FAQ

Replica Surfaces are the original and premiere rigid Surface for in-home and studio photography of food, products, and anything you create. 

Every Surface is thoughtfully designed by Replica founder, Mandy Gleason, to showcase what you create. Surfaces are a mix of classic, on-trend, and trend-setting, and are designed to be mixed and matched to suit your unique style. 

Pair any two Surfaces together (including our reflective Gloss Surfaces) to create a wall/table effect using Replica Stands. The rigidity of Replica Surfaces means they lay flat (no wrinkling, creasing, or rolling). 

The specs: every Surface is made of rigid-yet-lightweight tri-layer plastic. They’re glare-resistant and remarkably stain-resistant. Every Surface is 23 x 23 inches square, which is proven to be the optimal size for in-home or studio photography - large yet easily storable/transportable. 

If you’re thinking Replica Surfaces sound like backdrops, we get it - they do! If you have 2 minutes, keep reading and we’ll show you why Surfaces are are MUCH more than backdrops.

What a great question, thanks for asking! Let’s start with what Replica Surfaces aren't. Replica Surfaces aren’t backdrops. They’re a complete experience that helps you achieve your goals…as long as those goals involve taking gorgeous photos. 

The experience starts with our products. Browse the catalog and you’ll see a curated collection of Surfaces designed personally by founder Mandy Gleason. Mandy is a business owner, product photographer, and photography educator who understands what business owners, creators, and photographers need in a Surface. The variety lets you mix and match to suit your brand and style.

Using Replica Stands, you can hold any two Replica Surfaces to create a wall/table effect. You get free Stands when you bundle two or more Surfaces. Add light tools, like the Diffuser, to combat your lighting pain points

But our products are just the start. To take photos you’re truly proud of, you may need a photography “coach”. That’s where our YouTube channel comes in. There, Mandy teaches you impressive-yet-EASY photography techniques that work with your phone or DSLR camera - styling, lighting, shooting, and editing - it’s all there! And it’s all free, of course. 

If you enjoy Mandy’s teaching style but would prefer a more comprehensive, start-to-finish course, our Photo Formula Course gives you that. By the end, you'll have your own photoshoot “formula” you can physically hold in your hands and apply to every shoot going forward.

So now you have the tools and the skills to take the photos that help you achieve your goals. What about friends and mentors? Come join our Facebook VIP Community. There you can share your photos, ask for styling or photo advice, and bond with over 18K other business owners, bloggers, and photographers of all skill levels. I know Facebook isn’t always the friendliest place, but this Community is the exception - there’s a good chance it’s THE most supportive and inspiring group you’ve ever been a part of. We celebrate you, wherever you are in your photo journey. Plus, VIPs get early access to new Limited Release Surfaces and products AND Mandy hangs out there regularly so there’s a good chance you guys will meet. 

*finally takes a deep breath* So yeah, Replica isn’t a backdrop. From the moment you build your bundle until you take your first photo, we’re committed to helping you make it happen. Whatever your “it” is.

Replica Stands are custom-fit plastic Stands that help you create a "wall" and "table" effect by holding any two Replica Surfaces in an L-shape. They also hold every Replica light tool, like the Diffuser. No more propping backdrops against awkward objects!

Get free Replica Stands when you order two or more Surfaces using our bundle tool. Click here to build the bundle that suits your style or brand.

Replica Stands are custom-fit to hold Replica Surfaces. The slots in Replica Stands cannot hold backdrops of a different size.

All Surfaces and Stands are sold separately so that you can mix and match them to suit and enhance your brand.

If you want to create a two-Surface setup using Stands, you'll want to order two or more Surfaces using the bundle tool. The bundle tool will automatically add a set of free Stands to your order!

Monitors and devices display colors differently. Actual Surface colors may vary from what you see on your screen. Try viewing on different devices with the screen brightness turned all the way up.

And remember, lighting, camera settings, white balance, and editing change everything. As with other backdrops, changing these variables may cause the coloring of your Surfaces to look different from the photos you see here. Luckily, I've got photography how-tos all about those things!

If you have specific questions about Surface colors, pop us an email at info@replicasurfaces.com. 

Fabulous question! Click here for a guide full of photos and a little cheesy photoshop.

Replica Surfaces are VERY resistant to stains from food and drink so go ahead and get messy!

For mild messes, wipe with a damp, room temperature cloth or paper towel and dry promptly after each use. For bigger or more pigmented messes, we recommend cleaning with one of these approved cleaners: 

- 409 Multi-Surface Cleaner

- Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

- Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner

These three cleaners have been rigorously tested and are proven to be Surface-safe.

If your Surface doesn’t wipe clean immediately, spray with cleaner again and let stand 3-5 minutes before wiping. Repeat until the Surface wipes completely clean.

Avoid contact with non-food substances (e.g. paint, dye, etc) since these may stain or damage the finish of your Surface. If you want to drizzle highly-pigmented foods or any non-foods (e.g. lotions, oils, and other beauty products) onto your Surface, we always recommend testing them on the backside of your Surface first.

Same goes for any unapproved cleaner or wipe. We strongly recommend testing it on the backside of your Surface first to make sure it’s Surface-safe.

Unfortunately, we can't accept returns if you do end up staining your Surface or damaging the finish with an unapproved cleaner. Please see our return/exchange policy for more details.

Don't try this at home! Avoid placing hot objects directly on your Surfaces. Always use a pot holder or trivet, or allow item to reach room temperature before contacting your Surface.

Surfaces left in hot environments for extended periods of time (e.g. direct sunlight or a hot car) are at risk of warping. Be kind to your Surfaces and take them inside with you on hot days, just like you would with your camera.

If you're shooting outside, shoot in a shaded area and take extra care with darker Surfaces as these attract more light and heat. Your photos will look better in the shade anyway!

To protect your Surfaces, store Surfaces at room temperature and in the foam sleeves they arrive in.

US orders: Ship via UPS ground with a typical shipping time of 1-3 business days within the contiguous US. Orders placed before noon CST usually ship same day, but please allow one additional business day for processing just to be safe. For HI, AK, and PR orders, please allow a few extra days ship time. 

During promotions such as Limited Releases, sales, and Black Friday, we usually experience a higher than normal order volume. Since every order is unique and hand-packed, please allow an additional few days processing during these times. 

As always, please allow time for unforeseen shipping delays with UPS.

Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer overnight or expedited shipping at this time.

International orders: Ship times vary by country. You will receive tracking and estimated delivery dates via email once your order is submitted.

Yes, you sure can! We ship to most countries. Enter your address at checkout to see if we ship to yours.

And since no one wants a duties bill, you will be charged all shipping, taxes, and duties when you place your order. You should NOT receive any surprise duties bills.

Unfortunately, orders outside the contiguous US (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and all international orders) are ineligible for free shipping. You know how it is: large objects = higher shipping costs and we just can't make it free. The good news is you'll pay exactly what we pay to ship your order - not a penny more!

International orders ship on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Sure thing! We are able to accept returns/exchanges of Surfaces in most circumstances, as long as they're in original condition. Just make sure you check out our full return/exchange policy.

Yes, as long as you modify our designs by adding props to your photo. It is not legal to sell a photograph of a blank Replica Surface as a stock photo.