Going to the movies and watching your favorite movies on the big screen can be an extremely fun experience. On the other hand, you may not always have the courage to go, or you may want to organize your own movie night. Therefore, making your own projector can be a great way to enjoy the big screen experience without leaving the comfort of your home, as well as being in the company of your friends and family.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make a Painted Screen
Step 1. Imagine the big picture
Before preparing to create a painted screen, it may help to have a general understanding of the project. Knowing what to expect will give you the right materials and the ability to assemble them properly at each stage of the process. Review the following general steps to get an idea of the project:
- Purchase wall and display paint.
- Paint the entire wall.
- Paint the screen.
- Set up a frame.
Step 2. Get the right paint
Since the main surface of this screen will be painted, it is very important that you get the right type of paint. If you use the wrong one, the image quality may be reduced or altered. Before proceeding, make sure the paint is suitable for the display you will be creating.
A recommended paint is extra white smooth satin enamel
Step 3. Paint the wall
Once you have the paint, you can start painting. However, don't paint the exact area where you'll be placing the screen yet, as it may be a good idea to paint the entire wall first. In this way, you could give the screen contrast, which will make it stand out and avoid paint drips on it.
- Turn on the projector and place it where you want the image on the wall to be.
- Mark the internal area of the place where you will project the image.
- Paint the wall around this edge, not yet touching the area where the screen will be.
- Use a paint that is non-reflective and darker than the paint on your screen.
Step 4. Paint the screen
After painting the wall, you can start with the screen. Before creating your screen area, take your time and make sure everything is in place. Keep the following tips in mind when painting your screen:
- Move the tape to the outer edge of the screen.
- Sand the area and make sure the wall surface is flat and free of holes, cracks, or lumps.
- Apply a primer and let it dry.
- Apply the first coat of paint. For the best results, use a small roller.
- Once the first coat is smooth and dry, you can add a second.
Step 5. Add a simple frame
To finish the screen, you could add a simple black frame. The easiest way to do this is by using a black velvet ribbon. This frame will give your screen a fuller appearance and will also help improve image quality.
- Add a strip of black velvet to each edge of the screen.
- Make sure the tape is evenly attached, and the frame is level and straight.
- Make sure the tape is attached to the wall smoothly.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Fixed Screen
Step 1. Find a good wall space
Before you begin building your projector screen, you will need to find a suitable space in your home. This space should be ideal for the projector as well as being wide enough to hang the screen at an adequate distance from the projector.
- Make sure the wall has enough space to place the finished screen.
- You should have enough space in the room so that the projector is at the proper distance from the screen.
- All projector models have different requirements.
Step 2. Measure the projector image
Once you find the ideal space in your home to place the projector and screen, you will need to measure the actual size of the image emitted by the projector. This will allow you to determine the final size of the screen.
- Turn on the projector and test the image.
- Measure the size of the image where you will place the screen.
- Write down the width and length of the screen.
Step 3. Gather the supplies and tools you will need
After measuring the size of the image that the projector emits, it is time to gather the materials necessary to make the screen. The size of this will vary depending on the space and the projector model, but you will still need the following materials:
- Four pine boards for the frame. Two of them will be longer and run horizontally, while the other two will be the vertical sides of the frame.
- Materials for the display. A good option would be a seamless white paper or dark cloth about 53 inches (135 cm).
- Make sure you have at least 5 inches (12 cm) extra of display material so that you can secure it to the back of the frame.
- Screws and a screwdriver.
- Flat clamps for corners.
- Three or four picture hangers.
- A level and a pencil to make the guide lines.
Step 4. Create the frame
The frame will be the base on which you will fix the screen. Creating a square, level frame will allow the screen to lie flat, smooth, and optimized for use. Follow the steps below to create the perfect frame:
- If the boards are very long, use a handsaw to cut them to length.
- Lay the frame on a flat surface.
- Put a clamp on each corner where the boards meet.
- Screw the wood through the clamps.
- Check the stability of the frame. If necessary, you can add additional clamps.
Step 5. Fix the screen
After making the frame, you can fix the material for the lampshade. Make sure to do it slowly and carefully to ensure it adequately covers the frame and there are no wrinkles or depressions that could affect image quality.
- Place the screen on the ground.
- Place the frame on top of the screen and center it.
- Spread the extra screen material over the edge of the frame.
- Staple the screen to the frame. Place the staples about 10 inches (25 cm) apart.
