What Can I Use For a Projector Screen?

Just got a new projector but aren’t sure how you’re going to set it up? Not a fan of projector screens? Wondering “what can I use for a projector screen?“

Today, we’ll show you exactly what you can use for a projector screen with whatever you have at home!

First you need to know some important basic things before you get started on your DIY projector screen.

DIY Projector Screens – The Most Important Things to Know

Projector Screen Material

The material is the first thing to know when making your cheap projector screen alternative.

This will make or break your new projector screen. Use projector screen materials that are too thin and the projection will go through it.

Choose something too thick and your projection screen may not reflect back enough.

It’s a balancing act of thin and thick materials to ensure the best picture quality without losing brightness.

Image Quality

A major downside of a makeshift projector screen is the loss of image quality. This is a problem with DIY projector screen builds because projectors are meant to be displayed on a real projector screen.

Lower your expectations as there might be some loss in image quality.

For example, the material isn’t suited for high-contrast imagery. Or dents and bumps may cause distorted images. Or content isn’t as bright as on a traditional projector screen.

Cheap projector screen alternatives are great to save money, but you might have to settle for lower quality and clarity.

Size

Before constructing your own projector screen, make sure you’ve measured the size of the screen and how big an image your projector can create. This is important to ensure you can use your projector to its full potential.

If you’re making outdoor projector screens, measure out the space beforehand so it’s easier to construct.

Most projectors will get over 100″ so that’s a good reference for most users.

Screen Color

Even when using materials like a blackout cloth, you’ll need the actual projector screen to be white. Darker-colored fabric is not suitable for projectors that don’t have powerful brightness and contrast.

On average, a white-colored material is recommended if you’re using a sheet or other projector screen alternative in low-light/no-light conditions.

Location

Where you place the screen is also important.

You need to accurately measure the throw distance from the projector to the screen, and the position of the projector screen. Too low or high and you’ll have narrower viewing angles and an uncomfortable experience.

Set the projector too far from the custom screen and you won’t have the brightest images. If you’re planning to project on a blank wall or flat surface, textured walls or finishes will interfere with displayed images.

Consider the appropriate background to reduce ambient light and as smooth a surface as possible for the best image quality.

10 Cheap Projector Screen Alternatives

1) A Smooth Wall / White Blank Wall

Our first recommendation for cheap projector screen alternatives is a blank wall. A blank wall works excellent when you’ve got enough space and nothing blocking the view. Paintings, decor, cabinets, etc. can interfere with the viewing experience so move things around.

You’ll need an entirely smooth wall to fully take advantage of this budget projector screen option.

Keep in mind the blank wall needs to be a light-colored wall in either solid white, light gray, or beige. Dark walls or brightly painted walls like red, yellow, dark blue, etc. will cause too much interference when projecting images.

This could result in color inaccuracy, contrast issues, and less brightness.

But as an impromptu projector screen, a bare wall is the easiest to do. It just needs to meet certain conditions in color, smoothness, and space limitations.

2) Blackout Cloth / Curtains

Blackout cloth and curtains are an excellent projector screen alternative to totally remove ambient light. Blackout cloth is made to keep out daylight and other lights. This translates well for a projection screen as you won’t lose projector brightness to ambient light.

However, the blackout cloth or curtain needs to be white for the best image quality. If you have blackout curtains in a different color like black or dark navy blue, you can still use them as a backing to your projection surface.

You can set the blackout cloth as a base, then cover it over with a white sheet or one of the other cheap projector screen alternatives.

The best case scenario here is you already have a blackout curtain in white, beige, or other light colors.

3) White Sheet (Bed Sheet, Table Cloth, Shower Curtains)

Probably the most used projector screens are plain white sheets. This could be a bed sheet, duvet cover, table cloth, or shower curtain. The main thing here is the sheet should be white or a similar enough color.

You also need to pay attention to the thread count. A higher thread count means the sheet is thicker and will retain projector brightness well.

A thin sheet with a low thread count will be too thin to project on. The projection will go through it, and project behind it. Even just a wrinkle will cause the image to distort. A taut, thick sheet is the best option for watching movies.

If you’re using a sheet that’s thin, consider putting it over a blackout cloth or a darker, thicker backing. This allows a better image quality than using a sheet by itself.

4) Projector Screen Paint

To add-on to your blank wall, you can use projector screen paint to enhance the experience. Projector paints should be white paint or gray. But before you buy projector paint, the wall you’re using should already be white.

If it isn’t, paint over it first before applying projector paint.

You can use projector paint on many different surfaces like cardboard, garage doors, or sheets. Do this if you don’t have a wall to paint on.

Projector paint allows more light to reflect off the surface. This makes the final picture quality crisp and as accurate as a projector screen.

While projector paint is great for a vivid picture, you’ll still need a wall with no imperfections. Even the tiniest bump or paint bubble may cause distorted images.

It’s a versatile option but has its downsides.

