Chroma Key Materials

Chroma keys are created using two materials: paint or cloth. Each can be expensive depending upon what you buy and how much.

Chroma Key Paint:

Professional chroma key paint will cost about $40 to $75 a gallon. The main advantage with professional paints is that they have been tested to get the best picture results and cover most other colors in one coat. As an alternative to professional paints, try matching the green Cascade dishwashing container color to an inexpensive to medium grade latex paint. Have the paint store mix the paint with a flat sheen; $10 to $35 is probably a reasonable cost for a gallon of paint.

If the surface has not been undercoated, do so. Then paint to the size of the key you need. (Objects such as cubes or other props may be painted for various effects.) I have a green chroma key painted on a recreation room wall in my basement. It works very well. (My wife has never appreciated this painting scheme.)

Chroma Key Cloth:

Professional cloth chroma keys are a good way to go. If not too large, their cost is reasonable, and they can be used indoors or out. Professional cloth keys also fold up and expand to their working size when the steel band is unfolded. Search the web of portable chroma keys and see what’s out there.

It is possible to save some money by making your own, especially if it’s going to be used mainly indoors where there is no wind. A local fabric store probably has cloth that matches the Cascade dishwashing container hue. Again, make sure the cloth purchased has no sheen. Tacking, draping, or flying it from a batten are the possibilities for chroma key cloth. (Make sure there are no bunches of the fabric where shadows develop.