See All Projection Screens

Goo Systems 4778 Reference White Screen Goo Kit

*Est. $260
Reviewed
January 2012
by ConsumerSearch
Goo Systems 4778

Paint-on projection screen

Pros
  • Terrific performance
  • Inexpensive compared to high-end screens
Cons
  • Pricey for a paint-on screen
  • Installation can be laborious and time-consuming
Where to Buy
 

The Goo Systems Screen Goo projection screen painting system isn't the cheapest paint-on screen available, but experts say the finished product compares favorably to manufactured screens -- including high-end models costing into the thousands. Bill Livolsi at ProjectorCentral.com says Screen Goo CRT White (now rebranded as Reference White) "nearly perfectly mimics" the high-end Stewart Studiotek 130 (*Est. $2,000 and up), which the site uses as its reference screen. Other formulations of Screen Goo are available, and the company's site includes a calculator that helps you determine the right Screen Goo for your situation based on use, ambient light, projector and more.

Screen Goo can be painted directly onto a wall if it's smooth enough -- experts say every imperfection will be clearly seen in the projected image -- or onto a smooth, flat board. The application is a two-step process that involves a base reflective coat and a top finishing coat. Most say the biggest downside is the challenge of getting things just right. Others say the instructions are overkill and you need only the skill to carefully paint a wall with a paint roller. Either way, applying Screen Goo takes a little work and a bit of time.

If you want a screen that you can use immediately, consider the 120-inch Elite Screens ezFrame R120WH1 fixed-frame screen (*Est. $520). It does well in professional and user reviews, and although it's a little more expensive than Goo Systems Screen Goo, it's much less labor-intensive to install. If you prefer a retractable screen, the Favi Entertainment HD-120 120-inch screen (*Est. $200) hasn't been professionally reviewed, but user feedback at Amazon.com is extensive and largely very positive.

Goo Systems Screen Goo has been extensively reviewed, although testers do look at different formulations. The most in-depth coverage can be found at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, CreativeMac.com and ProjectorCentral.com. The review at HomeTheaterReview.com is less hands-on but does give some helpful pointers.

image
Elite Screens R120WH1 ezFrame Fixed Projection Screen ( 120-Inch 16:9 AR)(CineWhite)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $869.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  

Our Sources

1. ProjectorCentral.com

Goo Systems Reference White Screen paint system (called CRT White at the time of review) is part of a roundup of inexpensive home theater projection screens. Installation is said to be fairly involved, and not something that's ideal for someone who wants "instant gratification." Reviewer Bill Livolsi says the look of the finished screen is fine, although not quite as professional as a standard fixed-frame screen. However, performance is impressive, and it "nearly perfectly mimics the Stewart Studiotek 130, our reference screen," he says, but at a fraction of the price.

Review: Goo Systems CRT White, Bill Livolsi, May 2, 2008

2. Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

Impressed by a Screen Goo demonstration at a trade show, Jim Milton tests the product to see if it can overcome challenging light conditions in a church. He walks readers through selecting the right contrast level for his use to determining the ideal screen size to applying the coats. He also warns users not to panic if streaks can be seen before the paint is completely dry; although it dries in a few hours, it can take days for streaks to completely fade, he says. In the end, the Goo Systems screen earns raves and a recommendation.

Review: Screen Goo Systems for Painting a Projection Screen on Your Wall, Jim Milton, Feb. 1, 2011

3. Creative Mac

This article details the author's experience with Goo Systems Screen Goo. Although the instructions make it seem difficult to apply, Charlie White says it's actually ridiculously easy. He compares the finished Screen Goo screen to a manufactured screen costing $1,000, and finds no differences that are worth the difference in price. Viewing tests and testing with a precision light meter are conducted.

Review: Buying a Screen? Go for the Goo, Charlie White, Dec. 22, 2004

4. HomeTheaterReview.com

This review is short on details, and we can't tell how much testing was actually done. That said, Jerry Del Colliano says that as long as you have realistic expectations, Screen Goo is a reasonably good performer and a good choice for a "value-oriented" home theater system.

Review: Goo Systems "Screen Goo" Paint-on Screen Reviewed, Jerry Del Colliano, Oct. 27, 2008

Back to top