screen painting?

[evhudsons]

I am projecting my sharp xv-2000 onto my wall, which is just an off-white color. I never bought a screen, because I wanted to see what screen I would want only after trying the projector. The picture is so great, that now I don't want a screen, and I change the size (zoom) depending on what I am watching, 16:9, anamorphic dvd, 4:3 tv, highdef cable etc...
My question is this, I saw a "goo" paint that has glass beads that is supposedly a great substitute for a screen, and some pictures I have seen of it being used showed almost the whole wall being painted, with a decorative border. It appears that the person is also changing the size of the image within this large "screen" area. I usually use 8'x4' for 16:9, but anamorphic is wider and shorter. Has anyone used this paint, or does a screen rather than a white wall improve it enough to warrant shucking out $200 or more. If having a screen helps that much, then I might go ahead and paint the majority of my wall, and just project within the area of the screen. Anyone have any thoughts?
thanks,
everett

 

[brian32672]

Well, the Goo system has had decent reviews.
However I honestly believe the technology behind the current screens will be more beneficial to contrast and brightness.

If you would only like to use paint, my suggestion would be White with eggshell finish (not eggshell color). Then a flat black border. It would be the cheapest route.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm not convinced that lesser expensive screens offer much to any improvement over a serious DIY job. But, the border can be tricky if you are serious about doing it.

There are several posts over at projectorcentral.com in their forums on different paints you can use and there are tons of avsforum.com as well.

I'm not sure I would ever do a DIY screen just because I plan to move within a few years and would want to take my screen with me. But, if I were to stay and could do a fixed screen, I would almost definitely do a DIY screen, then frame it with velvet covered wood and probably add a 4-way masking system to allow me to switch from 1.78:1 to 2.35:1 and 1.33:1 easily.

 

[evhudsons]

masking system

Thanks!
So how do you do a masking system? I think I'll go with a paint with eggshell finish as suggested, and then add a masking for the different sizes I'll use.

 

[brian32672]

Well the cheapest route---Can you sew?
If yes, (or you know someone that can) then you can pick up some "non reflective black material for curtains at even Walmart. (most would suggest velvet, I am not so sure on this)(because all the movie theaters I have went to, and literally felt the material being used, I have never come across a theater that uses velvet, EVER)(most of the ones I have felt are of a heavy black wool fabric) Then get a curtain rod (paint it flat black) Place the rod horizontal, about 12" above your painted screen (with 2" black border) And use the "Non reflective" black curtain material x2 (one on each side) This is for if you paint screen out for 16:9 widescreen. Then was masking the sides for 4:3 material. You can also use a sham over the curtain rod.

All this being said, you can go this route. Or they also make entire home theater masking systems. Surely not the price you are looking to spend.
Personally I would do a DIY project. Over paying thousands on a full masking system.

Take a look in the member systems area, someone may have done this DIY project. Then ask them on any tips...