FAQ'sGeneral Product QuestionsWhat is green screen paint? Green screen paint is a key component in video, photography and media production used for “chroma keying”. This particular colour creates a durable and even surface to make post-production easier when keying out the background.Why are green screens green? To make post-production easier. In order for it to be easy to remove the background colour it needs to be a colour that’s not in the shot. This green is very different to human skin tones and generally is not a colour used for clothing, etc.How much is a green screen? Green screen backdrops can be very expensive. The Smarter Surfaces green screen paint is a more affordable option and costs from $278, depending on the surface area. What size should my green screen be? The ideal green screen size depends on your setup. For desk-based streaming or video calls, one tin covering up to 6m² is sufficient. A waist-up view also requires around 6m² (approx. 1.5m x 4m). Full body shots or two people on screen may require additional coverage for comfortable movement, with extra tins recommended for larger setups or more flexibility during filming. Application & UsageHow to use a green screen? Once you have installed your green screen, you must ensure you have the correct lighting to help with a smoother post-production process and better final result. It’s important to have diffused lighting (i.e., through a softbox) set from above your green screen to avoid any directional shadows. The next step is to begin recording and editing your final product. When filming, it should be noted that there needs to be sufficient spacing between the green screen and the subject being filmed to avoid a green hue being reflected on the subject. Can you use anything for a green screen? No. For proper chroma keying, you need the best green screen paint or fabric backdrop. This will make it much easier to isolate the subjects in your video. Can you use a green sheet as a green screen? You can, but you will likely not receive the same results as with a professional green screen paint or fabric, as a very specific colour of green is needed for premium results. Surface Prep & PrimingShould I apply a primer to my surface before using green screen paint? Yes. Apply primer and sand the surface smooth so it is free from defects before applying the green base coat supplied with the kit.Functionality & PerformanceHow does green screen paint work? By using a very particular shade of green, it is possible to remove or “key out” this specific colour digitally in post-production. You can then add whatever you like to the background or add special effects. Removing the coloured background is also referred to as “chroma keying.” Green screen vs Blue screen? A green screen has a higher luminance and reflects more light than a blue screen, meaning less lighting will be needed during filming, therefore cutting down on costs. Green is also a colour less commonly found in clothing, making post-production editing easier. Blue screens have a lower luminance, making them better for dark or night scenes. Green Screen Paint vs Green Screen Fabric?Using green screen paint eliminates the need to try to get the wrinkles out of a traditional fabric screen. Painting will also free up a considerable amount of space. You don’t need stands and other support gear to hold the screen. Specialist green screen paint vs standard green paint? You need a very narrow range of coloured light to reflect off your screen and get captured by your camera. The paint you choose will have a major impact on what your camera sees. A regular green paint won’t provide this.Our paint is made specifically to be the optimal colour. The resulting green colour is purer and less likely to reflect any colours that would cause problems in post production. The ultra-flat matt finish of the paint has no sheen. The flat finish of interior house paint still has a small amount of sheen/gloss. The result is more even lighting with less chance of surface reflections colouring the image. Safety & EnvironmentalIs green screen paint safe? Yes, green screen paint is completely safe; it is solvent-free and has low VOC. It meets the highest Australian environmental standards Is green screen paint Isocyanate-free? Yes, this green chroma key paint is completely free from Isocyanates.
