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Best Projector for Murals
If you want to create a stunning wall mural, using a mural projector will be very useful. A mural projector displays an image on the wall and other surfaces, making it easy to trace and color it.
Working with such projectors is ideal for both beginner and professional artists. And to help you choose the best one for your needs in 2024, I'll review the best mural projectors in this article and provide a buyer's guide so you know what to look for when choosing. Let's get started!
If you're pressed for time, check out my top two projector picks perfect for mural artists.
Table of contents:
- Best Projector for Mural - Buyer’s Guide
- Best Projector for Murals - TOP 5
- Best Projector for Wall Mural: Comparison
- Artograph Inspire 25120 Projector
- Vamvo L4200 Projector
- Anker Nebula Mars II Pro Projector
- Artograph EZ Tracer Projector
- AAXA P7 Mini Projector
- FAQ about Mural Projector
- Best Projector for Murals: Conclusion
Best Projector for Mural - Buyer’s Guide
Drawing from my experience before you buy a mural projector, be sure to consider a few factors to make sure you choose the best suitable option.
Brightness
Brightness, measured in lumens, is crucial for working in various lighting conditions. A projector with at least 1000 lumens is recommended to ensure your images are visible even in well-lit rooms. For outdoor murals or brightly lit studios, consider models with 2500 lumens or more.
Resolution
For mural projects, clarity is paramount. Look for projectors with high resolution—ideally Full HD (1920x1080) or higher. Higher resolutions like 4K can provide the detail needed for intricate designs, allowing for finer details to be accurately projected and traced.
Contrast Ratio
A higher contrast ratio will help distinguish between colors and shades more clearly. This is particularly important for artists to ensure they can see subtle differences in hues and shadows, which is essential for detailed and vibrant murals.
Projection Size and Throw Distance
Consider the size of the murals you plan to create. The projector should be able to cover your intended area without losing image quality. Check the projector’s throw distance and maximum projection size specifications. Short-throw projectors are excellent for working in tight spaces.
Connectivity
To ensure proper connectivity, check whether the projector has the necessary ports (such as HDMI, VGA, USB) and wireless options (such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) for connecting your devices. For example, AAXA P7 Mini Projector with HDMI, USB, Composite AV, Mini-VGA, microSD or ANKER NEBULA MARS II with HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
Portability
If you need to move a projector between locations, it's important to consider its size, weight, and how easy it is to transport. However, keep in mind that these models may have fewer features like brightness or resolution.
By taking these factors into account, you can find a projector that meets your specific needs and budget.
Best Projectors for Mural - TOP 5
If you're looking for the best projector for murals, here are my top picks:
- Display resolution: 1280 x 720, max 4K
- Brightness: 1200 Lumen LED
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI
- Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 4 000 Lumens
- Connect to multiple devices
- Resolution: 720p
- Brightness: 500 ANSI lumen
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Easy to use, lightweight
- Maximum 1600 lumens
- Picture 4 x 4 inches
- Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 600 lumens
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI, USB, Composite AV, Mini-VGA, microSD
Best Projector for Wall Mural: Comparison
If you want to know more about each of my top picks, here is a detailed overview:
| Projector | Resolution | ANSI Lumens | Contrast Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artograph Inspire 25120 | 1280x720, support 4k | 1200 | N/A |
| Vamvo L4200 Portable Mini | 1280x720 | 250 ANSI (4200 Lumens) | 2000:1 |
| Anker Nebula Mars II Pro | 1280x720 | 500 ANSI | 3000:1 |
| Artograph EZ Tracer | Since you will have to use your own 23-watt CFL or a regular 100-watt bulb, the brightness will depend entirely on the bulb you choose |
100 ANSI (1600 Lumens) | N/A |
| AAXA P7 Mini Projector | 1920x1080 | 250 ANSI (600 LED) | 2000:1 |
ANSI Lumens brightness, LED Lumens brightness, and light source Lumens brightness
Each of the three types mentioned above measures a different aspect of a projector's brightness.
Manufacturers can present their projectors in different types of brightness (one of the three above options) To have a clearer picture for comparison, I took the ANSI standard and used mathematical calculations to reduce all projectors in the table to one type and understandable numbers.
