Guide to Choosing Projection Screen

Size Options

On The Roll

We stock a range of projection screen materials; for help choosing the best one for you, please see the "Screen Choice" section below. Each screen is listed with its individual width, which is usually around 2.2m. We supply the material unfinished and by the linear metre - you can order as many linear metres as you want, but the other dimension will always be the width.

For specific lengths and shapes, all screens can easily be cut down to size with a sharp pair of scissors. Projection screens should be held taut for optimum projection.

Tip: A popular way to set up an unfinished projection screen is to staple it around a wooden frame.

Custom Size and Finishes

If your screen requires any finishes (fixings; like eyelets, pipe pockets, etc.), or both of its dimensions to be larger than the width on the roll, then it needs to be custom made. In that instance, please Contact Us to let us know your preferred screen material, the custom size you require, and any finishes you need (see "Available Finishes" below).

Get In Touch

Tel no: +44 (0) 1173 250 336

Email: sales@stagedepot.co.uk

Screen Choice

Front Projection

Image is projected at the screen, from the front, onto the screen’s reflective surface and bounced back at the audience. Better reflective qualities than rear projection screens, leading to a brighter resultant image with the same strength projector.

Most popular:

White (Black Backed) - 2m width

The most reflective, and therefore brightest, front projection screen, with a wide viewing angle. Opaque, black backing blocks bleed and ambient light from behind.

Front White Black Backed Projection Screen, 2m per linear metre. Most popular and brightest Front Projection Screen with wide viewing angles.

Front Grey - 2.3m width

Better for front projection where ambient light is more prevalent. Its high contrast properties make it perfect for home cinema setups.

Front Grey Projection Screen, 2.3m per linear metre. Best Projection Screen for home theatres.
Illustration of Front Projection Screens

Front Projection Screens are best used for weaker projectors, as the highly reflective surface ensures the most amount of light is reflected back to the viewer, resulting in a brighter image. These typically have wider viewing angles, meaning that those sat either side of the viewing area will have nearly as strong an image as those in the centre. They are specifically designed to maintain clarity and contrast over a wide viewing angle.

Its reflective surface can cause issues with ambient light, as this will also be reflected, washing out the desired image. For theatrical backdrop purposes, it is important to back or side light actors and scenery to prevent shadows on the projection surface.

Rear Projection

Illustration of Rear Projection Screens

Image is projected through the screen, from the rear, with a matt finish on the audience side to help prevent reflection from ambient lighting. Better at tackling areas of high ambient light than front projection screens. The darker colour of rear projection screens means they can be less conspicuously integrated into scenery.

Rear Grey Projection Screen, 2.3m per linear metre. Most popular Rear Projection Screen with the widest viewing angle.

Most popular:

Rear Grey - 2.3m width

Widest viewing angle and highest light transmission of the rear projection screens.

Rear Black Projection Screen, 2.2m per linear metre. Best Projection Screen for hiding in scenery.

Rear Black - 2.2m width

Darker and therefore easier to hide in scenery, but lower transmission. The best screen for tackling ambient light reflections.

Rear Projection Screens are set between the projection source and the viewer, allowing the projector to be hidden from view. As the image needs to penetrate the screen, a brighter projector is needed for a comparably bright image to Front Projection. Actors can then perform in front of the screen without casting shadows over the image.

The darker colour of these screens allows them to be less conspicuously integrated into a set. When not in use, they won't draw audience attention. As the projector is hidden, it can be placed perpendicular to the screen to reduce distortion. They are designed to reduce the effects of "hot-spotting", where a brighter spot at the centre of the projection is visible. However, this also narrows the effective viewing angle to between 60 and 110 degrees.

Twin Projection

Can be used for either front or rear projection, and also, both! Often used in productions that need to seamlessly crossfade between the two.


Most popular:

Twin White - 2.2m width

Equally bright projections when rear or front projected, and a viewing angle of nearly 180 degrees.

Twin White Projection Screen, 2.2m per linear metre. Best Projection Screen for crossfading two images.

Light Translucent - 2.2m width

Extremely high light transmission, therefore best suited in areas of high ambient light, such as outdoors.

Light Translucent Projection Screen, 2.2m per linear metre. Best Projection Screen for use outdoors.
Illustration of a viewing angle in Projection Screens

Twin Projection Screens serve more specialist functions. The Twin White is more suited to standard projection purposes like Front and Rear only screens. However, its versatility is in that it will give equally bright projections when projected either way. Crossfading between a front and rear projection on the same screen can be seamless. Its viewing angle is very wide, giving the whole audience a clear, undistorted image.

Light Translucent is particularly suited to outdoor installation, as the extremely high light transmission lets the image compete with bright ambient light, but less suitable for typical indoor projections.

Projection Screen Paint

Reflective paint for projecting on to with video projector.

Paint For Pros Beamer Projection Paint

A video projection paint, with great reflective qualities. For projecting onto walls and curved surfaces, where you can’t easily install a taut projection screen. Turn any smooth surface into a projection screen.


Available Finishes

Cut Square

Your custom screen, manufactured to desired length and width, no additional finishes. Ideal for fixing around a wooden frame.

Cut Oversize

Cut square, with approx. 200mm of additional screen in each direction. Gives you a little more screen to work with when rigging.

Webbing

Reinforced with 50mm wide webbing, providing a hemmed edge. Webbing available in white or black.

Webbing & Eyelets

Edges are reinforced with 50mm wide webbing and eyelets spaced every 150mm. Screens can then be rigged to an aluminium frame using bungees. Webbing available in white or black. Eyelets available in metal; or; white or black plastic.

Pipe Pockets

Full-length edge pockets, in the top, bottom, and/or sides of your screen, for rigging to/hanging from 48mm aluminium pipe. Popularly used in the bottom edge to provide weight and tension. Breaks can be cut in if needed.

Pipe Pocket with Skirt

Edge pockets are covered by a 200mm flap of the same screen material, concealing framework and creating a continuous projection surface.

Hook & Loop

Black or white hook & loop fastener (with the loop half welded to the back of your screen). Available in 25 or 50mm.

Black Masking

Provides your screen with a border which helps prevent image bleed.

MORE INFO

To view our Projection Screens, click here.

For tips on effective use of Projection Screens, Care & Maintenance and other FAQs, click here.


CUSTOM SCREEN QUOTE

For a custom Projection Screen Quote please, click here.