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Projector Screen Buying Guide
& Comparison Table
For paint on and wallpaper projection solutions
When choosing a projector screen, factors like gain, contrast, ambient light, and surface quality all play a vital role in creating the optimum projection experience. That's why our Projector Screen Buying Guide emphasizes the importance of these elements. Our projection surface products have been developed to dynamically adjust to these variables, offering options tailored to the environment you are projecting in.
All of our projection paints are designed for specific uses, enabling you to find the best projector screen alternative for your space, lighting conditions, and intended use. To make your selection easier, refer to our projector screen solutions comparison table below. This table will help you find the best projection screen paint for you based on your equipment and what you plan to use your screen for.
Projector Screen Buying Guide Comparison Table
All products in the Smarter Surfaces range are independently tested and certified. You can read the full guide below the comparison table.
| Standard White Paint | Silver Screen Paint | Smart Short Throw Projector Screen Paint | Smart White Projector Screen Paint Pro | Smart Interactive Projector Screen Paint | Smart Clear Projector Screen Paint | Smart High Contrast Projector Screen Paint | Smart Ultra High Contrast Projector Screen Paint | Smart Ambient Light Rejecting Projector Screen Paint | Smart Black Projector Screen Paint | Smart Outdoor Projector Screen Paint | Smart Floor Projector Screen Paint | |
| Color | White | Silver | White | White | White | Transparent | Light Grey | Grey | Light Grey | Black | White | White |
| Gain Value @ 90° | 0.90 - 1.05 | 1.50 | 1.21 | 1.24 | 1.25 | 1.03 | 0.76 | 0.32 | 0.71 | 0.2 | 1.25 | 1.23 |
| Reflectivity - LRV (CIE Y, D65 @ 10° Observer) | 82 - 90 | n/a | 115% | 115% | 116% | 103% | 75% | 29% | 71% | 14% | 119% | 117% |
| Contrast Ratio | 80.0 - 95.0% | 1 Coat 89.0% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 89.5% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 91.4% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 90.9% 2 Coat >99.8% | N/A | 1 Coat 99.5% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 99.5% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 99.5% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 99.5% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 89.1% 2 Coat >99.8% | 1 Coat 90.3% 2 Coat >99.8% |
| Surface Smoothness Required - EU Standard | Quality Level 3 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 4 | Quality Level 3 | Quality Level 3 |
| Surface Smoothness Required - US Standard | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 4 | Level 4 |
| Minimum Recommended Lumen Value | N/A | 3,000 | 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| Suitable for use in Light Conditions | Moderate Ambient Light | Dark Room or Room with light controls | Moderate to High Ambient Light | Moderate to High Ambient Light | Moderate to High Ambient Light | Moderate to High Ambient Light | Dark Room or Room with light controls | Dark Room or Room with light controls | Dark Room or Room with light controls | Dark Room or Room with light controls | Moderate to High Ambient Light | Moderate to High Ambient Light |
| Gloss Measurement - Gloss Units @ 60° | 4 - 20 | na | 18 | 14 | 18 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 12 |
| Wall Finish | Matt | Semi-Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt | Matt |
| Sound Absorption Coefficient* (based on painting standard 12mm gypsum board) | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 | Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07 |
| 4k-8K-HD | ||||||||||||
| Polarity Preserving - Does not polarise projected light | ||||||||||||
| Acoustically Transparent | ||||||||||||
| Suitable for Outdoor Use -Weather Resistant | ||||||||||||
| Certification - Independently Certified CRES | ||||||||||||
| Washable -Can be cleaned with wet cloth, mild detergent | ||||||||||||
| Wipeable -Damp cloth with water -no detergent | ||||||||||||
| Optimised for 3D Projection |
*Note that the sound absorption coefficient varies with frequency
Click the image to open the PDF Comparison Table
Unsure about the right product for you? We offer video call support, live chat, phone and email. Avail of free technical advice and suggestions for ideas and product recommendations so you can choose what will work best for you.
Projector Screen Paint Guide:
How to Choose the Right Projection Screen Solution
When setting up a home theater or a presentation space, the choice of a projector screen can make or break the viewing experience. And while there are many screens available on the market, using projector screen paint can be an affordable and customizable option. However, it's vital to select the right type of paint based on your specific needs and the environment where it'll be used. To help you in making an informed decision, our Projector Screen Buying Guide offers a comprehensive rundown of all the important elements.
1. Understand Your Room's Lighting
Dark Rooms: If your room has little to no ambient light, you can opt for a paint that has a gain of 1.0 or lower.
Such a surface will offer a more cinematic experience, reproducing colors faithfully without any artificial brightness.
Bright Rooms: For rooms with significant ambient light, consider paints with a higher gain (greater than 1.0).
These paints will reflect more light from the projector, counteracting the effects of the ambient light and ensuring a clear, vibrant image.
2. Consider the Viewing Angle
The viewing angle determines how wide an area you can view the projected image without a significant loss in brightness or clarity.
Some projector screen paints are made to provide a wider viewing angle, allowing more flexibility in seating arrangements.
Narrow Angle: If your seating is primarily centered, a paint designed for a narrower viewing angle may suffice.
Wide Angle: If you have a broader seating area or expect viewers from different angles, opt for a paint that supports a wide viewing angle.
3. Think About Color and Texture
The most common colors for projector screen paints are white and gray, however we also offer a transparent projector screen paint to keep your original wall color.
White: This color provides the brightest image and is suitable for rooms with ambient lighting.
Gray: Grey screens help to improve the contrast ratio, especially beneficial in environments with lower ambient light.
Clear: For those who don't want to change the original color of their walls, clear projector screen paint is an excellent choice. This paint allows the wall's original color to show through while still providing a surface optimized for projection.
Additionally, ensure that the paint has a smooth finish. Any texture can distort the projected image, so it's crucial to have a perfectly smooth surface for best results.
4. Compatibility with Your Projector
Ensure that the paint you're considering is compatible with your projector's specifications. For instance, if you have a 4K projector, any of the paints in our range will work.
5. Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) Paints
ALR paints are specially designed to reject ambient light from angles other than directly from the projector. This feature can be beneficial for rooms where controlling ambient light (like sunlight from windows) is challenging.
6. Environmental and Health Considerations
Look for paints that are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and isocyanates free. These paints are better for indoor air quality and are less likely to cause health issues. All our paints are low VOC, solvent free, PFOA & PFOS free and isocyanates free.
You can view our full paint on projector paint range here.
