Just like any other equipment, projectors also need maintenance, such as regular updates, cable checks, and cleaning. Most of the time, we don’t even think about the screen. However, screens get old and wrinkled too.
Whether you roll it roughly, it got damaged during traveling, or simply it got old, there are a few things you can try to repair the screen before throwing it out. In this article, I’ll share several tips on how to get wrinkles out of projector screen that may help you save the fabric.
How to Get Wrinkles Out of Projector Screen
- Exposing the screen to direct sunlight
- Applying minimal blow dryer heat
- Increasing home temperature
- Using a tension frame
- Applying minimal iron heat
Sunlight exposure
Exposing the projector screen to direct sunlight is the easiest way to strengthen the fabric. That’s because you won’t have to do anything on your own. Just open up the fabric and leave the job to the sun. The heat will gently soften the material, smoothing out the wrinkles.
If you want to speed up the process, you can rub the back of the screen with your fingertips on the wrinkled spot. However, rub it gently! Otherwise, you may unwillingly damage the fabric.
Blow dryer heat
I always prefer the natural method. However, putting a projector screen in direct sunlight is not always an option. Therefore, using a blow dryer is the next best thing.
This method has another advantage too. For direct sunlight exposure, you’ll have to move the entire screen out. Also, if you decide to use an iron, you will have to take the entire fabric off the frame. Unlike these methods, using a hair dryer gives you the ability to focus on specific wrinkles.
Here’s what you should do:
- Tighten the screen on a tension mount, hang it freely, or spread it flat.
- Set the blow dryer to the lowest heat temperature.
- Blow dry the wrinkles.
Apply minimal heat with extreme caution!
- Always blow dry the back side of the fabric
- Never go too close to the screen
Increased room temperature
When it comes to safety, this method is in first place next to the direct sunlight exposure method. In fact, if you have furniture with sharp corners or a narrow hallway or passage from your theater room to your backyard, it’s better to go with this method than to move your projector screen outside.
If you notice wrinkles on your projector screen, I highly recommend you try to smooth things up by increasing the temperature in your theater room. Of course, the fabric has to be spread for this method to work.
It’s best to tighten up the material on a tension mount and then increase the temperature by using a heater or central heating. Keep in mind that the temperature should be at least 85°F for a couple of hours for this method to work.
If you decide to use a space heater, you should be careful. Don’t place the heater too close to the screen because the heat will damage the material.
Read more: How to Hang a Projector Screen From the Ceiling
Tension frame
This method requires more time compared to the others I listed in this article. The only thing you have to do is to attach the screen material to a tension frame, otherwise known as a tension mount, and wait for the wrinkles to strengthen up.
The tension mount stretches the fabric by pulling and holding its sides thigh. Of course, this takes time. If you want faster results, you can hang weights on the bottom of the screen.
It’s important to remember that this method is slow. Moreover, it may not give the wanted results if the fabric is too wrinkled.
Iron heat
In my opinion, this is a method that you can try only if nothing else works. Even though it’s the most effective way to strengthen wrinkled projector screens, it also is the most dangerous one.
If you decide to use this method, you must be extremely cautious. You should never iron the front side of the screen because it’s very delicate and can be damaged easily. Also, always use the iron at the lowest temperature possible.
How to get wrinkles out of projector screen with iron
- Place a towel on a table or an ironing board.
- Lay the projector screen flat on the ironing board with its back facing up.
- Place another towel on the spot you want to iron.
- Turn the iron to the lowest setting.
- Slowly and carefully iron the wrinkled spot.
- Don’t stay in one spot for too long. The screen should not feel hot to the touch.
- Take breaks after ironing each portion and let it cool.
It’s extremely important to note that you should not iron a particular spot for too long. Instead, if the wrinkle is too firm and won’t give up, you should repeat the process.
Keep in mind that ironing the projector screen is a method that should be used as a last resort. I strongly recommend you try the other procedures and use an iron only if the other methods are ineffective.
Prevent Projector Screen Wrinkles
The projector screen is also a piece of equipment that requires upkeep, such as proper storage and cleaning, to stay in good shape for as long as possible. You already experienced a wrinkle fight, and I’m sure you want to avoid another one.
Here are some tips you can try to keep the projector screen as smooth as possible:
- Use compressed air when you want to clean the screen
- Never clean the screen with abrasive materials or harsh chemicals
- Spend an extra minute or two rolling the fabric on a pole carefully to prevent wrinkles
Conclusion
This is it! I hope my tips and instructions on how to get wrinkles out of projector screen will help you restore your old and wrinkled fabric so that you don’t have to buy a new one.
Don’t forget that the safest way is to use a tension frame or sunlight heat or to increase the room temperature. If that doesn’t work, try applying more direct heat from a blow dryer or iron, but keep in mind that you should be extremely careful as these methods can destroy the fabric.