Projector paint can also be pretty expensive so you might be better off with a proper projector screen instead. Consider projector paint if you don’t want the added space from a projector screen, have a smooth surface/wall to work on, and have the money for the paint.

5) A White Tarp

A white tarp is a great alternative to projector screens. There are many different types of tarps in varying sizes. Choose a size that works for you and your projector. Tarps come in different materials like vinyl, polyethylene, etc.

These are typically shiny and glossy which isn’t great for a projector screen. You need some level of reflectiveness but add too much and you’ll have glare or hot-spotting issues.

Either find a matte tarp or paint over a shiny tarp with matte finish paint. You can also apply projector paint to enhance reflectiveness. The sheet should be taut, even, without bumps, and waterproof if you’re leaving it outside.

Tarps are an inexpensive option that is readily available. But you’ll need to prepare it to get the best image quality. If you don’t mind a lesser quality image or less brightness though, you can use a tarp immediately without changing it.

6) Wrapping Paper Taped Together

Another inexpensive option you can use immediately is wrapping paper. It should be a glossy, thick, white bottom wrapping paper. This specific type of wrapping paper is well-suited for a quick, makeshift projector screen.

You’ll need to tape the paper together onto a frame. This can be a piece of cardboard, frame, wood plank, or any flat surface. But make sure to do it as carefully as possible. We’d recommend using a wrapping paper projector screen indoors.

If a sudden wind blows it or it rains, the screen will be totally ruined. Keep this in mind before using this option. It’s one of the easiest to construct, but the most delicate.

7) Build a Wooden Frame Projector Screen

If you’re the handy type and can build something out of nothing, this is a great option. You’ll need to construct a frame out of wood that measures accurately the size of the screen fabric. You can use one of the options we’ve listed or purchase a projector screen fabric separately.

These fabrics are built for projectors and are meant to display images correctly. This also works as a permanent projector screen as you’re building a fixed-frame screen.

Some of the materials you’ll need include –

• Wood boards
• Screws
• Projector Screen Material
• Wall Holders/Mount
• Ties/Rubber Bands

Craft the frame out of the wood boards. It’s easier to use boards that can join together. Screw it in place and make holes on the fabric to tie to the frame. Use the rubber bands and ties to fix the screen in place and voila, a DIY projector screen!

This is a rough idea but if you know what you’re doing, you can make an excellent homemade projector screen as a permanent solution.

8) Window Shades / Roller Blinds

Similar to blackout curtains, you can use window shades and roller blinds as a reliable projector screen. In this case, we’re assuming you have window shades or roller blinds somewhere you can use a projector.

The shades or roller blinds work best if they’re blackout shades meant to keep light out. If there’s even a slight opening for light to go through, this is an ineffective option.

You simply need to roll down the blinds and project directly onto them without changing them.

Make sure the blinds are white, gray, or light beige and as flat/taut as possible for the best effect. It’s great for a simple movie viewing session, but may be ineffective in the long run.

9) Ceilings

For people who want a simple way of projecting images, videos, and content from your bed, consider using your ceiling. It’s a great canvas for projecting images that don’t require any changes.

If you have a ceiling with no intrusions like lights, a fan, or anything hanging, you should be good to go. Just plug and play your projector and aim it towards the ceiling. This works best with mini-projectors rather than mounted/standard-throw projectors.

You can set up a projector aimed at the ceiling in just a few minutes. A great option to watch movies before bed with a small and simple projector.

10) Actual Projector Screen (Cheap/Budget Screens)

If buying proper, premium projector screens is out of the question, there are many cheaper options too. This is your last option in case you’re not keen on making a projector screen.

There are many options for white screens that are almost the same price as the raw materials for DIY screens. There are also some gray screens, but they’re usually more expensive than white screens.

We’d recommend using a cheap projector screen or buying the projector screen material itself. You can then set it up however you’d like without a big investment. This will be the best option to display bright images with high color accuracy and deep contrast.

If not, check out one of the other alternatives we’ve mentioned and experiment!

FAQ

Does an Expensive Projector Screen Impact Picture Quality?

An expensive screen can enhance picture quality with better dark tones & color accuracy, and use the full brightness of the projector. It can make a huge difference if you invest in the right one.

What’s the Best Material for a Homemade Projector Screen?

Blackout cloth or curtains are the best materials to use for a projector screen. It’s easily available, flexible, and handles ambient light well. Use a blackout material paired with a white, thick sheet for best results.

What’s the Most Effective and Cheap Solution?

The cheapest solution is to use a wall or ceiling. You don’t have to make any modifications and can use it immediately. But for a better experience, make sure the wall is completely smooth, white/beige/gray, and clear of obstructions.

Is Projector Paint a Reliable Projector Screen Alternative?

Projector paint is versatile and can function at almost the same capacity as a projector screen. The problem arises when you don’t have the right base for the projector paint which can cause imperfections and visual fidelity problems. Otherwise, it’s a reliable alternative.