How to Clean and Care for Flat Lay Styling Surfaces Hand Painted and Fabric (So They Stay Perfect Forever)

November 18, 2025

Photographers message us in a panic every single week with stains on their flat lays.

The truth? Almost everything wipes away in seconds when you use the right method. We’ve been painting and shipping flat lays since 2018 and have cleaned nearly every mark in our studio. Here’s the exact routine that works every time on both hand painted flat lays and fabric flat lay surfaces.

Watch the official Chasing Stone flat lay care video first (covers daily cleaning and stubborn marks on both types):

Hand Painted Styling Mats (Flat Lays)

Always store and transport your mat tightly rolled around the cardboard core provided.

Never crease or fold your painted styling mat. Permanent damage such as cracking or denting may occur as a result. Light dents and creases can be minimized by ironing the backside of your mat on low to medium heat.

Your painted mat may stiffen slightly when exposed to cold or freezing temperatures. Simply roll your mat in the opposite direction to minimize stiffness or curling.

Although our durable canvas and unique paint blend is far less susceptible to stains than others, we recommend treating stains immediately for best results. Gently spot clean with a damp cloth or sponge, no soap needed for most water based stains. Avoid using excessive friction, heavy detergents, or saturating the mat. Debris and powder can be effortlessly removed with a soft bristled brush or sticky lint roller. For footprints and scuffs, a white art gum eraser will work like magic!

Do not consume food that has been placed on painted mats as they are not food safe.

Fabric Styling Surfaces

Allow liquid spills to roll off your mat, then blot dry before storage.

For best results, spot treat stains immediately with a damp terry cloth rag. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to help lift a stubborn stain.

Dry debris can be removed with a lint roller.

Scuffs on the canvas backside can be removed with a white art gum eraser.

Either side can be steamed or ironed as needed on the highest setting.

We recommend storing your fabric surfaces tightly rolled on the cardboard core provided to eliminate creases.

Watch our official flat lay care video for a quick visual walkthrough of every step:

Have a question we didn’t cover? DM us @chasingstone or reply to your order email. We answer every single one.

Ready for flat lays that stay flawless through hundreds of real sessions?

→ Shop hand painted flat lay styling mats

→ Shop fabric styling surfaces