Ultra-low-reflectance black that absorbs light
Rosco TV Black (5740) is a specialised studio paint for film, television and stage where reflections must be minimised. Its defining feature is an extremely low 3% reflectance — the surface absorbs light rather than reflecting it, for deeper blacks and better contrast in controlled lighting.
Where TV Black is used
- Film and television studios
- Projection environments
- Lighting-control areas
- Stage masking and backstage walls
- Black-box theatres
- Set construction needing light absorption
- Reducing spill from reflective surfaces
- Deep blacks under bright lighting
Best for — and the alternatives
TV Black is best for
- Absorbing light rather than reflecting it
- Improving projection contrast
- Reducing glare and spill under stage light
- Deep, consistent blacks on camera
A different studio surface?
TV Black is a light-absorbing background, not a keying paint. For keys or camera-white:
- TV White (5735) → calibrated 60% reflectance white
- Chroma Key Green / Blue → keying backgrounds
- Tough Prime Black → a durable black stage-floor paint
TV Black specifications
In professional lighting even small reflections show on camera or in projection. TV Black’s 3% reflectance absorbs most incident light, keeping blacks deep and glare low.
| Type | Ultra-low-reflectance studio black |
| Reflectance | 3% (light-absorbing) |
| Finish | Ultra-matte, low-glare |
| Base | Water-based vinyl acrylic |
| Coverage | Approx. 7.4 m² per litre |
| Sizes | Full container |
Typical applications
Studios
Deep blacks for film and television studios.
Projection
Improves contrast in dark projection spaces.
Masking
Stage masking, backstage walls and black-box theatres.
Which studio & video paint do I need?
Keying colour, calibrated background or ultra-matte black — match the paint to the job:
View Chroma Key Green
View Chroma Key Blue
View DigiComp HD Green
View DigiComp HD Blue
View TV White
View TV Black
Planning a studio or cyc?
Keying, reflectance and lighting all interact. Talk to us about paint choice, primer and coverage before you commit a whole wall or cyclorama.
Keying and reflectance performance depend on lighting, camera and application. Test on a sample and confirm results on camera before committing a full surface.
