Using Projector Without Screen – Projector Screen vs Wall

People may wonder, can they use a projector without a screen? Is the projector screen necessary? Does the projector screen make a difference from another screen? I spent some time researching this topic, and  I believe I have some understandable answers for you to understand the fact. Can you use a projector without a screen? Yes! But using a projector with no screen will reduce the quality of the viewable picture.

Projection Choices: Screen vs. Wall

Projection Choices Screen vs. Wall

Projector screens have a special coating on them that is different than the other walls. The coating helps us see the screen better. Therefore, an image projected onto a wall will not be as bright as it would appear on a screen. The wall should be completely white.

The normal white wall will provide a good surface for an image to be projected, but there are some downsides. A wall does not mirror a light near beside a projector screen. The exterior of a wall is also not as smooth as you would think. Get close to the wall, and you will see what I mean.

This article will go comprehensively on why you shouldn’t use a projector with no screen. I will also spell out what we need to be done to a wall if you decide to use it over a typical projector screen from the market. Let not be depressed by what I say to you!

If you don’t want to purchase or use a projector screen, you don’t have to do it. You are mature enough, and you can make your own decisions by yourself; I want you to be enlightened of some issues that you make a new experience for watching. Now let’s get it from this!

Projector Screen vs Wall – Can You Use a Projector Without a Screen? 

What is a Projector Screen

Here so many reasons that using a projector with no screen isn’t ideal for this part.

  1. The color of the wall and how it reflects it is.
  2. The uneven texture of walls.

The color of the wall reflects the properties of the screen

Projector screens have an unusual coating that improves theirs reflect the properties of the screen. A regular wall will not have this unusual coating. Therefore, a picture projected onto the wall will not be close to less shine as it would happen on a screen. In general, the color of a wall would also need to be entirely white.

A white object will be more reflective than any other color. It’s a scientific theory that a darker wall will not mirror the projector’s light enough to provide a clear picture.

If the screen drowns out the light, you won’t see the details in the image. So if the wall isn’t plain white, you would need to renew it to gain the best results of the screen.

The Appearance of the Wall:

The rough exterior of a wall will probably cause problems with the projected picture. A wall may seem flat and smooth, but most walls are not as smooth as they seem at the initial glimpse.

Being run your hand covering the area. You will suitable feel defects such as small lumps and crannies. These small defects will cause tiny shadows to appear on the projected image. This situation will cause the picture to be less bright and crumbly overall.

If you have a low-budget projector with a low-quality picture, these defects won’t impact the picture. But if you have a charge in a high-quality projector, then the small imperfections profoundly impact the picture quality. A projector screen produces an ultra-smooth and highly contemplative exterior that a regular wall cannot compete with this screen.

How to Use a Wall as a Screen Projector:

Blank Wall

As I mentioned earlier, it’s not ideal to use a projector with no screen. So if you want to select a wall to use slightly of a projector screen, then this can do few things to increase the quality of the image projected.

1. Smoothen The Wall as Much as Possible:

You want the wall to be as flat and with the as little exterior as viable.  As I mentioned, small lumps and clefts on the wall will induce miniature darknesses to seem.

First, you will need to turn off the lights and use a torch or project a picture onto the wall if you have a projector already. This screen will help distinguish any problem zones. Use a pencil or something else to identify these areas correctly.

Once these areas are marked, scour or a power sander to flatten the wall. You will need to stand and draw the wall multiple times to get the wall smoother as early as possible. A smooth wall is the symbol of a happy wall!

2. Draw the wall: 

The finest solution for using a projector on a wall is to draw the wall with a projector screen paint. It is not 100% necessary, but it admits the wall to showcase the light more effectively. This type of design is that it’s not low-budget.

quart of screen paint (on Amazon) values about half the projector screen in the market. This type of screen paint is one of the more economical options out where.

