Band Backdrop Guide: Everything about printing custom backdrops
Are you printing a backdrop for the first time, or is it time to upgrade to a stage banner that can actually handle life on tour? Choosing the right band backdrop is about more than just putting a logo on a piece of fabric. It’s about choosing the right material, meeting fire safety regulations, and ensuring a print that pops under stage lights without reflecting flashes.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to order a custom-printed backdrop. We’ll help you navigate between different sizes and materials so you get a backdrop with print that is easy to transport, simple to hang, and guaranteed to pass fire inspections at clubs or festivals. Whether you’re a new band or a seasoned touring machine, we’ve gathered all the technical info you need here.
What size should you choose for your Band Backdrop?
What size does your band need?
Choosing the right dimensions is crucial for how your custom print is presented. A backdrop that is too large will look saggy on a small stage, and one that is too small will get lost in the crowd. Here is our quick guide:
For club gigs
Our sizes up to 400x250 cm are perfect for this.
400x250 cm is our absolute most popular size for bands playing smaller stages and pubs. It’s neither too big nor too small – the "golden mean" for a printed backdrop.
For medium-sized stages
Stepping it up? Then the range between 400x250 cm and 600x300 cm is usually the perfect choice. A great format that provides maximum visibility while remaining easy to pack and transport between shows.
For festivals and large stages
Playing festivals or large indoor stages? We recommend 600x300 cm or larger to make your logo pop and ensure it’s visible to the entire audience, even on the biggest stages.
Pro-tip: Do you play on stages that vary greatly in size? Many bands choose to buy two different backdrops to always be ready, whether it’s a basement club or a festival stage.
Ordering more than one? Contact us here, and we’ll create a bundle price for you!
Material Choice: Non-reflective Fabric vs. PVC
When printing a backdrop, the material choice is crucial for both appearance and durability. We exclusively use textiles adapted for stage use. Here’s why we avoid PVC banners:
The Problem with PVC
Many suppliers sell cheap PVC banners as stage solutions, but for touring bands, there are major downsides:
Permanent Creases: A PVC banner gets permanent creases and white marks in the print if folded. This requires impractical transport in long tubes. Our textile backdrops can be folded into the included storage bag – the creases straighten themselves out when hung up.
Reflections in the Print: PVC has a reflective surface, creating harsh hotspots. This often ruins the design in photos and videos. Our fabric absorbs light evenly for a matte finish that works in any environment.
Weight and Mounting: PVC is heavy and stiff. Our fabric weighs significantly less, making setup faster and safer.
Fire Certificates B1 & M1
Safety requirements at clubs and festivals are strict. All stage decor must be flame retardant according to current standards.
Our backdrops are B1 and M1 certified.
By using certified materials, you ensure that your custom-printed backdrop is approved by fire safety officers at any venue. Fire certificates are included.
Durable Polyester for Tour Use
We use a heavy-duty polyester designed to withstand tough handling. The material provides high color reproduction, ensuring your custom print looks exactly like your original file.
Design & Artwork: We help you all the way
You don’t need to be an expert in print files to order from us. Whether you have a finished original or just a logo, we ensure your custom printed backdrop turns out exactly as planned.
Free design assistance included
Every order includes a complimentary review of your files. We check resolution and dimensions to ensure everything looks great before we hit the press. Don’t have a print-ready file? Send us your logo, and we’ll help you with placement and layout at no extra cost.
Design Guide
For those who want to prepare their own files, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about formats and resolution in our technical guide:
Delivery & Support: We meet your deadline
We know how tour life works and that gear is sometimes needed yesterday. When you order a custom-printed backdrop from Stagepush, we work hard to ensure your products are in place well before the next soundcheck. We have optimized our workflow to offer short lead times without compromising on quality. Our standard production time is 3 to 5 working days, followed by shipping within the EU which typically takes 1 to 3 working days. For urgent orders, we also offer express options for both production and shipping if you contact us beforehand.
We provide quick feedback by reviewing your design immediately and starting production as soon as you approve the proof. Enjoy free door-to-door delivery via UPS or DHL, allowing you to track your package every step of the way. Stagepush is not just another anonymous print shop as we have over 20 years of experience in the industry. Having stood on those stages ourselves, we understand the specific needs of both club gigs and outdoor festivals. We respond quickly to any questions regarding dimensions or mounting and stay just a message away.
We offer reliability all the way, meaning if a deadline looks tight, we will tell you straight away because we never promise more than we can deliver.
