Laminate Screen Material and Testing! - Page 90

Just ordered up the FG Wilsonart from Lowes. $58.56 for a 4x8 sheet. It should be here in a few days as they had it at the factory here in Seattle. Can't wait to get it all put together!!

I thought Fashion Grey was discontinued in December 2009 or so. Was that not the case?

EDIT: Hunh. The Wilsonart website lists out Fashion Grey D381-60 as available (at least for samples!)

Well, I just bought it so it definitely isn't discontinued It should be here tomorrow or Thursday I think.

Just called Lowes and my sheet of FG is in. Woo hoo! I'll place it tonight but am going on vacation for the next week so won't get a chance to build the frame till later. At least I can get it roughly up and going to see how it looks. I'm gonna push my PJ back as far as possible since I can only get a small screen in (80") and don't want hot spotting. I'll take pics if I can tonight. Thanks all for all of your help on this before I got here

hi guys. i put together a screen using DW 354-60 two years ago. it was great and what not but now i want to build a bigger screen, so i need to buy another sheet.

what is the name of the online store that sells them? i think it had the name "cabinet" in the store name. i can't remember. don't have the receipt anymore.

Finally getting around to making the frame tomorrow. I have to completely move my room around 180 degrees but I'm going to have a 96" screen now instead of 80" and the screen is going to almost completely cover the sliding glass door so the room will be almost pitch black during the day. Should be fun! I'll post pics of the build and after its all done and up looking pretty

All done!! Woo Hoo! I'm very happy with the results but I still have some tweaking to do with my PJ as I haven't made any changes to the picture at all. Overall I think it looks very good. I'll get more chances this week to watch movies but I didn't get done till almost 9 last night so I wasn't able to really put it through any tests. Just watched a couple episodes of Better Off Ted then went to bed. Here are some before and after pics. Sorry for the mess, I was beat last night and hadn't cleaned everything up yet.

BEFORE:





AFTER:




I did Fashion Gray and the screen is 97". Its hard to tell from the pic (I'll get good pics this week) but I pushed my mains to the outside and have my subs flanking the ET Center. I MUCH prefer them in that location vs behind the couch, the bass is much more evenly distributed with less peaks/valleys.

Here are better pics as promised

The system with and without grills:





Some screen shots (compressed for upload). I couldn't get them quite right as it looks better in person with much less hot spotting.
















And with lights on:



Overall I am VERY happy with the results. My first PJ pulled off very well I think


Scott

OK- TO KEEP THIS SIMPLE- AND NOT LOOK THROUGH 51 PAGES ....
Designer white or fashion grey? Which one is the shizzle? I think my current is DW- bought a few years ago (like when this thread started)...whats the verdict now?
room is pretty much light controlled, but still like to have a dim light on sometimes...

Any hands down winner? I am looking for 2.53 ratio so will prob go with 5x10

From what I've read after reading through I'm pretty sure all 90 pages is that the DW is better if you have a light controlled room (which is what it sounds like you have). I have FG and it's great but it does have a twitch of hot spotting that I'll be painting over with the Behr Poly to tone it down. It doesn't sound like the DW has any hot spotting issues.

Whats up guys. First of all thanks for the wealth of input here. After looking through all of it and other DIY options I hope this Wilsonart laminate option will work the best in my situation. I only have a concern with my possible hot spot settings. I have an Optoma hd 65 with a grey wolf II screen in a blacked out basement. I couldn't believe the difference the other day when I put up a white sheet just to see a difference. I have about a 12' throw on a sub par 7' ceiling. Seating is at 10'. My screen now 105" diagonal. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Well I went ahead and ordered a sheet at lowes for $110 for 5x10..pretty good price I thought. Thanks again for all the info here fellas. I will now have some flexibility on the placement of the screen. My projector is only at around 6.5". I was just wondering with that low height and the gain of this screen what the best height for the screen would be. I can have the screen pretty much centered with eye level or I can go a couple ft higher. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

i have ZERO hot spotting with my current DW- was goign to get the 5x10 and a panny 4000

I have a 110" diagonally measured 16:9 DW screen and a JVC RS1 PJ. I had some hot spotting with the PJ wall mounted behind my head... much less now that it ceiling mounted.

Thanks guys. For the most part the screen's center will be roughly a foot above eye level. It should be fine. Now I just got to build this damn frame.

Hey guys, I have a few questions that I figured you guys could help with. I am somewhat new to projectors and screens, but I will be getting a Optoma HD20 in a couple weeks, and I want to get the best possible screen for it, without spending a lot of money (less than $150, less than $100 is preferred). I was originally going to go the Blackout Cloth route, until I found some threads, including this one, about the Wilson Art Laminates. I will be setting all this up in the living room of an apartment, so if laminates arent the best option for that, are there better ones?

