What's a good rear screen?

[fl0werb3an]

So we just moved into this house that has a covered patio and thought it might be fun to set up a projector for movie nights. Got a ViewSonic projector and wanted a rear screen so we could also watch from the firepit behind the patio. The problem is, I can't find a good rear screen that works outside and costs less than $600. Most are either too expensive or not made for outdoor use. Has anyone tried a DIY fix or found a cheaper screen that lasts outside?

 

[bid$h0w]

Yes, I find that looking for a durable outdoor rear projection screen under that price point is really challenging coz those two requirements often contradict each other. While a brand new commercial outdoor screen might cost more, there's a strong and very active community that's found great results with DIY solutions.

A simple and surprisingly effective option is using a white or frosted vinyl shower curtain liner stretched tightly on a PVC pipe frame. Some people have also used a white or grey drop cloth for a softer image. Just make sure it's completely flat to avoid wrinkles that distort the picture. This kind of setup can be easily disassembled and stored away when not in use too. So much more convenient.

 

[mercoal_89]

Yes, I find that looking for a durable outdoor rear projection screen under that price point is really challenging coz those two requirements often contradict each other. While a brand new commercial outdoor screen might cost more, there's a strong and very active community that's found great results with DIY solutions.

A simple and surprisingly effective option is using a white or frosted vinyl shower curtain liner stretched tightly on a PVC pipe frame. Some people have also used a white or grey drop cloth for a softer image. Just make sure it's completely flat to avoid wrinkles that distort the picture. This kind of setup can be easily disassembled and stored away when not in use too. So much more convenient.

Been wanting to do something fun like this for my niece and nephew too, so I'm glad you brought it up. Have you tested the liner with a projector yet or just planning it out? Love to know if anyone's tried layering blackout cloth or even using a second curtain behind it to help with ambient light.

 

[F Aupiais]

I agree about using frosted shower curtain liners stretched over a frame as a budget rear projection screen. Are you planning to leave it up full-time or just set it up for movie nights?

 

[BoldCreations]

So we just moved into this house that has a covered patio and thought it might be fun to set up a projector for movie nights. Got a ViewSonic projector and wanted a rear screen so we could also watch from the firepit behind the patio. The problem is, I can't find a good rear screen that works outside and costs less than $600. Most are either too expensive or not made for outdoor use. Has anyone tried a DIY fix or found a cheaper screen that lasts outside?

vinyl shower curtain maybe a good idea, but before you settle on tht, you might want to look into white spandex fabric (the thin, performance-wear kind). It’s amazing for rear projection because it’s inherently stretchy, so it gets rid of wrinkles way easier than a drop cloth when you pull it over a frame. It costs maybe $30-$50 for enough material and gives a really clean, uniform image.