Ultra HD Premium Screen Paint (Quart)
  • Up to 50% brighter than a painted white wall
  • Anti-glare sheen for maximum brightness with no reflection or hot spot
  • Works great with 4K & HD Projectors
  • Acrylic latex paint water based paint for safe and quick application and clean up.
  • Can be rolled or sprayed on any smooth surface, covers 40 SQ FT screen with 2 coats. (Use white latex primer prior to application if needed)

My preference is to design the area with typical white dye or manual first. After grinding, readdressing, etc., you can put in a thinner coat of the screen paint than the same zone. If you only have a gallon of color, then 1 or 2 thinner tunics over a regular white paint or manual is a great option if you are in a low-cost situation.

full gallon of high-quality screen paint (on Amazon) will value about the same as one of my favorite projector screens in the market, the Silver Ticket 100″ Fixed Frame Projector Screen (on Amazon).

Paint on Screen Projector Screen Paint | Single-Coat Short Throw Projector Screen Paint For Picture...
  • TURN ANY SURFACE INTO A SCREEN: Paint On Screen makes it easy to transform any wall, ceiling, floor, dome, window, building, or other surface into a beautiful high-quality projection screen.
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY: Paint On Screen's technology allows you to paint a vivid 2D or 3D screen with 1080 HD & 4K UHD clarity in under an hour. It outperforms the most costly theater projection screens.
  • SUPERIOR PICTURE QUALITY: Projection screen paint offers a low ratio of extinction for 3D, is 4K UHD compatible, and offers 160 degree wide axis viewing as well as high polarization retention.
  • OUTPERFORMS ROLL-UP SCREENS: Paint On Screen is very good at boosting contrast, adding depth to images, liquefying blacks, eliminating hotspots, expanding viewing angle, and rejecting ambient light.
  • EASY TO USE: With no need for special mixing or for tools, Paint On Screen is very applied with only one application. It can be wiped clean with no loss of performance and can be reapplied if damaged.

Silver Ticket Products STR Series 6 Piece Home Theater Fixed Frame 4K / 8K Ultra HD, HDTV, HDR &...
  • Wall Mounted Fixed Frame Projection Screen (Overall Size 53.75" Tall x 91.875" Wide) (Viewing Area 100" Diagonal x 49" Tall x 87.125" Wide) No option for Legs or Stands with this product. Recommended for projectors with Native 16:9 Resolution
  • 1.1 Gain White screen surface with an exceptionally wide viewing angle at 160 degrees with no resolution loss at any viewing angle. Works great with Long, Short and Ultra Short Throw projectors.
  • 2 3/8" heavy duty beveled aluminum frame wrapped in light-absorbing black velvet material for a beautifully crisp viewing image; Enjoy beautiful movies, pictures, and games in FULL HD, 4K / 8K and Active 3D
  • Quick and easy assembly with tensioning rod system ensures that you can bring cinema-quality entertainment to your home in just a few minutes. Secure top and bottom mounting brackets that allow horizontal adjustment
  • Before purchasing, project an image on wall to determine the size works for the projector and watch the step by step instructional video listed.

The finest solution is to use multiple shells of screen paint, but you will probably need more than a quart to do so. Most of the time, you will use white screen paint; however, if your projector has a very high lumen count (around 3,500), consider using gray.

Securing 3,500 lumens onto a white screen will feel a bit blinding. The screen would reflect an immense amount of light directly at your eyeballs. But most of the time, plain white screen paint is the best option. You don’t have to paint the wall with specific screen paint, but it is a great addition.

3. Create a Frame Around the Projected Image:

A frame is an important addition to any screen! After having a prominently border around the screen helps the spectator focus on the higher quality Picture. This screen is essential than you think, I promise! Almost all market screens have a black outline around the projection area because it boosts the picture grade.

It gives a clear starting and finishes it to where the picture is estimated. The frame typically helps the eye maintain center on what is being exhibited and not where the screen’s border is fixed.

