EPSON 8100 Projector, Need a screen paint suggestion

Well....the 8100 can certainly benefit from a high performance surface. (You failed to mention what you are currently using and it's size, or what it was you saw...I'm .curious to know what a "professional" screen is...)

You'll have several choices, that range from faily simple to more complex. The eventual choice will center upon what exactly you want / need.

If you just want "Pop & Sizzle" with accurate colors, RS-MaxxMudd standard might be the easiest choice that would surely fill the slot. Supply just a little more info and it will be off to the races.

One thing you can count on is winning that race.....handily. Why...we just might even make your friend jealous. Happens all the time.

I have the same projector.

Went from a WA laminate screen, to SW Unique Gray paint, to SW Extra White paint, to Spandex.

Spandex is not a paint. It's a stretchable fabric.

There's quite a few builds here with the spandex material. Take a look and see if that fits your need.

IMO, if I didn't need the acoustic transparency of the spandex, I would have stayed with my SW Extra White painted screen.

It would, and you would be best served by considering my suggested application, as no White is going to help the 8100 out "contrast-wise" at the screen, and any basic Gray is going to reduce gain...something you do not want.

RS-MaxxMudd v.2(for low to moderate ambient light)

16 oz. Liquitex Basics Silver
12 oz. Delta Pearl Finish #02601
8 oz. Behr 1850 UPW flat

12 oz. Minwax Polycrylic - Satin finish
15 oz. distilled/tap water**

PMaxx or MM can correct me if I am mistaken, but this , I believe, is the standard version that MM is recommending vs. the "LL" or "Retro" versions

You would do better with "LL" than the HGC. But better still as far as preserving Black Levels with Standard. Best of all with "Retro"

The 8100 cannot be construed as being "lumen challenged" , but when delivering it's image onto a 10' x 5' screen, it still needs a surface that will utilize, not waste all the light it receives.

The key-most element in this is to have you be able to calibrate / run the PJ while in Low Lamp mode. You'll get the best Black Levels and Color accuracy, but you need LL's 1.3 gain to get'ter dun if employing Low Lamp.

The big choice: Brightest Possible image at 10' x 5' with great Blacks....or the deepest possible Blacks but a reduction (small) in overall brightness.

Myself, I always tip toward "Brightest with Great Blacks". I love PoP & SiZZle

If you plan to run the Epson 8100 in low lamp at its most accurate setting (Natural). It will produce very little lumens.

Yes, I've been living with an Epson 8100 and have tried 3 different screens and have calibrated the PJ on different modes.

I think that's it. You want the paint in this article.

You will like it. Bright, neutral, and has the pop factors.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/paint_perfect_screen_$100.htm

Yeah, some people want you to believe that OTS paints are garbage.

I never understand why people want to paint on BOC or Spandex. It's not a solid surface.

Why not just paint on the board?

You want to use Kilz 2 for primer. Find good quality 1/4" or 3/8" nap roller. And obviously, do some test runs before painting the screen.

You should definitely use water-based.