For any of you near Columbus, OH, the Jo-Ann fabrics on Olentangy River Rd. in the University City shopping area is having a moving sale. Last week, I got my blackout cloth at 30% off, minimum 5 yards. The dicount may be more now.

Jo-Ann Fabrics
University City
2885 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43202-1510
(614) 262-9052

Also, what is the best way to join two pieces of blackout cloth? Is the seam very noticeable?

Thanks.

Man this questions coming up more and more... I think I need to get my pictures developed so I can post them.

I made a 96x72" screen by joining to 54" wide pieces of Blackout. Mine was a little more complicated than this, but the basics follow. Basically, mak two frames, one 96x54, the other 96x18. After streching the Blackout over the frames, join the frames together. To cover the seam, I used masking tape, then spray-painted it white to match the color of the blackout.



Nope, mine blends in really well, you can see it, but barely...

Why not tape it from behind instead? You could use pre-made white masking tape too.

Thanks Toblerone!
My projectors on hold until I can afford a LCD but the screen is something I can pick up while I'm waiting.

By the way is there an easy way to ask for the cloth, maybe a name or model #. I hate going into craft stores to begin with and it's even worse when you have to stay there forever trying to find something that you have no clue about.

Thanks

At JoAnn's it's called 'budget blackout'.

If you taped it from behind, you'd still have a line where the gap between the two peices was, if you tape it in front, and paint it well, the tape 'dissapears' and the screen appears seamless...




Couldn't find any that matched the off white of the Blackout, the flat-white paint, however, did.

Thanks Brain

I used duct tape on the back of my 2 pieces of blackout from joanns and it works fine, i ironed both before and stretched the fabric out on the floor with the seams lined up and put a TON of duct tape on the back, works fine, i even have tension on the edges of my screen and the tape holds fine.

Thanks for all the help. I think I will try the white duct tape on the back of the two pieces. I am contemplating a motorized screen and hearing that the duct tape holds up under tnesion is encouraging.

Thanks.

For the ones that have tried this, would you be able to take some pictures? I have read that some are waiting to get some film developed, but some other's haven't said if they already have some film done so that they can show.

I would like to see the pictures. I would like to ask a question. I am wondering if the material is about 11 to 12 long how high would the material have to be to get a full screen? I don't want to buy alot of the material in length and not be able to use it all because I don't have the right height.

Thanks,
Jeff Birge

What aspect screen you thinking about? 16.9 widescreen, or normal 4.3?

Let's go with 12 wide, I am assuming feet. For 16 wide by 9 high ratio, divide 12 by 16 (0.75) and multiply it by 9 = 6.75 feet. That might fit in your home.

Now the 4 wide x 3 high ratio is a different animal, in regards to fitting in your house. 12 wide divided by 4 wide( = 3 ) times 3 tall = 9 feet tall. Most ceilings are 8 feet, won't fit.

Did you follow the math?