Some people, including myself, fight with concentrating on super minor details of the screen. Small things like the border of a projector’s picture will be pretty diverting. The frame also intensifies the difference between the wall and the picture.

To easily build a frame, firstly, set up your projector in the perfect location. Then display a full picture onto the wall and use a pencil to trace around the entire projected picture.

After marking the area, use black velvet tape to outline the place. If you want the frame, look even greater, build a wooden frame to size. I would recommend wrapping each piece of the wooden frame in a thin black carpet. So this is what we did, and it looks magnificent!

Conclusion

You don’t have to do these specific things to use a projector with no screen. You can mark any projector onto any wall. Nobody will stop you, but if you are compact OCD, these shortages may get disturbing as time passes.

With that said, if you still select to use a projector with no screen, then I highly recommend doing the three things described above. Smoothen that wall, draw it, smoothen it some more, draw it again, etc. Then place a nice jet black frame around the estimated area. These things will make a detectable difference, I promise!

But in reality, the projector screens aren’t that costly. After buying the screen draw and materials for the border, you spend the time prepping everything. Is it worth it to do all this work when you could purchase a prebuilt projector screen? In my opinion, no, not really!

There are many fair-priced projector screens on the market, although you don’t need a special one if you were wondering. Check out our website and read the details so that you can find your favorite choices. If you want the cheapest option possible, I suggest buying the projector screen material and building a customized frame.

This screen is the finest solution for cost reduction, but that is just my judgment. But if you have the extra budget or cash, then definitely purchase a fixed frame projector screen and save yourself a certain time and effort for this.

If you’re focused on using a projector screen in a living room, then check out my article. It has honestly been a wonderful experience, and I encourage you to try it if possible!

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Best Seller List of Projector Screens:

