[davidivan]

I am a new member and have spent a good deal of time searching the archives of this forum regarding DIY screens. I am currently using a Sharp XG-NV5XB model projector with 1000ANSI, but only a 4.3 aspect ratio. I have it set up about 4.5" off the floor and 23' from the current projection screen (which is a wall painted a creamy/tannish color). With that throw I get nice big 10' x 7' image. So a new screen, a bit smaller in size to fit a black velvet border, needs some unique construction methods to build it that large, build well, and build cheap. There are some interesting ideas out there. One idea that I have not seen posted involves building a screen with the same technique that scene builders use for walls in a theatrical play. Simply build a 1x3 pine frame, or any size lumber for that matter, stretch muslin fabric over it, glue and staple in place, size it (which shrinks it creating a taunt surface), then paint it. You can buy the muslin in the large, seamless sizes at theater supply shops over the web. This would seem to be a cheaper and easier method then the artist canvas approach, where the muslin fabric would have less texture and not needing someone (art supply store) to stretch it for you with machines. You could make large screens that perhaps a blackout fabric would not be large enough for without doing a "repair weave" to connect them without a seam. But the remaining problem may be one of getting the right paint covering. I have seen postings on this forum to use a Behr paint and a Ralph Lauren paint, and another thread of postings to make your own paint (which seems way to complicated for the real amateur). If someone out there has this "screen paint" mixed and willing to sell some, I'm interested. I have not built this yet - since I don't want to reinvent the wheel - perhaps someone has tried, or considered, this idea already and would care to share their insight and opinions. Again any thoughts or comments about my projector set up and this screen construction idea are appreciated.

 

[davidivan]

correction to my post: my projector is 4.5 feet off the floor, not inches. sorry.

 

[KBK]

We are real close...I just painted a grey screen in the basement tonight.. I am waiting for it to dry. Then it is going to a gentleman who has a 2-chip DLP unit. Yes, they made 2-chip DLP units.


------------------

goosystems.com


Ken Hotte

[email protected]


[This message has been edited by KBK (edited 07-29-2001).]

 

[chris larralde]

I bought some muslin off a 10' roll. I also got a 54" wide strip of blackout fabric. I did a couple of paint tests, and right now it looks like the blackout material is still brighter. My next step is to track down some of the Behr paint. I remember someone saying that it has something like a 1.5 gain.


regards,

chris