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 PaintSmart Short Throw Projector Screen PaintSmart White Projector Screen Paint ProSmart Interactive Projector Screen PaintSmart Clear Projector Screen PaintSmart High Contrast Projector Screen PaintSmart Ultra High Contrast Projector Screen PaintSmart Ambient Light Rejecting Projector Screen PaintSmart Black Projector Screen PaintSmart Outdoor Projector Screen PaintSmart Floor Projector Screen Paint
ColorWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteTransparentLight GreyGreyLight GreyBlackWhiteWhite
Gain Value @ 90°0.90 - 1.051.211.241.251.030.760.320.710.21.251.23
Reflectivity - LRV (CIE Y, D65 @ 10° Observer)82 - 90115%115%116%103%75%29%71%14%119%117%
Contrast Ratio80.0 - 95.0%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/A1 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 StandardQuality
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 3
Quality
Level 3
Surface Smoothness Required - US StandardLevel 4Level 5Level 5Level 5Level 5Level 5Level 5Level 5Level 5Level 4Level 4
Minimum Recommended Lumen ValueN/A1,0001,2001,0001,2001,5002,0002,0002,5002,5002,500
Suitable for use in Light ConditionsModerate Ambient LightModerate to High Ambient LightModerate to High Ambient LightModerate to High Ambient LightModerate to High Ambient LightDark Room or Room with light controlsDark Room or Room with light controlsDark Room or Room with light controlsDark Room or Room with light controlsModerate to High Ambient LightModerate to High Ambient Light
Gloss Measurement - Gloss Units @ 60°4 - 20181418866361912
Wall FinishMattMattMattMattMattMattMattMattMattMattMatt
Sound Absorption Coefficient* (based on painting standard 12mm gypsum board)Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted Board α = 0.04-0.07 Painted Board α = 0.04-0.07Unpainted 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

*Note that the sound absorption coefficient varies with frequency

Projector paints comparison table Smarter Surfaces July 2023

Click the image to open the PDF Comparison Table

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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.