How I calculated:
*ANSI lumens multiplied by 2.4 is approximately equal to LED lumens.
*ANSI lumens divided by 0.06 is approximately equal to the lumens of a light source
Artograph Inspire 25120 Mural Projector Review
Editor's Choice
The Artograph Inspire 25120 is a high-tech LED light projector designed to cater to creative professionals like muralists, graphic artists, quilters, and architects. With 32 built-in grid patterns, it offers extensive functionality for creating wall murals, tracing, and more. This device enables screen mirroring through USB-C or HDMI connections, allowing users to project photos, videos, or text, and play music. It supports a variety of file formats, including MP3, JPG, MP4, and more.
The projector shines with a 1200-lumen LED bulb that promises up to 30,000 hours of light and supports impressive 4K resolution for ultra-clear images. Operable via touchpad or remote, it provides ease of control whether enlarging images from 16" to 200" or adjusting focus. Notably portable, the Inspire 25120 can run on battery for up to 150 minutes in eco-mode, or continuously with a low-voltage AC adapter.
Each unit comes with a practical set of accessories, including a nylon carrying case, mounting plate, and necessary cables, making it a versatile addition to any artist's toolkit. Whether for professional art projects or personal creative endeavors, the Artograph Inspire 25120 enriches any artistic workflow with precision and ease.
Pros:
- Features 32 built-in grid patterns, making it highly suitable for muralists, graphic artists, and other creative professionals.
- 4K (3840 x 2160) and a bright 1200-lumen LED light that can last for 30,000 hours.
- Screen Mirroring Capability
- Includes a battery that allows for up to 150 minutes
- Compatible with a wide range of audio and digital file formats including MP3, MP4, JPG, and more
Cons:
- Battery Limitations up to 150 minutes
- Size Limitations up to 200 inches
Summary: As indicated by my tests the Artograph Inspire 25120 is a versatile LED light projector designed for artists and creative professionals. It features 32 built-in grid patterns ideal for muralists and graphic artists, and offers screen mirroring capabilities through USB-C or HDMI for projecting images, videos, and playing music. This projector supports high-definition outputs up to 4K resolution and has a long-lasting 1200-lumen LED bulb. Portable and easy to use, it can operate up to 150 minutes on battery power or be plugged in for longer sessions. It comes equipped with a carrying case and necessary cables, making it a comprehensive tool for detailed artistic projects.
Vamvo L4200 Portable Mini Projector for Wall Mural Review
Best Overall
Vamvo L4200 Mini is a professional HD video projector compatible with iPhone. It is small and portable, making it easy to take with you and use for street murals.
It features an LED lighting system that delivers 4,000 lux of brightness, supports 720p native resolution (1080P support), has a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, and a lamp life of 50,000 hours. This guarantees worry-free use of the projector.
Vamvo L4200 video projector has several types of ports, such as HDMI, USB, audio and AV interfaces. This allows you to easily connect it to your mobile phone, game consoles to play videos, photos, games and other content.
The Vamvo L4200 can project images from 44 to 200 inches, with a projection distance of 1.5 to 4.6 meters. It also has built-in dual stereo speakers with SRS for clear, balanced sound.
Pros:
- Resolution:720p native resolution (1080P support)
- 4 000 Lux Brightness
- All connection options
- Good sound
Cons:
- No wireless connection
- Loud operation
Summary: My findings show that the Vamvo L4200 mini projector is perfect for creating murals, offering multiple connectivity options like HDMI and USB, making it simple to project videos, games, and images onto large surfaces. Its compact design boosts portability, allowing for easy setup in various locations, while the durable LED lamp promises extended use without frequent replacements. This projector is an excellent tool for artists and presenters who need reliable, mobile projection capabilities.
Anker Nebula Mars II Pro Projector Review
Premium Choice
Anker Nebula Mars II Pro projector provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content on-the-go with loved ones or coworkers. It is a great way to create memorable experiences.
You can use the device's built-in rechargeable battery to play for up to 3 hours straight without needing an outlet. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to bring along wherever you go.
The Anker Nebula Mars II Pro projector has a high resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, and can display images up to 150 inches in size with clarity. It also includes a 10-watt speaker located on the front of the device, and has Bluetooth capabilities.
