Need Advice on Room Darkening Material

BSquared18 · 11-23-06, 12:31 PM

Hi,

I’m going to need some black material for curtains and other uses to minimize the reflected light in my new home theater, front projection setup.

I’d like to keep the cost to a minimum. Any suggestions concerning the type of material to use (good cost to value ratio) and where to get a good price?

Thanks!
Bill

pcdoctor · 11-23-06, 01:12 PM

Some people paint the ceiling black or a dark color.
Some also paint the sides near the front black or a dark color.
Do you mean material to do behind the curtains to help keep the light out?
If so, curtain blackout fabric can be purchased from Joann's.
www.joanns.com
Sometimes you can print out discount coupons from their website.

BSquared18 · 11-23-06, 02:22 PM

Thanks. I'll look at that website.

What I'm envisioning is black, light-absorbing material for two main uses: First, as adjustable masks so that the only part of the screen that is showing is the part the image is being projected on. Secondly, to cover the ceiling panels close to the screen. I'd prefer to use light-absorbing material because it seems that even black paint would have some reflectivity.

Since this is my first experience with trying to reduce ambient light from a projection system, I'm kind of making it up as I go along.

Bill

PamW · 11-23-06, 05:15 PM

Velour is my fabric of choice. Plus, if you need it, the blackout liner.

controlit · 11-23-06, 07:35 PM

I am in the process of painting my ceiling flat black...and the difference I saw from the 12" strip in front of the screen convinced me that it makes quite a bit of difference..THe paint I am using is Benjamin Moore flat black, I think it has an 'satin' finish. It does not seem to reflect at all and seems to be a perfect choice for me.

I like it so much that unfortunately, I am now in the middle of painting the entire ceiling and walls with this paint....and I hate painting!

Can't stop now..

Good luck..!

BSquared18 · 11-24-06, 04:28 AM

Yes, I would expect that velour would have a very rich look to it. I'm planning to go to our local fabric store today and price various options.

Painting the ceiling panels is certainly an option. I suppose any flat black paint would work. The panels are 2 ft. x 4 ft., made of a sound-absorbing material, so they have a rough surface, which should contribute to the light-absorption.

Bill

rboster · 11-24-06, 10:13 AM

Please note that when painting the ceiling panels you are impacting the acoustical properties....which I don't know how much you are into acoustics...but it does have an neg impact. Though I really encourage a black ceiling...just note you will have a trade off. Blacking ceiling tiles are available...but at a higher cost

As far as windows:

I used foam rubber wrapped in black felt cut one inch larger than the window frame. The panels sit behind the window shades...so they aren't visable to guests. It creates a completely light controlled room. With curtains or shades you will get light seeping on the sides, top etc....most don't have a problem with that...but I wanted zero in my room

MitsuDude · 02-13-07, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rboster

I used foam rubber wrapped in black felt cut one inch larger than the window frame. The panels sit behind the window shades...so they aren't visable to guests. It creates a completely light controlled room. With curtains or shades you will get light seeping on the sides, top etc....most don't have a problem with that...but I wanted zero in my room

Awesome idea...thanks!

11-23-06, 12:31 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
BSquared18 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 57	Need Advice on Room Darkening Material Hi, I’m going to need some black material for curtains and other uses to minimize the reflected light in my new home theater, front projection setup. I’d like to keep the cost to a minimum. Any suggestions concerning the type of material to use (good cost to value ratio) and where to get a good price? Thanks! Bill

11-23-06, 01:12 PM	#2 \| Link
pcdoctor HT Girl On A Budget Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 3,446	Some people paint the ceiling black or a dark color. Some also paint the sides near the front black or a dark color. Do you mean material to do behind the curtains to help keep the light out? If so, curtain blackout fabric can be purchased from Joann's. www.joanns.com Sometimes you can print out discount coupons from their website. __________________ My Home Theater On A Budget

11-23-06, 05:15 PM	#4 \| Link
PamW AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 2,504	Velour is my fabric of choice. Plus, if you need it, the blackout liner. __________________ Pam

11-23-06, 07:35 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
controlit Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 949	I am in the process of painting my ceiling flat black...and the difference I saw from the 12" strip in front of the screen convinced me that it makes quite a bit of difference..THe paint I am using is Benjamin Moore flat black, I think it has an 'satin' finish. It does not seem to reflect at all and seems to be a perfect choice for me. I like it so much that unfortunately, I am now in the middle of painting the entire ceiling and walls with this paint....and I hate painting! Can't stop now.. Good luck..! Last edited by controlit; 11-24-06 at 10:50 AM..

11-23-06, 02:22 PM	#3 \| Link
BSquared18 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 57	Thanks. I'll look at that website. What I'm envisioning is black, light-absorbing material for two main uses: First, as adjustable masks so that the only part of the screen that is showing is the part the image is being projected on. Secondly, to cover the ceiling panels close to the screen. I'd prefer to use light-absorbing material because it seems that even black paint would have some reflectivity. Since this is my first experience with trying to reduce ambient light from a projection system, I'm kind of making it up as I go along. Bill

11-24-06, 04:28 AM	#6 \| Link
BSquared18 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 57	Yes, I would expect that velour would have a very rich look to it. I'm planning to go to our local fabric store today and price various options. Painting the ceiling panels is certainly an option. I suppose any flat black paint would work. The panels are 2 ft. x 4 ft., made of a sound-absorbing material, so they have a rough surface, which should contribute to the light-absorption. Bill

11-24-06, 10:13 AM	#7 \| Link
rboster AVS Moderator AVS GOLD CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 11,871 Classified Rating: 100% (9)	Please note that when painting the ceiling panels you are impacting the acoustical properties....which I don't know how much you are into acoustics...but it does have an neg impact. Though I really encourage a black ceiling...just note you will have a trade off. Blacking ceiling tiles are available...but at a higher cost As far as windows: I used foam rubber wrapped in black felt cut one inch larger than the window frame. The panels sit behind the window shades...so they aren't visable to guests. It creates a completely light controlled room. With curtains or shades you will get light seeping on the sides, top etc....most don't have a problem with that...but I wanted zero in my room