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We're looking to replace our 15 year old screen. I'd like to fly the old screen deeper on the stage for possible projection behind bands, etc. But it's filthy... what's your best "wash me" tip?

Lots of fluffy white towels. Ivory dish soap. Test in an inconspicous spot. Use lots of water to rinse and fresh towels to dry. Change towels often.

For your use, messing up isn't terrible. Projection behind a band could be done any any kind of scrim.

More to add to Large's info... Vacuum both face and back first...
Have another person hold a large (4'x4') piece of plywood padded with towels as backup to prevent puncturing or stretching the screen... Wash it from bottom to top to eliminate possibility of streaking or staining it even worse... You can scrub with soft bush, but don't get carried away, especially on a pearlescent screen...


[This message has been edited by outaframe (edited April 13, 2006).]

"Matte" surface screens are usually made of a material like white pigmented PVC, and often can be gently wiped with water and mild detergent to remove stains. But "gain" (Pearlescent or silver) screens usually have a fragile surface that will be removed or disturbed by any attempt to wash, leaving a difference in reflection that will be obvious during projection. Be careful. If the screen is just dusty, just vacuum carefully and avoid the "wash" job.

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John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Customer Technical Services
Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Telephone: +1 585-477-5325 Cell: +1 585-781-4036 Fax: +1 585-722-7243
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Website: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

If the screen is filthy, what's the harm in trying? Most dirt in a theatre is not of the non removable nature. There's little tar and paint and stuff. Mostly: food, dust, etc. Soluable. Wash and see.

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Michael Hurley
Impresario