Custom gobos that are purchased from Gobosource are projected onto many different surfaces. Often, the projection surface a customer uses is beyond their control. If the gobo is being used for something like a trade show or in a venue where they are setting up only temporarily, they may be limited in terms of options.
However, we’d like to provide you with a few basic guidelines for what makes some surfaces better than others, so that you can get the best results out of your gobo in any situation:
- Canvas-like surfaces are ideal for projection.
- Glass surfaces are very tricky and won’t reflect a projected image. If you have a large windows area with blinds, you are in luck: Simply close the blinds and the image will show by reflecting off the blinds.
- Grey and white surfaces are better than those that are painted other colors. If you have a color glass gobo and you project it onto a surface that consists of clashing hues, it will change the colors of your gobo in unpredictable ways that you may not want. In such cases it is often safer to stick with white, rather than colored artwork. The same is true for very dark surfaces.
- Textures can alter the way a gobo appears and make the projection less sharp. For example, it wouldn’t be ideal to display your image on an uneven, rocky surface or one that is relatively porous, such as rougher ceramic or cork ceiling tiles. Especially for buildings with many windows, keep the projected art bold and simple so it’s easily recognizable even though it may be obstructed by some windows.
- The more reflective the surface you are using, the brighter your gobo will be. However, high gloss surfaces can cause undesirable effects. If you’re projecting on the side of a building, try to find the smoothest surface possible, rather than one that is made of concrete or wood.
If you’re still not sure what to do about your projection surface, contact Gobosource.com with your concerns and questions. Once you give us more information about your situation, we can give you the best advice in terms of how to project your gobo and where to place the image.
