***NOTE - PLEASE DO NOT POST REPLIES TO THIS - START A NEW THREAD IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS***

If you want something added/changed, please drop me a note or post in this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=643438

There have been a number of requests for a consolidated FAQ/Reference for the Screens forum to help new members sort through the vast sea of posts to extract information. I have also seen a number of the same questions continually reappearing. Hopefully this will provide a good starting point for members to get a quick answer or find a reference point to start their search.

There is no way that the information contained in many thousands of posts can be distilled into a single thread and convey all of the data and insights that have been put forth by all the AVS members who have contributed to this forum. Hopefully though, this will provide a good enough summary to get the small questions answered and enough direction to lead you to where you need to go.

This is an ongoing reference thread that should continue to be updated. I have included what I believe to be most of the highlights or more prominent topics that may be of interest. If there are things that are missing/incorrect or additional references (links) that should be added, let me know.

If people find this to be useful, then we can possibly ask the mods to make it a sticky note so that it will be easily accessible.

NOTE: The search function of the forum is a powerful tool that too often goes unused. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for in here, make sure to do a search of the forum for keywords you are interested in. Also, a lot of the older posts have been moved to the Archives forum. A search in there may also yield the answers you seek.


DIY Screen Materials
There are a number of reasons people choose to go the DIY route for a projection screen. High on the list is probably cost, but other reasons such as the need for a quick solution or personal innovation may factor in.

The search for DIY solutions can probably be initially categorized as Basic Screens and Enhanced Screens. The Basic Screens are materials and/or paints that provide you with a matte white screen. This is the everyday plain jane screen. If you are just looking for a standard screen and not looking to solve any deficiencies, this is the screen for you. The Enhanced Screens are materials and/or paints that are used in an attempt to provide improvements in specific area(s). The improvement areas normally targeted are: contrast, brightness (gain), and shedding ambient light.

Basic Screens (matte white)
The materials most commonly referenced are:
Blackout cloth
Parkland Plastics Poly-Wall
Do-able Board
Durotherm
GatorBoard
Sintra foamboard
Artist Canvas
Laminate

What is Blackout cloth?
Blackout cloth is a white fabric with a cloth side and a rubbery side. It’s intended use is for lining drapes to “black out” the light coming in through the windows. It can be found at fabric stores such as Joann’s.

Which side of the Blackout cloth should I project onto?
This is personal preference. Both sides have been used and different members have expressed different preferences. Try both and pick the one that looks best to you.

What is Parkland Plastics Poly-Wall?
Parkland Plastics Poly-Wall, or often referred to as simply Parkland, is a plastic waterproof panel. It is a flexible material, so will need to mounted to prevent it from sagging. It has been found at home improvement stores such as Home Depot (SKU 179-646) and Lowe’s, though not in every one across the U.S. It is normally sold in a 4’ x 8’ piece. Larger pieces are available directly from Parkland Plastics, but they have realized the large number of HT enthusiasts who have started using their product as screens and have started to market it as a screen material and raised their prices significantly.

This is the thread that first discussed Parkland:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...&threadid=93780

What is Do-able board?
A MDF hardboard made by Do-able Products Inc., it has a melamine finish and is referred to as a white vinyl panel. Sold at Home Depot, SKU 174-278, model #63036. It is available in a 4’ x 8’ piece (actual dimensions are 49" x 97").
Note: so far, it's only available in these states: AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, MT, OR, UT & WA.

This thread is dedicated to Do-able and it's use as a quick and easy low-cost solution if all you need is a white screen:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617173

Where can I find Parkland or Do-able?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=317025

What is Durotherm?
Durotherm is a corrugated plastic panel, with a similar surface as Parkland. It seems that it has been found to only be available from Menard's, SKU #: 5072700, PP's UPC #:637553000937. ($30.00)

What is GatorBoard?
Gatorboard, also referred to as GatorFoam is a foam core board that has been laminated. Usually can be found in 4’ x 8’ piece but can be custom ordered for larger.

What is Sintra PVC?
Sintra is a rigid, closed-cell PVC that is normally used for making signs. It can usually be found at sign supply stores.

Can I use a framed artist canvas as a screen?
A number of members have had good results with using an artist canvas as a screen. Since the texture is rough, you would probably want to look for a canvas with the smallest weave. The advantage of using a canvas is that it is readily available and can be bought stretched on a frame. Probably the biggest disadvantage is the size limitation of what you can find.
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb...threadid=385561

What is laminate?
Laminate is a countertop material. Some advantages are that it can be found in sizes larger than 4 x 8 and it is readily available from a number of manufacturers. The most tested/referenced material has been WilsonArt Designer White laminate sheet color 354-60 that is being referred to in various threads as DW.

Free 2x3 inch samples can be requested from the manufacturer at www.wilsonart.com

Wilson Art Designer White Laminate is available at most Home Depot as a special order material and comes in standard sizes of 4x8 5x8 5x10 5x12. Optical qualities are similar to Do-able.

