Projector: paint vs screen

Might be a weird feedback question. I recently bought a projector for my basement. It says it has 2200 lumens and native resolution is 1280x800. In a dim/dark environment, it looks pretty nice. (This is not a high end projector - I got it for $250 from Amazon.) For what I paid, I'm happy with it so far.

Well, my basement is not finished. I've been putzing around working on it for years. The projector is currently beaming at unfinished drywall. Diagonally, the screen size is about 9.5 feet. If you look closely, you'll see the dry wall screws and seems. However, once you get into a movie - these are not really noticeable.

Back to my question. I'm going to be mudding/painting this wall soon. Any opinions if a flat paint vs some-gloss would be better? I'm also assuming white would be the best color.

Next question - I bet a projector screen would probably be even better. Curious if anyone went from paint to screen and could comment on the difference?

I try to be frugal when I buy things. I'm more of a get-the-job-done guy vs buying the absolute best. So, if a screen is only a minor improvement, I'll probably pass and say good enough on the paint

http://www.projectorcentral.com/paint_perfect_screen_$100.htm?page=Finding-the-Perfect-Paint

Having linked this, currently I'm not using it. I have an MDF screen mounted up with flat white primer.

Get yourself a 4x8 sheet of foam pvc board. Use some contact cement to hold it to the wall then use some wood trim to finish it off.

You can buy nice Elite screens from Amazon for under $100.

I made a 105" for around $60 if I remember correctly. I used white blackout curtain, black suede for the borders, and pine for the frame. It's very easy. I contemplated painting, but if you ever want to move your setup, you'd have to paint another wall.

Screens are cheap. Unless you want a project and have a weekend to spare, just pay $80-$100 and get one from Amazon.

screens are nice but they do make screen paint. The paint is designed to reflect light in a way to reduce glare and make it an even reflection

It will look okay on paint but best to get a screen with a nice diffuse reflection. With enough power density plus a good angle, you can project on to anything. Case in point; were doing 120m high projections onto concrete and aluminium over NYE..

Personally we use a screen but the projector is in the living room not a basement and we have lots of art on the walls. You press a button and the screen rises from a large sideboard like piece of furniture so when you are not using it, its stowed away out of sight. Its a nice compromise between usefullnes and attractiveness.

nice screen w1retap

Ocellaris said:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/paint_perfect_screen_$100.htm?page=Finding-the-Perfect-Paint

Having linked this, currently I'm not using it. I have an MDF screen mounted up with flat white primer.

Click to expand...

That's the article I read in 2014 and chose to paint my screen with that recommended paint, the SW ProClassic Smooth Enamel Satin.

I'd say it looks really good. There is one hotspot on my screen with a Benq W1070 projector, but it isn't distracting or noticeable when watching a movie. You have to be looking for it.

My screen is 120" diagonal, I used a fine nap roller, but still ended up with a few small lumps, almost like a super fine dull texture.

Cell phone pic; will try to remember to update with a point & shoot canon

I would say that if you don't mind your projector on unfinished drywall / its a cheepie 1280 projector then just do whatever, it is only when you are trying to be super accurate with colors and resolution it really makes a difference . With that said a simple pull down say 120" 16:9 off amazon or frys on clearance (got mine for $60) if you have one locally is not a bad investment. That SW ProClassic Smooth Enamel Satin paint is about $66/ gallon locally so there is that.