrier beneath warm items. Excessive heat can damage the backing, protective finish, or bond between the stone and its flexible support.

Keep Vayl away from:

  • Hot pans and baking sheets

  • Portable burners and hot plates

  • Open flames

  • Heat guns

  • High-powered studio lights positioned too closely

  • Radiators and heating vents

  • Hot vehicle interiors

  • Other sources of concentrated heat

A hair dryer on its lowest setting may be used briefly to help relax light curling or a minor crease. Keep it moving continuously and stop if the backdrop becomes hot to the touch.

Water and Moisture

Vayl can tolerate light splashes during normal photography use, but it should not be submerged, soaked, or left wet.

  • Wipe up water promptly.

  • Do not place the backdrop in a sink, bathtub, or dishwasher.

  • Do not use it outdoors in rain or leave it on wet ground.

  • Allow it to dry completely before rolling or storing.

  • Avoid storing it in humid or damp locations.

Extended exposure to moisture may affect the stone, sealer, backing, or adhesive layers.

Storing Your Vayl

Vayl may be stored flat or loosely rolled.

For flat storage:

  • Place it on a clean, dry, level surface.

  • Keep sharp or textured objects away from the stone face.

  • Do not stack uneven or extremely heavy items on top of it.

  • Make sure the entire backdrop is supported.

For rolled storage:

  • Roll the backdrop slowly and evenly.

  • Use a larger, looser roll for deeply textured styles.

  • Never force the backdrop into a tight roll.

  • Keep the roll supported so it cannot be crushed or flattened.

  • Store it indoors in a climate-controlled environment.

Avoid garages, attics, sheds, vehicle trunks, and other locations that experience extreme heat, freezing temperatures, or large temperature changes.

Transporting Your Vayl

Before transportation, make sure the backdrop is completely clean and dry.

Roll it loosely and protect it inside an appropriately sized tube, box, or carrying case. Do not place heavy equipment on top of it, and do not allow the roll to become crushed during transport.

When transporting larger sizes, support the full roll rather than carrying it by one end.

Never leave your Vayl inside a hot or freezing vehicle for an extended period.

Natural Flaking and Texture

Because Vayl is made with genuine stone, small particles may occasionally release from the surface. This is known as flaking or shaling and can be more noticeable on deeply textured styles.

A small amount of natural flaking is expected and is not considered a defect. Avoid picking at raised stone, brushing aggressively, or rubbing deeply textured areas.

If loose particles are present, gently remove them with a soft, dry brush or cloth.

Natural Variation

Every Vayl backdrop is unique. Variations in color, veining, pattern, texture, thickness, and movement are natural characteristics of real stone.

Your backdrop may differ from product photographs or from another backdrop in the same stone run. These variations are part of the material’s authentic character and are not considered defects.

Avoid These Common Causes of Damage

To protect your Vayl, never:

  • Fold or sharply crease it

  • Force it into a tight roll

  • Cut directly on the surface

  • Scrub it with abrasive materials

  • Place hot objects directly on it

  • Submerge or soak it

  • Leave spills sitting on the surface

  • Store it while wet

  • Expose it to extreme temperatures

  • Drag it across rough surfaces

  • Apply strong adhesives directly to the stone

  • Use harsh chemicals or solvents

Damage caused by improper handling, heat, cutting, folding, staining, abrasion, moisture, or improper storage is not covered under warranty.

Need Help?

If you are unsure how to clean, flatten, store, or handle your Vayl, contact us before attempting a treatment that could permanently alter the surface. Include a photograph of the area in question so we can recommend the safest next step.