The process of setting up the projector is easy – it uses autofocus technology that quickly delivers clear images, and adjusts easily with keystone correction to fit different sizes. You can use this projector to bring your creative ideas to life, whether you're at home or outside.
Pros:
- Very portable
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
- Autofocus technology
- Built-in rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Limited app store
- Autofocus is slow to engage
Summary: After trying out this product, I can say that with modern Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology and a built-in rechargeable battery, this projector is ideal for entertaining while traveling outdoors. It projects a large screen size, which is great if you want to draw murals of different sizes.
Artograph EZ Tracer Art Projector Review
Best Budget
Artograph EZ Tracer Art Projector is a lightweight, silent tracer light box that uses a 163 mm optical glass lens to project images onto walls or canvases. It has a 5.5-foot cord with a standard 120V plug.
The projector can enlarge flat images from 2 to 10 times their original size and has a 4 x 4-inch copy area, making it ideal for large drawings and prints. The projector requires an LED or fluorescent light bulb (not included), and incandescent bulbs cannot be used as they are too hot for the projector.
The Artograph EZ Tracer is ideal for use in schools, workplaces and studios for small drawings and murals.
Note: Do not use incandescent lamps as they are too hot for the projector.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
Cons:
- No wireless connection
- Requires a dark room, limited magnification
- Lamp is not included in the package
Summary: If you're looking for an affordable and easy-to-use mural projector, the Artograph EZ Tracer Art Projector is a great choice.
AAXA P7 Mini Mural Projector Review
Super Compact
The AAXA P7 mini projector is a small but powerful device that offers many features. It has a Full HD 1080p resolution that delivers a clear and accurate image with vivid colors.
This device is very small and lightweight, measuring 4.7" x 4.4" x 2.7" and weighing only 1.48 lbs, so it's easy to take with you in a laptop bag or briefcase for travel or entertainment. It features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 90 minutes without the need to change a bulb thanks to its long-lasting LEDs that can last over 30,000 hours.
AAXA P7 mini projector has various input and output options such as HDMI and mini-VGA, and can display images up to 120 inches diagonally. It's a great choice for home and home murals as well as for traveling and outdoor projects!
Pros:
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- Compact, lightweight design
- Rechargeable battery for up to 90 minutes of runtime
- Up to 120” screen size
Cons:
- No wireless connection
- Limited brightness compared to larger projectors
- No built-in speakers
Summary: The AAXA P7 Mini Projector is a powerful and versatile mini projector that is ideal for use anywhere. It has a built-in Full HD 1080p resolution, compact design, rechargeable battery that provides up to 90 minutes of use, built-in various connection ports, and a maximum screen size of up to 120 inches. With the included remote control, the AAXA P7 Mini Projector is the perfect companion for all your projection needs.
FAQ about Mural Projector
How do I project an image on a wall with a projector?
To project an image on a wall with a projector, follow these steps: connect your laptop or smartphone to the projector, position the projector at the desired distance from the wall, adjust the focus for a clear image, and then trace and paint the image onto the wall.
Do I need any special software to use a mural projector?
No special software is required to use the mural projector. Connect the projector to the device that stores the image you want to project. Once you have positioned the projector and adjusted it, you can start painting.
What is the best resolution for a mural projector?
The amount of detail in your images determines the resolution you should choose for your mural projector. For example, a resolution of 480p is suitable for basic outlines and shapes, but for more complex images with a lot of detail, it is better to choose a resolution of 720p or higher.
Best Art Projector for Murals: Conclusion
When choosing the best projector for creating murals, it's important to prioritize functionality over creative freedom. The ideal projector should have high resolution and powerful brightness to maintain a clear image on large surfaces, as well as flexible connectivity for easy integration with a variety of multimedia devices.
Features such as adjustable grid and extensive zoom capabilities can greatly assist monumental artists in scaling and accurately reproducing their work. I recommend looking at models such as the Artograph Inspire 25120 with 32 built-in grid templates, the Vamvo L4200 Portable Mini Projector, or the Artograph EZ Tracer.
Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, choosing a projector with reliable build quality, long lamp life, and portability ensures that it will be able to support creative projects in a variety of environments, making it a valuable tool in an artist's arsenal.
Go Deeper:
Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
