Most newbies often buy a Projector but forget to get a Projector Screen. Or, they might have spent all their budget buying the Best Projector. So, they keep wondering What Can I Use as a Projector Screen?
Are there any alternatives to Projector Screen?
Yes. You can use other things to Project images instead of a Projector Screen?
We have come up with all possible options that you can use as a Projector Screen.
We always suggest our readers to use a Projector Screen for the Projector. However, it is not mandatory. You might be stuck in situations where you need alternatives for Projector Screen.
Situations like:
- When you don’t have the budget to get a Projector Screen.
- You already have a fixed screen, but you want to Project in another location temporarily.
- You want to find a temporary solution until you buy a new Projector Screen.
- And when you have a Portable Projector that you carry along.
You can use these Alternatives in case you are in any of the above situations.
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What Can I Use as a Projector Screen:
Here are the alternatives that You Can Use for a Projector Screen.
1.1. Blank Wall:
After buying a Projector, you can simply project it on a wall.
There has always been a debate among Projector users on this topic. So, check out this article on the difference between a Wall Vs Projector Screen.
If the wall is plain, and the room is dark enough, you will get a good picture. It is better to Project on a wall that is colored, White or Grey. Other colors won’t give you the proper image quality.
You can paint white for dark rooms, and silver or gray for rooms with little Ambient Light. Check out What is the Best Wall Color for Projector?
However, note that you won’t get a better image quality on a Wall than a Projector Screen.
1.2. Painted Wall:
The wall colors we apply in our Home are not suitable for Projecting images. So, if you have decided to use the Projector on a wall instead of a screen, you should at least Paint the wall with Projector Screen Paint. You will find specialized Projector Screen Paint online and offline, which is suitable for Projectors as it has better Reflective Gain than our regular painted walls.
1.3. White Sheet:
While camping or using Projectors outdoors, you won’t find walls. In such cases, we usually suggest our readers to get a Portable Projector Screen. However, if you don’t have a Projector Screen, you still keep wondering What Can You Use for a Projector Screen.
Another alternative for Projector Screens is using a White Sheet. It is also the cheapest option.
You should get a clean plain white-colored Curtain or Bedsheet and project on it. Just make sure you stretch the sheet properly so that there are no wrinkles or foldings on it.
However, if there is a light source behind the sheet, you might want to add cardboard or another piece of cloth behind it to block the light.
1.4. Window Shades:
Window Shades might not be the best option, but it is another alternative. If all the walls in your room are occupied, you can Project the image on the Window Shades as well. However, the shades should be thick enough to block the sunlight from behind. You cannot use the Window Curtains because they are thin and allow sunlight from behind.
1.5. Any Plain & Solid Surface:
Basically, you can Project the Projector on anything that has a plain solid surface. It could include the backside of a large photo frame, your home ceiling, colored cardboard, wrapping paper, etc. They will not provide the best experience, but you can still use them. You have to make sure the surface is flat and solid, with white or gray color.
These alternatives work best in the dark.
1.6. DIY with Projector Fabric:
If you don’t want a Fixed Projector Screen, then you can at least get a Projector Fabric. You can think of various ideas to make use of the Projector Fabric. For instance, you can make your own Fixed Screen using wooden bars. Or, you can hang the Screen using ropes or any other method. The Reflection Gain will be the same as a Projector Screen. And you will get the same Colors and Brightness levels.
You can get the same experience as a Projector Screen if you can invest in a Projector Fabric.
Projector Screens you can Use:
I know this article is about alternatives for Projector Screen. However, we always want our readers to get the best experience from the Projector. If you are not aware, there are Several Types of Projector Screens.
If you have a Portable Projector, you can get several types of Portable Screens. Moreover, some are even budget-friendly.
Here are some of the Projector Screen options you might consider over the alternatives.
2.1. Portable Screens:
Screens come in a lot of varieties. The Tripod Projector Screens, Double Stand Projector Screens, and Hanging Projector Screens are Portable and can be easily carried along with the Projector wherever you go. They also do not cost as much as other Types of Projector Screens. Moreover, there are also Inflatable Projector Screens that are easily portable. Read more about different types of Portable Projector Screens here.
2.2. Retractable Screens:
In case you don’t have enough place for a Fixed Projector Screen, you can always install a Retractable Screen. There are two types of Retractable Screens that are ceiling mounted and Floor Rising. These can be automatic or manually operated. Although they are very expensive, they save a lot of space.
We have explained How to Choose a Projector Screen in a detailed article.
Conclusion:
All these options we provided above are alternatives to Projector Screen. Yet, remember that none of them will provide better quality than a Projector Screen. Your first preference should be getting a Projector Screen if you want the best picture quality. Also, check out What is the Best Color for a Projector Screen.
Projector Screens are specially designed for Projectors. They have higher Reflective Gain, due to which the images appear more colorful and bright.
However, as many of our readers have asked us What Can I Use as a Projector Screen. So, we thought of sharing the alternatives through this article.