Main laminate thread (mentions DW starting at around post #34)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708240

Laminate screenshots
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=749273


Enhanced Screens
The materials/paints researched were all in the pursuit of a “better” screen. “Better” means different things to different people, depending upon the deficiencies they want to improve upon. The two approaches taken are either through the use of available materials or the application of a specific paint formula.

Materials

Silver PVC fabric
The Silver PVC fabric is used to increase gain. However, the large drawback with the use of this material is the hotspotting. The current state of this research is to use a frosted vinyl sheet on top of the material. Another alternative is to make a curved screen to minimize the hotspotting.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=309782

Formica
Formica is available in a variety of colors. Finding a suitable color to provide the picture-enhancing qualities desired would provide an easy ready-made solution. Not many have tried this, although there was some success with it.
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...threadid=383528

Paint Formulas

Glidden Misty Evening
Glidden Folkstone
Behr Silverscreen
These are off-the-shelf colors that a number of people have had success with. Misty Evening (often referred to as ME) was found by member CMRA to enhance the contrast of his projected images. Behr Silverscreen, recommended by member bcortez is the latest color that has garnered a lot of attention for also providing contrast enhancement.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=390146

Ddog v1
Member ddog was one of the early pioneers on this forum to develop a screen paint formula. This was highly touted at the time and can still be used for reference. Ddog also briefly reappeared to present the Ddog v2 formula, which used automobile paints. However, for whatever reason (difficulty in obtaining the paints, applying?), it did not appear that anyone else tried the formula to confirm or dismiss it’s effectiveness.

Base coat: Semi-gloss Pure White
Top coat: 50% (behr style) silver, 40% faux glaze, 10% pure white

Apply 3 base coats and 3 top coats

ddog v2 reference
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb...threadid=351808

algol’s gesso formula
This was not a very long running thread but it does show the experimentation with acrylic paints, which had not been discussed much up to this point.

16 oz. Liquitex Basics Acrylic Gesso, white
8 oz. Liquitex Colored Acrylic Gesso, neutral gray
2 x 2 oz. Liquitex Concentrated Medium Viscosity Acrylic Artist Color, iridescent white
2 x 2 oz. Liquitex Concentrated Medium Viscosity Acrylic Artist Color, iridescent bright silver
2 x 2 oz. DecoArt Pearlizing Medium
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb...threadid=216753

Color-neutral Gray
Tom_Bombadil did some research on creating a color neutral gray screen. The impetus being that off-the-shelf “gray” colors would often have other colors added to them. So in using them to gain benefits such as contrast enhancement, you would also be introducing undesirable color-shifting.

He arrived at two formulas (per quart):
"Bombadil Gray"
(0 4 0) Lamp Black
(0 2 0) Raw Umber

"Light Bombadil Gray"
(0 3 0) Lamp Black
(0 1 0) Raw Umber
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...threadid=344875
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...threadid=418361

Mississippi Mud
Mississippi Man had created a “Goo”-like paint mix to provide increased contrast and image detail enhancement. This was used independently early on, but through the collaboration with CMRA, was incorporated into the “Light Fusion” screen.

All Paints are Flat Latex
1 quart of Behr Deep Base (1300)
1 quart of Behr Ultra Pure White Flat “Ceiling”
1 quart of Behr “White Opal” Pearlescence (Behr Premium Plus with Style Pearlescent White Opal No. 751)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=359152

Silver Metallic/Mississippi Mud (SM/MM) and Light Fusion (LFS)
A quick AVS Screens forum history recap, as this topic has probably generated the most acronyms and lengthy posts. The references to these formulas are probably the most difficult for a new member to follow. I’ve been frequenting this forum for a while and I’m not sure if I even have it right. If not, make sure to correct me where I’m wrong.

MM Mississippi Mud (see above)
SD Super Deluxe
SM Silver Metallic
SM/MM Silver Metallic/Mississippi Mud
SP Superplex
SD/MM Super Deluxe/Mississippi Mud
LF Light Fusion

When CMRA first starting experimenting with plexiglass, Super Deluxe was the formula for the top coat. This was applied to a sheet of plexiglass and silver metallic paint was applied to the other side. This screen was also referred to as Superplex.

Working with Mississippi Man, they determined that Mississippi Mud was a preferred topcoat and switched over to that. Additionally, instead of the plexi with silver metallic, a mirror was used instead. So the use of MM on top of a mirror was coined Light Fusion due to a plasma-like glow that is supposedly exhibited.

The SM/MM is a similar concept, except it is silver metallic painted on a wall as a base coat and Mississippi Mud on top.

Acoustically Transparent (Perforated) Screens
Another important goal when planning your home theater is the interaction between the screen and the audio component of the theater. From an audio perspective, you can achieve the best sound stage by having your front speakers at the same level and coming from behind the screen. This helps anchor the sound to the image.