Anyway, there is only one window in the room it will be placed it, and I can block most, if not all, of the light if needed, and the same with a small one in the kitchen. However, there will be some times where I would like to have a little ambient light on to see, etc like when watching football and other tv during midday (movie viewing would be as dark as possible). Because of the ambient light issue, I was wondering if one of the Gray options would be better, or if the Designer White is still the best option? I also ask because according to reviews, the only real noticeable issue with the HD20 is its black levels can be a little weak, and I read that the grays could possibly help with this? The projector will be placed 12'-12.5' from the wall and screen, in case that helps.

Also, is there a best way to mount and frame the laminate? So basically my main questions are (based on the HD20 and my usage settings):
1) Is a laminate screen my best, yet still affordable, available option right now? (I'm in the midwest, so no Do-able boards or whatnot)
2) Should I go with a Gray or DW?
3) If I get the laminate, what is the best way to mount and frame it (especially if I will probably need to move it in about a year or so)?

I think that's about all I have for now, but I am sure more questions will surface. Thanks for any help and input.

What online vendors offer the wilson art DW in 5x10 or 5x12 sheets? The local cabinet shop wants $240, so I'll probably end up at lowes if nothing better can be found.

Bought the 5 x 10 at Lowes for $125 in Seattle. FAVIscreen has an electric
120 inch 1.3 screen for $200. Free shipping last August.

I've got two small pieces (41"x30") of Nevamar Maritime Gray coming this week.
http://www.nevamar.com/nevamar/pages...r_solids_1.php
The countertop shop is even mounting it to 1/4" board for me, and it only is costing about $70. The reason for the two screens (and the darker shade of gray) is I'm making a triple-screen 3D gaming rig for my car simulator setup.

Three cheap DLP 3D capable projectors with short throw lenses from Optoma fit the bill. Center projector is rear projected and the Stewart acrylic RP screen is a medium-dark gray (and very high contrast due to RP.) Hopefully the side screens will look good on the Nevamar. I'll report back.

I got in a ton of samples from all the manufacturers and the Nevamar looks to be the "flattest" without sheen or texture that might be distracting, especially close up like I'll be sitting. Also becuase of the brightness of the projectors when shot on a small screen like this, I think I can afford the darker gray lumens-wise.

For a sample of this setup mocked up with just some white posterboard for the side screens (to check size and placement), I made a video here.

This will be interesting to watch develop. This marks the 2nd/3rd example of Multi Screen 3D attempts. The last two must have been good as the posters simply went and got busy watching content. Don't leave us hangin' now.....show us your results. ( as best ya can it being 3D imagery )

Cool, I sure will. Hadn't been following the other posts/ attempts you refer to. Do you have some links about those?

Here's an entire thread devoted to doing it with a pair of Epson Home Cinema 8100s: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hlight=8100+3d

As a fact, all the multi-screen 3D Threads I remember were using the 8100, but they also were all of 'em "passive" 3D. The OP want's Active 3D so that calls for DLPs.

I am thinking about doing a 120" in my mostly light controlled room (blackout shades on windows, but the room itself has brighter walls/ceiling). Which would be better for me? Designer white or fashion grey? The majority of viewing will be at night, but I wouldn't mind having people over for an afternoon football game with a lamp or two on.

Any tips on what i should use to clean a FG screen? It has accumulated a couple streaks and smears over the last 2 years. Noyicable during scenes with a white background.

Thanks

ANTWON-
From Wilson art I have been doing some homework on the different screen types as I am starting to take the plunge...

Sorry- I am a neewbie so I can't post an actual link evidently...
www. wilsonartcontract. com/productlib/guides/laminate/careMaintainenceLaminate.pdf

