> > I have heard of a type of paint call beaded paint? It provides a more
> > brilliant surface, simulating a projection screen,  for film/video
> > projection than regular white paint.
> > Does such a product exist? I have search a number of sources. Some people
> > are certain that it is available but can't tell me where, and some calls
> > this a product myth.

Tony,

3M used to make this, or at least the microscopic beads used in the paint.
It is still used in highway signs, safety vests, etc. It's no myth.

It works on the same basic principal as the reflectors on a car: Light
striking the surface of the beads is reflected internally, and returns on
approximately the same angle received. This results in much less scatter,
and a more brilliant screen when viewed from the same direction as the
projector.

Note that projection screens are designed with microscopic patterns that
work in a similar way("lenticular screens"), but they are designed for a
"wider" viewpoint by directing the reflected light horizontally.

You might find a real or a white wall screen to be a better choice if
ambient light or awkward projector/audience angles are a problem. I could
even see the beads making the system less efficient in some situations.
(For example, when sources of stray light or doors are directly behind the
audience, or if the audience's field of view is substantially different
from the angle of the projector.

If you do want to check it out, I would find a local signmaker's / screen
printer's supply house and ask there. You could always borrow a blank
highway sign and test out the location ;-)

js
Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Systems
Microclimate and Oxygen-free storage supplies and solutions
www.keepsafe.ca
toll-free 800 683-4696  fax: (416) 703-5991

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