How to store Open Air Cinema inflatable movie screen
Correct storage of outdoor movie screens is as important as its correct use. In an ideal world, short-term storage conditions for the inflatable screens by Open Air Cinema should be the same as long-term storage, but oftentimes such thing as the human factor bring along various adjustments.
Whenever possible, always use a long-term method of storing your outdoor movie screen, as this is a sure way to guarantee this product stays in good condition and serves well for years to come.
A few tips for outdoor screens short term storage
If there are breaks in the use of the screen for a day or several days, you can use your car trunk or a designated space provided by a customer for storage. This is usually the case if several open air screenings take place at the same location within a window of several days. After the show series is over -- and if the weather conditions didn't see precipitation -- before and in the process of deflating your screen, you want to do the following.
- Bugs and mosquitoes are attracted to all kinds of white surfaces and often sit on them. If you fold the screen with bugs still sitting on its projection surface they will most likely leave hard-to-remove stains.
- We highly recommend you never let the white surface of your outdoor movie inflatable come into contact with the ground.
- Make sure the screen folds like a book, this will prolong the life of your surface. (Another tip to prolong its life, we recommend you use the screen tarp).
- Before deflating the screen, make sure small pets or birds do not crawl in the back between the projection surface and the frame. This is an extremely rare scenario, since the frame would prove to be slippery for them. But such cases do happen and can cause unnecessary trouble.
- When folding the screen, try to brush off dust and foliage from it. Use a soft cloth or soft gloves.
- Always roll up and pack your screen in a storage bag that we provide with the product. No matter how exhausted you may feel by the end of your show, make it a rule.
- Whenever you are storing an outdoor movie screen, make sure there are no paints or colored sprays nearby, or any technical fluids, that may come into contact with the screen.
- Even if it didn't rain during the outdoor movie screening, sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to form on surfaces. It's pretty easy to check out if this is the case with your inflatable movie screen. If the screen feels to be damp -- follow the instructions described below.
How to deal with a wet outdoor projector screen
If during the show it rained or the humidity at the location was too high, we recommend you follow such procedures:
- If the rain has stopped and the weather forecast does not promise further precipitation, but the arrangements at the location and time allow -- leave the screen inflated until it dries out completely by itself.
- If it continues to rain and you need to gather the equipment, roll up the screen last. Then move it to a dry space as soon as possible and inflate it once again. If it proves to be possible raise the screen above the ground using chairs or similar system of support.
- Switching on an air conditioner turned on for heating in the space is welcome and helps to dry the screen out even faster.
- Never leave your outdoor movie screen wet for a long time when folded. Mold formation and discoloration of the screen as a result of such carelessness during an inflatable screen storage may result in you having to replace it faster than you planned.
How to store my inflatable movie screen for long term
If a long pause is planned between your movie-under-the-stars shows, it is recommended you follow instructions for long-term storage. Again, these instructions should also apply to short-term storage, to positively affect the screen's service life.
A suitable storage space
First of all, you need to determine the space where the screen will be stored. It is strictly forbidden to store the screen on the ground, sand, grass or any other natural surface.
Storage should be carried out in a closed, ventilated and warm space. The surface on which your screen is placed should be a wooden, concrete or iron floor. Please note that this place should be dry and, preferably, without direct sunlight.
Screen inspection
Before long-term storage, before folding the screen, inspect it carefully. Inspection should be made for holes, dirt or any damage. If you become concerned about anything as a result of such an inspection, please refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual or contact the manufacturer. Any repair or replacement takes time, and a long-term storage period is convenient to prepare the screen for future display.
Temperature and humidity
Note that the humidity in the room should not exceed 60%. Temperatures may be above +35F (+2C), however these temperatures may vary depending on the dew point in your area.
Humidity is the main enemy of textiles, and the drier the air in the room, the better. But air that's too dry, direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause the screen elements to dry out. If possible, control the room temperature and avoid overheating the screen -- keep it away from heating equipment and direct sunlight.
Rodents and pets
A frequent problem faced by our customers is damage to equipment caused by rodents and other animals. Cats can harm the screen with bodily fluids, and rodents can simply gnaw through it.
If there is such a danger and you can’t influence it in any way, then -- after making sure that the screen is dry -- we recommend placing it (rolled and packed in a screen storage bag) in a sealed plastic box with a lid.
This will help avoid the above-mentioned troubles. This will limit the movement of the air around your inflatable screen -- yet your screen will not be damaged by animals.
It is very important to follow the above instructions. Be sure to read them carefully to store your outdoor movie equipment correctly.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor movie screen storage
Do I need to clean the screen after the show?
After each screening, pat the white projection surface with the palm of your hand while the screen is still inflated to keep insects and dust off. Verify the result using a flashlight.
Do I need to separate the projection surface from the frame after each screening?
Manufacturers recommend this, but in real conditions you often cannot do this. It is important that the projection surface of your inflatable screen is dry, clean and does not touch the ground when being folded.
What to pay attention to when folding the screen?
Always remove dirt from all accessible and visible parts of the screen when folding; during long-term storage, this dirt can eat into the material, and the dirt's abrasive particles can damage it (Here is a complete tutorial for cleaning an outdoor movie screen).
Make sure when folding that no small animals, reptiles or insects folded into the screen.
Can the screen be stored outdoors?
Absolutely not. Even if it is under a canopy. Storing the screen in a dry, ventilated area will greatly extend the life of your outdoor movie screen and save you from unpleasant surprises next time you prepare for a screening.
Is it possible not to fold the screen, but just leave it crumpled?
No, your outdoor movie screen must always be properly stored and packed in the storage bag provided by the manufacturer.
Can I use any other storage bag?
It's highly not recommended. The manufacturer knows exactly which materials and how interact with each other in order to prevent material color change and to protect your screen as much as possible during storage and transportation.
The screen storage bag is torn or lost, what should I do?
Manufacturers always have a stock of bags in such cases, contact the company from which you purchased the screen as soon as possible and arrange for a replacement.
Does having my outdoor projector screen folded in a cloth tube for storage provide extra protection?
Use only the folding and packing method recommended by the screen manufacturer. Such recommendations are made on the basis of technological processes and allow you to safeguard the characteristics of your screen.
What should be done before a movie night screening following a long period of storage?
Subject to all the above rules, your screen is immediately ready for display. Before the first event after a long break, on the day of the show or a day before, inflate your screen in advance. After inflating it, inspect it for damage. The screen may look unnecessarily wrinkled. If this happens, just let it stay inflated for 30-60 minutes so that the screen returns to its original shape.