FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A few things worth knowing before your Layerfolk piece is made.
About Your Race Display
What is a Layerfolk Race Display?
A Layerfolk Race Display turns a completed race into a physical piece made to be kept and displayed.
Each piece brings together a layered 3D route map, personalised race results and a dedicated place for your finisher medal — preserving more than the finish. The story behind it.
Does the Race Display include the finisher medal?
No.
The finisher medal shown in our product photography is for display purposes only and is not included with your purchase.
Your Layerfolk Race Display is designed to hold and present your own finisher medal.
Are Layerfolk route maps exact replicas of the race course?
Our layered route maps are artistic representations of each race course, created using available route information and carefully modelled for the Layerfolk display format.
Small differences in route geometry, scale or surrounding geographical details may occur as part of the design and modelling process.
The route map is intended as a meaningful visual representation of your race, rather than a surveying or navigation map.
Will my Race Display look exactly like the photos?
We aim to represent each design as accurately as possible in our photography.
However, slight differences in colour may occur due to screen settings, lighting, material batches and the physical nature of the materials used.
Because each piece is individually 3D printed and assembled, subtle differences between individual pieces may also occur.
Personalisation
What can I personalise?
For our standard Race Displays, you can personalise:
- Runner Name
- Bib Number
- Finish Time
- Pace
- Event Country
Other elements associated with the race, including the route design, race information, colours and overall layout, are part of the fixed Layerfolk design.
Can I change the colours, route design or layout?
No.
Each race in the Layerfolk Race Collection has its own fixed design.
The route map, colours and layout are designed as part of the overall piece and cannot be individually changed. Only the listed runner details are personalised.
This allows every piece to remain consistent with the original Layerfolk design while still being uniquely connected to your race.
Will I receive a design proof before production?
For standard Race Displays, we do not send a digital artwork proof before production.
The race route, colours and layout have already been designed and fixed, so only your submitted runner details are personalised.
Please check your information carefully before placing your order.
Every order also goes through an internal detail check before production. If something appears unusual or potentially incorrect, we may reach out to confirm it.
What if I notice a mistake in my submitted details?
Please email us at hello@layerfolk.com as soon as you can if you notice an error after placing your order.
If production has not yet begun, we will do our best to update your information.
Because each piece is personalised specifically for your order, changes may no longer be possible once production has started.
What if Layerfolk prints my personalisation incorrectly?
If the finished piece does not match the information you correctly submitted with your order, please contact us.
We will review the issue and make it right.
This is different from an error in the information originally submitted by the customer.
Can I order a Race Display as a gift?
Absolutely.
A Layerfolk Race Display can be ordered using another runner's race details.
Please make sure the personalised information you provide is correct — particularly the runner's name, bib number, finish time, pace and placing.
3D Printing & Craftsmanship
Will my piece be perfectly smooth?
Not completely, and that is part of the nature of 3D printing.
Each Layerfolk piece is built layer by layer, over several hours, in the Layerfolk colours. Because it is made rather than mass-produced, every piece carries small, honest traces of that process: fine layer lines you'll catch in the right light, subtle surface texture, the occasional seam mark, and gentle variation from one print to the next.
We don't sand these away, because they are proof that a real object was built for you rather than stamped out by the thousand. Every piece is inspected before it leaves our studio, and while we aim for a clean, refined finish, no two will ever be completely identical.
It is part of what makes each Layerfolk piece uniquely yours.
What counts as a normal characteristic, and what counts as a defect?
There is a clear line between the two.
Normal characteristics of the 3D-printing process — not defects — include:
- Fine layer lines
- Subtle surface texture
- Small seam marks
- Slight variations between printed parts
- Minor differences in surface finish
Genuine defects — which we will always put right — include:
- Broken or cracked components
- Significant warping or deformation
- Major print failures
- Incorrect assembly
- Anything that falls short of our quality standards
Every piece goes through our quality check before it is packed. If something arrives that falls into the second list, contact us and we'll make it right — see our Refund & Returns Policy.
What is it made from?
Layerfolk pieces are 3D printed in high-quality PLA, a durable, plant-based material well suited to detailed display objects.
Each piece is designed for indoor display and, with a little care, will hold its colour and finish over time.
How big is my Race Display?
Approximate dimensions for each piece are shown on its product page.
Because these are display objects rather than flat prints, we'd encourage you to check the listed size against the space you have in mind before ordering.
Custom Race
What if my race is not available in the Race Collection?
You can submit it through our Custom Race service.
Custom Race is intended for races that we have not yet developed into an existing Layerfolk Race Display.
What do I need to submit for a Custom Race?
We will need your race information together with the GPX file for the route.
The GPX file allows us to review the course and determine whether it can be developed into a Layerfolk layered route map.
Please ensure that the GPX file you provide represents the intended race route as accurately as possible.
How does the Custom Race process work?
The process is:
- Submit your race details and GPX file
- We review the route
- We confirm whether the route can be developed
- A Custom Race development quotation is provided
- Once accepted, we begin modelling the race
- The route is prepared within the Layerfolk design system
- Route confirmation may be requested where necessary
- Your personalised Race Display moves into production
Because we are creating a new race model rather than simply changing personal information on an existing design, Custom Race orders require significantly more research, design and modelling work.
Why does a Custom Race cost more?
Standard Race Displays use race routes that Layerfolk has already researched, modelled and prepared.
For a Custom Race, we need to review your route data, develop and refine a new 3D model, prepare the surrounding design and make sure the route works correctly within our production system.
The additional charge reflects this development work.