Wilsonart® Laminate
Maintenance
Your decision to purchase Wilsonart Laminate will
bring you years of quality performance.
Everyday cleaning of our products is as simple as a
quick wipe with a damp sponge. All resist muddy
fingerprints, coffee spills and so much more.
Be sure to read and follow the recommended care
and cleaning procedures.
Routine Care
To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge
and a mild soap or detergent.
Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed
using a mild household cleaner/detergent and a
soft bristled brush, repeating as necessary.
If a stain persists, use a paste of baking soda and
water and apply with a soft bristled brush. Light
scrubbing for 10 to 20 strokes should remove most
stains. Although baking soda is a low abrasive,
excessive scrubbing or exerting too much force
could damage the decorative surface, especially if it
has a gloss finish.
Stubborn stains that resist any of the above cleaning
methods may require the use of undiluted
household bleach or nail polish remover. Apply the
bleach or nail polish remover to the stain and let
stand no longer than two minutes. Rinse
thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. This step
may be repeated if the stain appears to be going
away and the color of the laminate has not been
affected. WARNING: Prolonged exposure
of the laminate surface to bleach will
cause discoloration.
Hot pans and heat-producing appliances (such as
electric skillets), when set directly upon countertops,
can mar the product's beauty. Always use a heat
shield, hot pad or trivet.
A Few Notes of Caution
Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage laminate
surfaces; do not use them.
Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently
damage any Wilsonart Laminate surface. If you
spill a drain cleaner, wipe it up immediately and
rinse several times with water.
Hair, textile and food dyes can cause permanent
stains. If dye should happen to spill, wipe it up
immediately with dishwashing detergent or an
all-purpose cleaner.
Never place pots or dishes directly from the oven
or burner on an unprotected laminate surface;
such extreme heat can cause cracking or
blistering.
Do not work with oven cleaners on an
unprotected countertop. Wipe spills away
promptly and rinse several times with water.
Rust removers contain harsh chemicals which
will quickly cause permanent damage. If a spill
occurs, wipe off all residue immediately, wash
thoroughly with soapy water and rinse
several times.
Steel wool and other abrasive pads will damage
Wilsonart Laminate. Don't use them for
cleaning and don't store steel wool pads on your
countertop; the metal can rust and leave stains.
Toilet bowl cleaners contain harsh chemicals
that can cause permanent damage. If spills occur,
wipe up immediately, wash surface with soapy
water and rinse several times.

RECOMMENDED HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS


Care & Maintenance
Windex®
Glass Plus®
Lestoil®
Grease Relief®
Dow Bathroom
Cleaner with
Scrubbing Bubbles
Lysol® Brand Disinfectant
Basin/Tub/Tile Cleaner
Dawn®
Fantastik®
Favor®
Pledge®
Mr. Clean®
TOP JOB®
Formula 409®
*Clorox®
Corporate Headquarters
2400 Wilson Place
P.O. Box 6110
Temple, TX 76503-6110
Toll Free: (800) 433-3222
Mon.-Fri. 7:00 am - 7:00 pm CST
Phone (254) 207-7000
Fax (254) 207-2384 (24 Hours)

Already using a 3 24" Monitor setup (5760 x 1080p) for gaming and when I bought a 3d DLP projector on sale I should have ordered 3! It is cheaper, and works better than 3 HDTVs or monitors. Have to drop the res to 3840 x 720 though. My plan was to use 3 48 x 32" panels cut from a single 4 x 8' sheet. 48 x 32" just because it uses the whole sheet, no leftovers. Actual screen usage would be 144 x 27" (48 x 9 ratio). Frame constructed with 2 x 2s and self standing as the side screens are angled in. Gives you peripheral vision while gaming/flying.

Edit: Local Lowes wants $170 + tax for a 5x10 and $204 + T for a 5x12 for the Wilson Art DW!!! How 'bout light sanding the TWH with 600 grit?

I found a 5x10 piece at this place for $89

http://waldensdistributing.com/contactus.aspx

Thanks for the wealth of information in this thread. Much appreciated!

I have had a FP for about 2 years now and had been using an old 4:3 pulldown screen that gave me a 92" diagonal image. Projector is an Infocus x9. I just purchased a new home and have an unfinished basement. I put a rug, couches, and entertainment center down there to create a "man cave." Rather than using the pulldown screen, I wanted a bigger image with a fixed screen. Thus, I found this thread.

Went to Home Depot last night and ordered a 5' x 10' piece of WA DW laminate for $91.50 - $9.15 (10% coupon) = $82.35. It should be here this weekend or early next week. I will be going for a wrapped black velvet look on a wood frame. Frame will be attached most likely via french cleat to a poured concrete wall. Any tips on building the frame or install?

Details:

Projector: Infocus X9
Mount: Monoprice Ceiling Moung
Lighting: Blackout curtains & controlled lighting
Viewing Distance: 12' to closest seating position
Screen: WA Designer White
Screen Material Size: 60" x 105"
Viewable Screen Size: 58" x 103"...118" diagonal (Allows for 1" of screen overlap on each side when mounting to frame)

Take from my experience, just use distilled water (not tap, not spring) and spray it on lightly, then wipe with a clean cotton rag. Repeat until it's all clean. Windex, etc do leave streaks.