Are you in two minds about investing in a projector screen and thinking you might use the wall instead? Here are some key points to consider when choosing between a wall and a projector screen.
I am sure many of you go through the dilemma of buying a projector screen or using the wall to reflect images from your projector.
If you ask me which is a better option, I would say both projector screens and walls come with their plus points and minus points. It depends on your priorities.
If you are very particular about picture quality and wish to avoid the hassles of converting the wall into a screen, then a projector screen is necessary. Yes, you heard me right. Converting the wall into a screen does involve a little hard work.
But if you are ok with it and willing to compromise on the picture quality, you can surely convert the wall into a projector screen.
In this article, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a wall over a projector screen and vice versa. And if, after everything, you still decide to use a wall instead of a projector screen, I will tell you what needs to be done to get the best results.
The Crucial Difference between Projector Screen and Wall
Advantages of using a projector Screen: Quality, Installation, Comfort, ETC.
Picture Quality
When you think of displaying images from your projector, you are first concerned about picture quality. And this is where projector screens take the lead. Since these screens are specially designed to portray projected images, you can see better-quality images. Better contrast, better brightness, vivid colors, and spotless crystal-clear images.
Convenience
Installing a projector screen is way easier than preparing a wall to project images. You just need to buy the screen and call for experts to install it in your desired location. It is no rocket science if you wish to put up a projector screen. Simply follow a few basic instructions, and you will be ready. On the other hand, if you are preparing to use the wall as a projector screen, you need to repaint the wall to get a better viewing experience, which is a big hassle and also time-consuming.
No Constraints Attached
Another advantage of using a projector screen over a wall is that you can move the screen at your discretion. This means if you are planning to watch a football match sitting on the lawn with your friends or planning to relocate, you don’t need to go through the hassle of repainting the wall to make it into a screen. The projector screens are lightweight and can easily be moved from one place to another.
Disadvantages of Using a Projector Screen: Space, Cost, ETC.
Space
Most of us stay in small apartments where making space for a big projector screen can sometimes become painstaking. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of using a projector screen. You need adequate space if you place a projector screen in your room. On the other hand, if you plan to use the wall instead, you don’t need additional space.
Cost
This is one of the most crucial deciding factors when choosing between a wall and a projector screen. The reason is that many people like me need more money to set up a projector.
But you might be wrong if you think you don’t need to spend a dime extra if you plan to use a wall as your projector screen.
I agree projector screens are expensive but available in various price ranges. And, if you are obstinate about using the wall instead, you might have to spend on paints and raw materials to make a frame which will amount to half the amount you would spend on a screen. Therefore, if you are willing to do so and save that extra buck, you can go for a wall instead of a screen.
What Are the Differences? Wall Vs. Projector Screen
Advantages of Using a Wall as a projector screen
Space
You do not need additional space when converting the wall into a projector screen. This is one of the biggest advantages of using a wall as a projector screen. This means you will be saving a lot of space. As a result, you can accommodate more people in the room where you plan to use the projector.
Most importantly, you don’t have to go through the hassle of winding up once you are done. You can simply draw curtains if you wish to hide the screen when it is unused.
Cost
Even though buying the screen paint and the raw materials would amount to that of almost a projector screen. But if you cannot spend a dime more on a screen, then the wall seems to be a cheaper option.
Disadvantages of using a wall as a projector screen
Picture Quality
You need to compromise on picture quality if you wish to use the wall instead of a screen. Here are a few reasons why the picture quality deteriorates when images are projected on the wall.
Blemishes on the wall
Most walls contain blemishes and spots, which reflect on the images when you project something on the wall. This is one reason the picture quality deteriorates.
Color of the wall
Usually, nine out of ten walls have different colors that match the interiors of your house. Even though you can directly project images on the wall, the images lose their brightness if the wall is dark. Therefore, it is best to project images on a white wall.
Hence, if you wish to use the wall instead of a screen, you need to paint the wall white with a screen paint typically manufactured for projectors. This will highlight the images and give you clear pictures. If you own a high-end projector, you can also paint the wall grey for better picture quality.
Most people need to be made aware that screen paint is quite expensive. It amounts to almost that of a projector screen. If you wish to cut costs, I recommend using a primer and one or two light quotes of the screen paint on top of the primer.
The texture of the wall
The wall’s texture is another factor in why the picture quality decreases substantially when projecting images on the wall. The wall may look smooth from a distance, but you may notice bumps on the surface that affect the picture quality when you inspect it closely. Therefore, to get a smooth picture, you need to ensure the wall texture is smooth so that the picture is crisp and clear.
Convenience
As I have stated above, converting a piece of wall into a screen requires a lot of hard work and time. You need to smooth out the rough edges of your wall and then use primer and screen paint on the wall to make sure the images appear clear and do not lose their brightness. Normal wall paints do not reflect light as much as screen paints do.
Moreover, you also need to make a frame for your screen so that when you look at the wall, your eyes do not lose focus. Therefore, the entire process of converting a wall into a projector screen is way more complicated than that of installing a projector screen on the wall.
Lack of Versatility
Most importantly, when using a wall as a projector screen, you must remain confined to one room. You cannot move the screen at your discretion or take it with you in case you relocate. Therefore, if you are staying in a rented apartment and plan to relocate soon, there are better ideas than using a wall as a projector screen and investing in it. Because every time you change your location, you must go through the hard work again.
How do you convert a wall into a projector screen?
By now, it is clear that there are more disadvantages to converting a wall into a projector screen than advantages. But if you still feel it’s a good option, you can proceed.
The steps mentioned below will help you convert the wall in your room into a projector screen.
- Smoothen the wall with sandpaper as much as possible to ensure no bumps and that the surface is smooth.
- Project images on the wall and mark the edges with a pencil.
- Paint the area you wish to convert into a projector screen first with primer and then with white or grey screen paint. Depending on the quality of the picture, you can increase the quotes of the screen paint. One or two quotes over the primer are enough if you are low on a budget.
- Make a screen frame with wood or aluminum and black tape and fix it around the projection image. This frame doesn’t let you lose focus while staring at the screen.
- Project the images again and start watching.
Conclusion: So, Projector Screen vs Wall?
Therefore, I can say that you are thinking about whether to use the wall as a screen or buy a dedicated projector screen instead.
I recommend using a projector screen if you can stretch your budget. You are spoilt for choice as far as projector screens are concerned. It will save you time, energy and be a viable option in the long run.
But if you are hell bound on making the wall into a projector screen, the steps I have mentioned above will help you make one easily. You can proceed if you are happy with the picture quality and ok with the hassles.
However, I am not completely against using the wall as a projector screen. Whatever option you choose, at the end of the day, if you are satisfied with the picture quality and arrangement, then it has served your purpose. It completely depends on a person’s personal choice.
Related: Best ALR Projector Screen
