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How to Make a Reverse Projector Screen

Reverse projection screens, more commonly called rear projection screens, allow you to project images from behind the screen. This keeps the projector out of sight and decreases the likelihood of objects and people obstructing the projected images. By building your own screen, you can save money and design the screen according to the dimensions of your room. This design produces a lightweight, portable rear projection screen that can be disassembled quickly.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Rear projection screen fabric
PVC pipe, 3/4-inch diameter
Hacksaw (optional)
Sandpaper, 80 to 100 grit
Four PVC elbows, 2 3/4-inches diameter
Eight to 24 snap clamps, 3/4-inch wide
Scissors (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the amount of space available for your projection screen with measuring tape. Note the location of the projector, its distance from the screen and the width of the available space. Calculate the size of the projection screen using your measurements and the online tool in this article's Resources section.
- 2
  Purchase rear projection screen fabric that is at least 4 inches wider and taller than the calculated screen size. Companies, such as Rose Brand and Projector People, sell this fabric. White curtain blackout fabric from fabric stores also works.
- 3
  Cut two pieces of PVC pipe with a hacksaw. The length of each piece is equal to the width of your screen. Use the calculated width, not the fabric's width. Alternatively, ask a professional at a hardware store to cut it for you.
- 4
  Cut two pieces of PVC pipe with a hacksaw. The length of each piece is equal to the height of your screen. Use the calculated height, not the fabric's height. Alternatively, ask a professional at a hardware store to cut it for you.
- 5
  Sand the cut edges of each PVC pipe with sandpaper until smooth.
- 6
  Place your projection screen fabric on a clean, flat surface with the viewing side down. The viewing side is usually covered with a smooth or plastic-like coating.
- 7
  Place the top piece of PVC pipe at the top edge of the fabric. This piece is slightly shorter than the fabric's width. Attach one PVC elbow to each side of the pipe.
- 8
  Push one of the side pieces of PVC pipe into one of the elbows. Push the remaining side piece into the other elbow. These pieces are slightly shorter than the fabric's height.
- 9
  Attach a PVC elbow to each of the side pieces of PVC pipe. Push the bottom piece of PVC pipe into one of the elbows and then into the other.
- 10
  Stretch the top edge of the fabric over the top piece of PVC pipe. Place a snap clamp over the fabric and pipe every 2 feet or less. If the fabric looks loose, use more snap clamps to secure the fabric and push the snap clamps away from the fabric's center to stretch the fabric.
- 11
  Stretch the bottom edge of the fabric over the bottom piece of PVC pipe. Place a snap clamp over the fabric and pipe every 2 feet or less. If the fabric looks loose, use more snap clamps to secure the fabric and push the snap clamps away from the fabric's center to stretch the fabric.
- 12
  Stretch the right edge of the fabric over the piece of PVC pipe on the right. Place a snap clamp over the fabric and pipe every 2 feet or less. If the fabric looks loose, use more snap clamps to secure the fabric.
- 13
  Stretch the left edge of the fabric over the piece of PVC pipe on the left. Place a snap clamp over the fabric and pipe every 2 feet or less. If the fabric looks loose, use more snap clamps to secure the fabric.
- 14
  Trim excess fabric with scissors if necessary.

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