Why is grey paint better for projectors than white paint?

Question

Why is grey paint better for projectors than white paint?

Answer 1

I suppose one could argue that gray screens or gray paint is better only based on "gain" measurement.

The more "gain" you have will yield a brighter image reflection, but that brightness is not evenly distributed across your platform.

The center of will be brightest but then fades darker going to each side.

For home theater qualifications, most prefer a solid gain of about 1.3 on a white matte finish

Now we all see things differently. So its purely subjective. Go with what looks good to you. Don't let the "experts" tell you different.

Good Luck

More questions? Just e-mail me. I have owned a home theater business.

Answer 2

Why are you going to paint your projector at all?  You will most likely void the warranty and could cause irreparable damage.  For example, you could clog either the intake or exhaust vents and your bulb could overheat and explode.  

Now, I assume you are talking about the surface onto which the image will be projected.  If you are not getting a screen, I have heard that some people advocate painting a wall gray.  (I have even heard of people painting their screen.)  The reason is simple:  Contrast.  Dark blacks and depth are critical aspects of a good picture and what your eye perceives to be so.  With plenty of lumens from your projector, it can overcome the darker (gray) screen and the screen will help the contrast of your projector - plenty of light from the projector for whites and a bright picture, and the gray screen helps deepen the blacks and darker images.  

I think this was your intended question and I hope this helps.