How to unroll seamless paper?

So, I'm going to set up for some photos this evening and I need some tips for unrolling seamless paper. The roll is taped secure right now. If I untape it, I'm sure it will just unravel. If I clamp the ends, well, then I cannot unroll it. So what is the best way to unroll to desired length?

sorry!(edited)........​i hang it first then unroll it...

just slice the tape, and unroll it!

OK, maybe I wasn't clear. I've seen where some have started to roll out the paper and it just takes off and doesn't stay taut. Obviously I know to slice the tape, ha! I was worried the paper would take unroll further than expected. Maybe that's not the case, and the video I saw was worst case scenario.

if you put it on the stands you plan to use, just unroll is slowly with a little tension from your hand on the roll. Don't just yank it down, otherwise it will spin on the rod. When you finally get the length, clamp one end

So, if the stands are 10 feet tall (even if I only use say 9 feet of it) and I want to unroll the paper pretty far, that's where I was thinking there might be an issue. I guess I could start with the stands at 6 feet, unroll the paper where I want it, plus some extra. Then extend to 9 feet. Maybe I'm just over thinking this. I just don't want the paper to completely unroll on me.

oh- that part is lots of fun. I start with enough hanging out that I'll get the desired length, clamp it, then I work each side up a little at a time until I reach the height I need. If there's 2 of us, then we just raise it to the height at the same time.

OK, wish me luck. I'll have my wife available to assist, so worst case scenario I can blame her if this fails.

The first thing I do before letting it unroll is to let about 2 or 3 inches peel off the roll and them clamp it so it can't unroll any more. Then I add three clamps along the open edge (left, center and right) so there is some weight tugging on it. This lets it drop with a steady bit of weight which prevents uncoiling at the top, and also lets it hang straight with no curve or curl.

Once you've unrolled it the correct amount just clamp the roll at the top to prevent any further uncoiling or unrolling.

Nice tip Robert, thanks!

TMR Design wrote in post #12745705
Once you've unrolled it the correct amount just clamp the the roll at the top to prevent any further uncoiling or unrolling.

make sure you do this.

This is what I use on the roll:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …46B_Expan_Backg​round.html

You'll also need something like this:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ngle_Background​_Hook.html

And, of course, a way to attach all that to a stand (I use a SuperClamp).

I also use a weight on the edge of the paper to keep the paper more manageable.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Paper_Counterw​eight.html

^ That's the cooler way of doing it.

Awww, everyone telling him to clamp it after he's unrolled it! You're taking away the fun of learning that lesson that the hard way. Like I did.

TMR Design wrote in post #12745746
^ That's the cooler way of doing it.

Yeah, it's very convenient, especially when you have more than one roll up (I have three).