Bestseller No. 1
Projector Screen with Stand, Towond 100 inch Outdoor Projector Screen Portable Indoor Projection...
  • Lightweight and Detachable tripod:Projector screen stand is very durable, making it not easy to bend, deform, and break. The stand is not only beautiful but also lightweight. The projection screen pairing with grounding spikes,ropes and a sandbag make it to sturdy enough to be used in outdoor.
  • Wrinkle-Free Movie Screen: 100 inch projector screen, 16:9 format,160° Wide Viewing Angle. screen for projector is made of polyester milk silk, thicker than other ordinary screens. The movie projector screen is foldable, washable and soft, so it is very portable and easy to clean from stains.Thick and Wrinkle-Free design giving you more fun, even support FRONT and REAR projection.
  • Easy to Assemble and Disassemble: outdoor projector screen comes with an instruction manual to quickly set up and get started in just a few steps. Very quick and easy. Detachable crossbar can be assembled easily with no tools required, and the tripod can be opened quickly. Great for rapidly transferring places with less time.
  • Easy to Carry: Portable projector screen can be packed in the included carry bag, easily transported, and is well protected.You only need one hand to lift the 7.4 pounds screen for projector and carry it anywhere you want to go to start your movie journey.Its portability allows it to be widely used for various activities outdoors or indoors, perfect for home, camping, school, office, wedding, church, etc.
  • Professional After-sales Service: The projector screen and stand come with all necessary tools (projection screen, tripod, carry bag, and other accessories) . We focus on your shopping experience. If you have any problem with our projector screen with tripod, please feel free to contact us and we will make every effort to solve it for you quickly.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Mdbebbron 120 inch, Polyester Matte Screen, 16:9, Foldable, Anti-Crease, Projection Screen for Home...
  • CONVENIENT TO STORAGE AND CARRY : Compact one-piece,lightweight and folding design. You can fold the projector screen in small size and put it in your backpack or suitcase
  • WIDE APPLICATION : Ideal choice for home theater movie,office,education, conference room presentation, public display, outdoor movie and more
  • ANTI-CREASE AND HIGH ABSORBANCE MATERIAL : Made with natural Polyester fabric that The projection is sharper and brighter than most other projection screens, The Projecor Screen are thicken and smooth, no wrinkle when folded / crushed.
  • EASY TO SET UP : The Projector Screen can be fastened easily with hooks, ropes, bracket, nails, double side tape on the wall/mount.
  • FORMAT AND SIZE : 16:9 screen format, diagonal 120" offer 104" x 58" viewing area
SaleBestseller No. 3
Projector Screen and Stand, Towond 120 inch Portable Projector Screen Indoor Outdoor Projector...
  • Wrinkle-Free Material Screen: The 120 inch projector screen used foldable and washable polyester milk silk material to ensure wrinkle-free after folded and Keep it clean, providing high-resolution images,even support front &rear projection. With the 16:9 format and 160° wide viewing angle, you can experience movie night from different viewing positions.
  • Lightweight and Detachable Tripod: Portable projector screen with tripod is very resistant and lightweight. Stable tripod is perfect for indoor or outdooruse. The screen for projector pairing with grounding spikes, ropes anda sandbag make it to sturdy enough to be used in outdoor.
  • Easy to Assemble and Disassemble: TOWOND projector screen outdoor comes with an instruction manual to quickly set up and get started in just a few steps. Very quick and easy. Detachable crossbar can be assembled easily with no tools required, and the tripod can be opened and spliced quickly. Great for rapidly transferring places with less time.
  • Convenient to Carry: At only 8.2 lbs, portable screen for projector can be easily folded into the attached carrying bag (7.5*15.74 in), a good choice for traveling and camping, which takes little space and can be easy to transported anywhere. Its portability allows it to be widely used for various activities outdoors or indoors, perfect for home, camping, school, office, wedding, church, etc.
  • Professional After-sales Service: We focus on your shopping experience. If you have any problems with the movie projector screen, or missed any parts, or received the broken item in the package, please feel free to contact our after-sales team. We will give you a satisfactory answer within 24 hours!
SaleBestseller No. 4
Projector Screen with Stand Foldable Portable Movie Screen(16:9), HD 4K Double Sided Indoor...
  • ★Projector screen with stand:100 inch Portable projection screen, 16:9 format,160° Wide Viewing Angle. That offers sharp and high-resolution images,even support Front & Rear projection.
  • ★Upgrade materials: Our projector screen constructed from sturdy heavy duty rust resistant metal and glass fiber rod for increased longevity and durability. It is great for indoor or outdoor use."