If this is an important factor, then the screen selected/created needs to account for the speaker placement behind the screen. Thus, an acoustically transparent (neutral) screen is required to allow the sound to pass through unhindered. This is the typical setup at the local movie theatre.

Acoustically transparent screens are usually either perforated with many holes or are some type of woven cloth material. The drawbacks of these types of screens are that not only are they acoustically transparent, they are also light transparent, and let a good deal of light through. So they are usually unity gain or less. Another potential drawback is moiré, due to the interaction of the perforations and the pixel structure from the projector.

Some references:
http://www.hometheaterbuilder.com/i...d%20screens.htm
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=400260

Most of the commercial versions of these screens are fairly expensive, from the common vendors such as Stewart, Da-lite, Draper, and Screen Research. There hasn’t been much DIY activity in this area, and probably the only notable pure DIY implementation of an acoustically neutral screen is from budwich, who used a sheer-weave window blind:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=404463

The most discussed economical “DIY” alternative has been the use of Dazian Coated Celtic Cloth. A number of members have used this material for constructing screens. And it may come in larger sizes than that of blackout cloth. The following are a couple of threads discussing it:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=369902
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb...threadid=402073

Shearweave
Of late, SandmanX has done extensive testing of Open Weave Vinyl Screen material. He has found good results with the Shearweave 4000 product and has had it tested for both visual and acoustical performance.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=640385

Referenced Commercial products
These are commercial products designed specifically for painting screens. To keep in line with the forum rules and avoid the promotion of these products, they will not be discussed here. Do a search and you will find threads that provide the relevant info on these products.
Goo
Opticoat


Screen Building Examples
There are a number of threads/websites where members have described the screens that they have built and in some cases, provided a detailed tutorial. Here are a handful that for reference. A detailed search will probably yield a lot more results.

Blackout cloth
http://www.eldamar.net/house/ht/screenHowTo.html
http://members.shaw.ca/danhanson/Th...reenproject.htm
http://klyckproductions.homestead.c...creenbuild.html
http://www.brucearmstrong.net/hometheater/
http://www.thekasks.dnsalias.com:79...ater/screen.htm

Other cloth
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...threadid=271423
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...threadid=287027

Cloth on Aluminum frame
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=366191

Hardboard
http://www.whatisrazar.com/screen.html
http://www.chriswhitworth.com/hometheater.htm
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/screen.html
http://members.fortunecity.com/gambitx/
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb...threadid=406441

Masking
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=350149
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb...threadid=400361
http://community.webshots.com/album/20548922LrrFAMIZzI

Other General Screen-related Questions

What is masking for?
First of all, let’s make a distinction between masking and the border for a screen. A black border is usually placed around the screen to finish the screen and increase the perceived contrast of the image.

Masking is placing black cloth over the unused part of the screen to absorb light overspill and the black/gray bars that you would get when watching a movie that is a different aspect ratio than that of your screen. Some people find these bars distracting and and the masking hides them so that the viewable part of the screen is entirely filled with the image of the show.

The commonly used materials for masking are velvet, velveteen, black felt, duventyne tape, and commando cloth. Basically anything black that will absorb the light.

What Aspect ratio should my screen be?
It depends upon your viewing habits. If you are watching mostly regular TV, then 4:3. If you’re watching HDTV, then 16:9 would be the way to go. However, a combination of different sources makes it a little trickier. As is the follow-up question:

What widescreen aspect ratio should my screen be?
If you choose 16:9 (1.78:1)
Pros –
Standard HDTV format
Don’t need to adjust projector for zooming image
Cons –
Wider aspect movies (e.g. 2.35:1) are smaller and need top/bottom masking

If you choose 2.35:1
Pros –
Gives you the largest image possible for the wider movies (which quite a few are shot at)
Constant height, so still get the same size image for 16:9
Cons –
Need to do side masking
Need to zoom the image at the projector when going to lower aspect ratio (however, if using a HTPC, can possibly control zooming there)


Where should I position my screen?
The general rule of thumb is that eye level should be 1/3 of the screen height up from the bottom of the screen. When seated, eye level is usually 3 ½’ to 4’ from the ground. However, there are other factors such as projector placement that may play into this decision.

I have projector xyz, what is the best screen for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In addition to the specific strengths/weaknesses of your projector, there is the question of personal preference, viewing habits, and other environmental factors that play into this. Does your projector need contrast enhancement? Are you viewing in a light-controlled environment? Do you have a light cannon or would your projector benefit from a high gain screen?

What is the fabric sold on ebay (by moates) and how does it compare to blackout cloth?
A number of members have purchased the fabric off of ebay and have been pleased with it. However, not too many people who have purchased it have done a direct comparison with BO cloth. There has been a reference that they were similar in performance, but not enough responses to say one way or the other.