Short answer
Hang it, then steam from the top down with the head just off the fabric. Pull it taut with clamps to the stands. Wrinkle-resistant polyester can go in the dryer on normal heat with a damp cloth, says Westcott. Do not iron large muslin: it is impractical and can leave shiny spots. Vinyl just needs time hanging.
By material
Wrinkle fixes by material
| Material | Fix | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton muslin | Steam while hanging; leave hung for a day or two | Ironing large areas |
| Polyester (wrinkle resistant) | Dryer on normal heat with a damp cloth; steam deep folds on the smooth side | Folding or rolling for storage (store loose) |
| Canvas | Hang and tension; light steam from behind | Washing |
| Vinyl | Hang with weight at the bottom for a few days | Heat, folding |
| Paper | Cut off the rippled section | Damp rooms |
Sources: Westcott care guide, Improve Photography, Backdrop Express, Savage.
Steaming step by step
Hang it on the stand
Clamp it along the top so the weight of the cloth pulls downward.
Fill and heat the steamer
Use distilled water if your steamer maker recommends it. Start on a low setting.
Work top to bottom
Move the head slowly down in strips, close to the fabric but not rubbing it. Let gravity pull each strip straight.
Pull it taut
Clamp the sides to the stands and, for a sweep, weight the corners on the floor.
Let it dry before shooting
Damp fabric photographs darker in patches. Give it a few minutes.
Prevent it next time
Store muslin rolled on a tube, polyester loose in a bag, and vinyl rolled in its tube. See how to store backdrops.
Questions people ask
Can I iron a muslin backdrop?
You can, but it is slow on a large cloth and the heat can leave shiny, glazed patches, Improve Photography warns. If you must, iron from the back on a low setting. A steamer is faster and safer.
Can I put a backdrop in the dryer?
Westcott says its wrinkle-resistant fabric backdrops can go in a dryer on normal heat with a small, clean, damp cloth. For dyed or hand-painted muslin, check the label first: heat and tumbling can fade or crease it.
How do I get creases out of a vinyl backdrop?
Unroll it and let it hang, with clamps along the bottom to add weight. Sellers say it can take two to three days. Do not use heat on vinyl. And never fold it: fold lines can be permanent.
How do I hide wrinkles in photos?
Move the subject farther from the backdrop, open the aperture, light the backdrop separately or brighter, and soften what is left in editing.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Sizes, colors and listings change; check the product details before you buy, and follow the maker’s care instructions.