[Davidt1]

Hi,


I would like to make a screen using black out cloth. I have a few questions for the experts here. Joan's Fabric has three types of black cloth with varying thickness. The thickest one is the most expensive. Does it matter which one I buy? Also, There is a smooth side and a rough side. Which side should be used? Thanks.

 

[bud16415]

The different weights of BOC have to do with application and also light transmission. You want the stuff that is called total black out cloth. My guess is it's the thickest and also the most expensive. But even the expensive stuff I have seen isn't that bad. As for what side actually both sides have been used successfully but its most common to use the smooth coated side. That depends somewhat on projector and screen size though IMO. The smooth side has more sheen and dependent on brightness the gain could be good or bad. Do try and find the stuff that looks the whitest to your eye. I have seen some that has a cast to it. After all its sold as a lining material for curtains not screens so I'm sure the manufacture only cares it blocks light not how well it reflects it.

I would project to it before mounting to the frame and find the side I liked best. Buy some extra incase you want to paint it some day you will have some to experiment on.

 

[steve68]

Get the $5.99 per yard one. That's the one I used and it's better than the more expensive one for two reasons. 1st reason is that the weave is tighter in the fabric so it looks less like fabric. 2nd reason. The cheaper one has a side that looks like it has a white rubber coating. This side has no fabric texture at all. So you could use that side as well. Both of them block light equally well.


Steve