Your Custom Race quotation will be confirmed after we review the submitted route and before development begins.
Can I choose the colours and layout for a Custom Race?
A Custom Race allows us to develop a new race route, but it is not a fully bespoke graphic-design service.
The finished piece will still follow Layerfolk's established visual style, design system and production format.
This keeps every piece recognisably Layerfolk while allowing us to bring a race that is not yet in our collection into physical form.
Will I receive a proof for my Custom Race?
Because a Custom Race involves creating a new route model from your submitted GPX file, we may request confirmation of the route where necessary.
This is different from the proofing process for a fully custom graphic-design project.
Route confirmation is intended to verify the route itself and does not mean that the overall Layerfolk design, colours or layout are open for redesign.
Standard Race Displays do not receive a digital artwork proof.
Will my Custom Race become available to other customers?
The race route and model developed through a Custom Race request may later become part of the Layerfolk Race Collection.
Your personal information — including your name, bib number, finish time, pace and placing — remains personal to your order and will not become part of the standard race design.
Orders & Production
Is each Layerfolk Race Display made to order?
Yes.
Personalised runner information is prepared specifically for each order, and the physical piece then goes through production, assembly and quality checking before it is packed.
How long does production take?
Layerfolk pieces are made to order rather than taken directly from finished stock.
The current estimated production timeframe will be shown on the relevant product page or communicated with your order.
Production time refers to the time required to prepare your piece and does not include courier delivery time after dispatch.
During periods of high order volume, production may take slightly longer.
We would rather give your piece the attention it requires than rush it through the process.
Do you offer rush orders?
Rush production is not normally available unless specifically stated.
Because every piece goes through personalisation, production, assembly and quality checking, we do not want to shorten the process in a way that may compromise the finished piece.
If you are ordering for a birthday, race anniversary or another important date, we recommend ordering with enough time for both production and delivery.
Can I cancel my order?
Please reach out as soon as you can if you wish to cancel an order.
If production has not yet started, we will review whether the order can still be cancelled.
Once production or personalised work has begun, cancellation may no longer be possible because the piece is being made specifically for your order.
For Custom Race orders, development work that has already begun may also be non-refundable.
Shipping & Delivery
Where does Layerfolk ship?
Available shipping destinations will be shown during checkout.
If your delivery location is not currently available at checkout, feel free to contact us at hello@layerfolk.com and we can advise whether delivery is possible.
How much does shipping cost?
Where applicable, shipping charges will be calculated and displayed during checkout based on your delivery location and the available delivery method.
How will I know when my order has been shipped?
Once your order has been dispatched, shipping or tracking information will be provided where available.
Please allow some time for the courier's tracking system to update after your parcel has been collected.
Can I change my delivery address after ordering?
Please let us know as soon as you can if you need to change your delivery address.
We will do our best to update it before dispatch.
Once an order has been handed over to the courier, we may no longer be able to change the delivery address.
Please check your shipping details carefully before completing your order.
What if my parcel is delayed?
Courier delivery times are estimates, and delays can occasionally happen after a parcel has left our studio.
If your tracking information has not updated for an unusual period, or you believe your parcel may have encountered a delivery problem, please contact us and we will help you review the shipment.
Returns, Damage & Order Issues
Can I return or exchange a personalised Race Display because I changed my mind?
Because Layerfolk Race Displays are personalised and made specifically for each customer, we generally cannot accept returns or exchanges for a change of mind once production has begun.
Please review your race selection and personalised information carefully before completing your order.
This does not apply to genuine product defects, damage in transit or an error made by Layerfolk.
What if my order arrives damaged?
We take care in protecting every Layerfolk piece before dispatch, but if your order arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible.
To help us assess the issue, please keep the original packaging and provide:
- Your order number
- Photos of the outer parcel
- Photos of the internal packaging
- Clear photos of the damaged area
- A brief description of what happened
Please contact us within 3 days of receiving the parcel so we can investigate the issue promptly.
Once reviewed, we will determine the appropriate solution based on the circumstances of the order.
What if there is a genuine manufacturing defect?
If you believe your piece has a genuine manufacturing defect, please contact us with your order number and clear photographs of the issue.
We will assess the piece against our quality standards.
As noted in our 3D Printing & Craftsmanship section, natural characteristics such as subtle layer lines or minor surface variations are not defects on their own. Genuine manufacturing or assembly problems, however, will be reviewed separately and put right.
What if I entered the wrong personalised information?
Customers are responsible for checking the personalisation information submitted with their order.
If the piece has already entered production using the information provided, we may not be able to remake or replace it free of charge.
If you notice a mistake, contact us as soon as you can. If production has not begun, we will do our best to correct it.
What if Layerfolk made the mistake?
If we produce your piece with information that does not match the details you correctly submitted, that is our responsibility.
Please contact us with your order number and photographs of the issue so we can review it and arrange an appropriate solution.
Caring for Your Layerfolk Piece
How should I care for my Race Display?
Your Layerfolk piece is designed for indoor display.
To keep it looking its best:
- Keep it away from excessive heat
- Avoid prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight
- Keep it away from excessive moisture and humidity
- Dust gently using a clean, soft, dry cloth
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals
- Handle raised 3D elements gently
A little care will help preserve the materials and finish over time.
Can I clean the 3D-printed elements?
For routine cleaning, gently remove dust using a soft, dry cloth or a soft clean brush.
Avoid applying cleaning chemicals directly onto the 3D-printed components or other finished surfaces.
Still Have a Question?
If there is something we have not covered, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@layerfolk.com.
We are happy to help before your piece goes into production.
Made in Layers.