  • ★Easy to set up: Designed with ease of use in mind, this projector screen with stand 100" Is ready for quickly set-up in few minutes.Just hang on the four corners with a rope to quickly fix the projection screen to the one-piece frame, detachable legs can be assembled easily with no tools required. Our easy-to-use screen is perfect for home theaters, businesses, and classrooms.
  • ★Convenient to carry: The portable movie screen frame can be easily transported to anywhere with included black carrying bag and be well protected. The Outdoor movie projector screen folds super compactly than most projector screens thus make it easy to travel along with for family trips, camping, or backyard movie night act."
  • ★Buy with confidence: We are a quality company that focuses on the customer experience. Offering one of the absolute best PROJECTION SCREEN on the market. If for any reason you aren't happy, simply contact us and we will refund the product for you. Zero hassles, zero waits.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Projector Screen TOWOND 100 inch Projection Screen Indoor Outdoor Washable Anti-Crease 16:9 HD Rear...
  • Wrinkle Free Projector Screen: 100 inch diagonal, 16:9 aspect ratio, 160 degree viewing angle, 4K Ultra HD. The projector screen is made of polyester milk silk, which is thicker than other ordinary screens, washable and soft, easy to clean. The wrinkle-resistant design brings you more fun and even supports front and back projection.
  • Portable and Easy to Install: You can easily fold up the screen and put it into your backpack or suitcase without any damage to the screen. This outdoor film projector curtain comes with all the necessary tools (hooks and ropes), the whole installation process is simple, one person only needs 5 minutes to install it.
  • 160° Wider Viewing Angle: This outdoor projection screen has a wide viewing angle of up to 160° and a large size of 100 inches. Providing clearer images and brighter colours means you don't have to sit directly in front of the screen, even if you want to invite your neighbours or friends to watch a movie with you, just choose the most comfortable position to watch and enjoy a fantastic night at the movies.
  • Widely Applied: This projector curtain is not only suitable for home theatre, school education, lectures, office, games, etc., but also for outdoor party use.
  • Excellent Team: We provide a comprehensive after -sales system, enjoy professional customer service and technical support, so that you don't need to worry. If you encounter any problems during use, please contact me directly on Amazon, and I will help you.
SaleBestseller No. 6
AAJK Outdoor Projection Screen 150 inch, Washable Projector Screen 16:9 Foldable Anti-Crease...
  • 100% Movie Screen Fabric: Made from white, soft-touch material, our thickened, smooth projector screen is crease-free and nontransparent, delivering brighter colors. Quality is strictly controlled, making it ideal for outdoor projector use
  • Movie Screen Design: The Unique projector screen is 150 inches in 16:9 Screen format, 160° but over viewing angle, Provides a 132" 73"Viewing area. Suitable for manual projector screens
  • Projector Screen Mounted: The screen can be fastened easily with hooks, brackets, nails, double side tape from left to right, and the wall/mount pull down the white projector screen ties
  • Portable/Functional: Portable projector screens are a compact all-in-one, lightweight and foldable design for easy portability, you can fold the Projection Screen to put it in a backpack or suitcase
  • Wide Application: The outside for home theater, education, offices, media, theatre, beach, travel, patio, room classroom, or gaming outside, for projector screen outdoor
SaleBestseller No. 7
Pyle Manual Pull-Down Projector Screen - Universal 72-inch Roll-Down Retractable Manual Projection...
  • MANUAL SCREEN CONTROL: This pull-down movie screen ceiling/wall mount projector screen is fully retractable and has a self-locking mechanism so you can simply roll down/pull down the screen and then release softly & it will lock itself into position
  • 72” PROJECTION SCREEN: The projection screen pull-down manual 72-inch provides you with a 42.5-inch x 56.6-inch wide viewing area and it is designed for universal projection in any room which is perfect for use in home, office, or classroom
  • HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE: Adjust the height by simply pulling down the screen to your desired level & then release softly. The pull-down projector screen 72 inch allows for clear/vivid image & video capture & great for home theater cinema/film showing
  • MATTE WHITE SURFACE: The matte white fabric & black border frame of the video screen pull-down hanging projector screen creates impeccable color balance to project a realistic picture & deliver ultra-wide off-axis viewing making every seat the best one
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE: This compact, portable, and lightweight wall/ceiling projector screen pull-down has a durable construction & comes w/ two top loops that hook onto screws, nails, or bolts so the screen can be easily mounted on the ceiling/wall
Bestseller No. 8
VIVOHOME 120 Inch Manual Pull Down Projector Screen, 1:1 HD Retractable Widescreen for Movie Home...
