Is it possible to use an overhead projector for arts and crafts?

Question

I have been given an Eiki overhead projector, model 3860 and I would like to draw a mural. Is this type of projector used with "transparencies" only. How may I use this? I have no experience with projectors.

Answer 1

Yes. You can use an overhead projector for many different things, including interior decorating! Check out their web site. http://www.eiki.com/ -- you should be able to get answers to your questions there from their personnel.

Answer 2

My school painted murals on the buildings between classrooms.
You need to get the mural onto the transparency, then project the picture onto the wall.
If you have a digital camera, then take the needed number of photos to project the correct size onto the wall. The OHP will throw an image on the wall, but it will be dim during full daylight. Try working in the evening. You will need close-ups of your original, all taken exactly the same way so that each picture will match when you shine them on the wall. Check the distance from the OHP and the wall carefully and use the same distance each time.
Be sure to get color transparency sheets that match your printer. You can not just use regular plastic transparencies. The ink won't stick to it. Be sure to print on the correct side of the transparency. Only one wide will work. The ink won't stick to the wrong side. Before you print, select 'Transparency' as the paper type, or you will get too much ink on the transparency. Carefully let the transparency dry before using. Don't stack the transparencies on each other. The ink will smear easily and if it gets wet, it will run.

Put an ordinary transparency on the OHP and test to see how far away from the wall you must be and the best size for the picture. use this information to make the photos and size them before printing. Transparencies for PC printers are not cheap. Plan ahead. Test one before printing a lot. Transparencies have some way to be put into the printer which is usually a strip of white along the leading edge. You must put this into your printer according to what it says to do so that the printable side is toward the print head. Each manufacturer and printer is different. Figure it out.

;-D Once you get the hang of it you will have a lot of fun. Try some silhouettes or high contrast black and whites as well as full color murals.

Answer 3

That's a really cool idea! I think it would work really well. At art stores, you can find beautiful, elaborate stained glass coloring books with pages that are transparent,and there are many different designs like traditional stained glass patterns or copies of classic works of art. The overhead projector would definitely work to magnify the pattern onto the wall. The best way to get used to using the overhead projector is to practise and adjust it until you get it right, and then mark the place where you have it set. Good luck!