- Keep the screen taut as you attach the staples, and try to remove wrinkles in the process.
- Staple around the frame every 5 inches (12 cm).
Step 6. Add the finishing touches
While the screen is pretty much done, you will still need to add a few extra items. These final touches will allow you to easily hang it on a wall, as well as make the edges look neat and professional-looking.
- Screw picture hangers evenly along the top horizontal beam of the frame.
- You can place black art tape around the edges of the screen for a more stylistic finish.
- A dark edge will also improve image quality by reducing light reflection.
Step 7. Make the guidelines
Before hanging your display, you should make sure to hang it in the right place. Once you do, it will be difficult to change his position, so take your time and try to be exact.
- Activates the test image from the projector.
- Use a pencil to lightly outline where the image will be projected.
- Use this guide to help you hang your screen in the correct place.
Step 8. Mount the display on a wall
Now that you have attached the display to the frame, it is time to hang it on the wall. Place it in the exact position where you took the original measurements to ensure that the projected image fits. Once the screen is hung, it will be time to sit back and enjoy your favorite movies.
- Use a stud finder to locate stable spots on the wall where you can place the hanger screws, and mark them with a pencil.
- Draw a level line between the points where you will place the screws.
- Use a screwdriver to fit the screws.
- Hang up the screen and enjoy your movies.
Method 3 of 3: Make a Portable Projector Screen
Step 1. Gather the supplies and tools you will need
Creating a portable screen can be a fun way to watch movies anywhere there is electricity. To make your display and frame, you will need to purchase some simple materials from a nearby hardware store. Read the following list of materials and tools you will need to get started with creating your screen:
- PVC pipe cutting tool
- glue for PVC pipes
- a 6 m (20 ft) rope.
- a drill to make holes in PVC pipes
- 6 PVC pipes, 3 m (10 inches) long and 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter
- 8 PVC 90 degree elbows 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter
- 2 x 1 inch diameter 45 degree PVC elbows
- 1 straight connector
- 6 x 2.5 cm (1 inch) diameter “T” connectors
- Scotch tape
- 1 x 1.8 x 2.4 m (6 x 8 ft) white tarp
Step 2. Cut the tubes
You will need to cut the PVC pipes you purchased to the proper sizes before you begin to assemble them. It is important that you measure them carefully and make the cuts accurately. Review the following list to make sure the cuts are correct:
- Cut two tubes to a length of 2.6 m (8 feet 6 inches). Save the leftover parts.
- Cut two pipes to a length of 6 feet 6 inches. Save the leftover parts.
- Cut two tubes to a length of 1.9 m (6 feet 3 inches). Do not throw away the excess parts.
Step 3. Build the frame
After assembling all the pieces and cutting the tubes to the appropriate length, you can begin with the assembly of the screen. Since PVC pipes have a standard measurement, the construction of the screen will only require connecting the pieces to one another. Look at the following order of connections to make the frame:
- Connect the two 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m) tubes to the 6 ft 6 in (2 m) tubes using the 90 degree connectors. This will create the lower rectangular base.
- Connect the three “T” connectors to the 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) tubing. They should be spaced 2 feet (60 cm) apart and located in the corners.
- At the back of the base, place the 1 m (3 ft 6 in) pieces of tubing into the “T” connectors closest to the corners.
- Place the 90 degree elbows on the 3 ft 6 in (1 m) tubes, and then attach the 1 ft 6 in (45 cm) piece. Now add a 45 degree elbow to the end of that tube.
- Starting from these 45-degree elbows, connect the 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) pieces and connect them in turn to the “T” connectors.
- Use a straight connector to join the 1.1 m (3 ft 9 in) tubing. Add a 90 degree elbow at each end.
- Attach a 3-inch piece of tubing and attach it to the center “T” connectors.
Step 4. Attach the tarp
After placing the screen, you can fix the canvas to finish the portable screen. To do this, drill the same holes in the tube, pass the string through them and fix the screen to the frame.
- Drill holes in the four corners of the frame.
- Thread the rope through the holes.
- Thread the string along the frame, passing it through the holes in the tarp.
- Tie the string to secure the screen in place.
Advice
- Use a level to make sure the screen is not skewed.
- Make sure the frame is square and level before attaching the screen.
- Don't forget to buy an extra 12 cm (5 inches) of screen material.
- If you want to improve the image quality, you can add artwork tape or black felt to the edge of the screen.