  • PREMIUM MATERIALS - The metal casing of this VIVOHOME projector screen serves to mitigate the risk of deformation and damage, whether during transportation or in use; The screen is constructed from white plastic material with a three-layer composite structure, comprising a smooth and flat surface; The three-layer fiber structure is resistant to expansion and contraction due to external temperature and humidity fluctuations, thereby preventing wrinkling and deformation
  • MANUAL SELF-LOCKING POSITION SYSTEM - The manual screen's self-locking torsion spring represents a novel design that is capable of accurately identifying the subtle movements that occur during the opening and closing of the screen; This allows the screen to be locked at the specified position promptly, reducing pullback rebound and inaccurate positioning; The screen shaft is lubricated with high-purity oil, and the rotating structure is sealed and dust-proof, offering high durability
  • NEW VISUAL FEAST - The unique properties of white plastic materials ensure that each incident light is reflected uniformly; A panoramic viewing angle of up to 160° and a 1:1 high gain allow you and your family to enjoy a private and customized IMAX movie screen; The screen supports 3D, 1080P, 4K, and Full HD images; The surface of the curtain is embossed with a matte coating, which effectively improves picture brightness and resists the interference of ambient light
  • ATTENTION TO DETAILS - We focus on every detail needed for your screen; The edges of the screen are created through a special process, which will not be rolled or warped over time; The white plastic material can be scrubbed and is easy to maintain; To facilitate your use, we have provided you with 2 methods of installation: wall and ceiling mounts make it simple to set up in any house NOTE: Screws and hooks are not included
  • WIDELY USED - This portable projection screen is suitable for a variety of scenarios; Whether it is a workplace office, teaching training, or used as entertainment equipment, such as watching movies, home theater, playing games, karaoke, etc., it's definitely your best choice
SaleBestseller No. 9
Amada 14 Feet Outdoor Inflatable Movie Screen, Projector Screen with Fast Low-Noise Air, Support...
  • 【 Immersive Viewing Experience】Experience the ultimate in outdoor entertainment with our 16′ inflatable projector screen. Designed with a wide 160° viewing angle, our inflatable screen allows comfortable viewing outdoors. With 1.2 screen gain for brighter, more vivid colors, you can enjoy an excellent picture anywhere.
  • 【 Rapid Inflation with Silent Blower】The high-power 110V 200W blower can inflate this movie screen in only 1 minute. Project your favorite entertainment without hassle or distraction as the low-noise air blower operates quietly at only 55 dB without disrupting your neighbors.
  • 【 Sturdy and Stable Design】Our blow up screen can withstand light wind thanks to a reinforced triangular base and additional ground tethers. The robust construction guarantees stability and ensures that your inflatable screen will stay securely in place.
  • 【 Durable Material】The inflatable movie screen is made of high-quality, durable 210D Oxford cloth. The white display canvas features convenient hook-and-loop adhesive strips, making it fully detachable. The weather-resistant screen can be easily cleaned, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • 【 Easy to Transport and Store】The outdoor inflatable projector screen includes a storage bag to hold the deflated screen and components. Take your portable cinema anywhere, whether you enjoy camping, picnics, outdoor birthdays, or wedding parties.
Bestseller No. 10
Outdoor Projector Screen with Stand 100 Inch: Portable Projection Screen for Outside Theater Home...
  • 【Movie Screen Outdoor 】 outdoor projector screen and stand, 4k HD 16:9 Ratio, the foldable movie screen is designed for providing sharp and high-resolution images, enriched colors and supreme watching experience from different viewing position.
  • 【Easy to Install】You can easily complete the installation within 5 minutes without any tools according to the instructions of the screen for projector.If you encounter windy weather, you need to use the ropes, nails, and water bags we provide to secure it. You can perfectly enjoy your outdoor movie time
  • 【Convenient to Carry】The portable projector screen is equipped with a handbag. The outdoor movie screen can be taken anywhere. It easily stowed away in the CAR TRUNKS, Sedan included! That make it easy to travel along with for family trips, camping, or backyard movie night ect.
  • 【 Natural Materials】Projector screen Made with natural Polyester fabric,The floor bracket is made of aluminum alloy. The projector screen indoor are transparency and double-sided projection, high-definition coating, which are fine workmanship, fiber flexibility, no curling and no wrinkles.
  • 【Wide Application】Projector screen with stand,perfect for home theater, Backyard,schools, offices, weddings, education, conference room presentation, public display, outdoor movie ;Also can be used for PowerPoint presentations and other displays.
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Last update on 2024-09-07

Leading authority in the field of home theaters and home electronics. With a passion for sharing unique discoveries and personal experiences, I’m dedicated to providing valuable insights to enthusiasts and experts alike.

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