Im looking into making some portable Daylight Flourecent softbanks using common daylight bulbs from one of the big box DIY stores. I have two questions for any DIY-ers out here.
1. I found plexiglass Mirror panels available at my home center, they are super clean and come without flaws in the reflective surface. They are also very flexible. Rather than buying a highly polished chromed aluminum reflector for 10 or 20 bucks per light. I thought these might work. Has anyone used these or thought of using them for low/no heat lighting reflectors?
2. I have some Aluminum Ductwork tape used for high heat areas. Because it is pure aluminum, even the sticky side is quite reflective. I had thought of wrapping this around the backside of a flourecent bulb to create a self reflecting bulb. Am I wasting my time?
For what it is worth, I have used the aluminum tape in the past. It can be peened out easily to create a light diffusing reflector surface. in fact, you can simply use your favorite Manufacturers reflective surface (IE: a lowel tota light reflector surface) as a mold by sticking the tape onto some foam core, then take your manufacturers reflector material, land push it into the Auliminum-on-Foam Core surface you just made. A rubber hammer will work wonders for pounding the pattern into your foamcore/aluminum tape material without damaging your pre-manufactured reflector.
Whalla! instant peened diffused reflector. This concept is Similar to doing gravestone charcoal rubbings. Keep in mind, this application is for LOW HEAT light sources. Dont put a 1k tungsten bulb anywhere near this and please, do not try to re-sell these home made reflectors. The manufacturers put alot of time into the R&D end of these reflective patterns, some may even be patented!. Be respectful to them. There is a person on an assembly line or in a lab, that is behind the design of everyone of these patterns. They have to put dinner on thier plate everynight too.
Hope this was useful for someone.
MagicCat
1. I found plexiglass Mirror panels available at my home center, they are super clean and come without flaws in the reflective surface. They are also very flexible. Rather than buying a highly polished chromed aluminum reflector for 10 or 20 bucks per light. I thought these might work. Has anyone used these or thought of using them for low/no heat lighting reflectors?
2. I have some Aluminum Ductwork tape used for high heat areas. Because it is pure aluminum, even the sticky side is quite reflective. I had thought of wrapping this around the backside of a flourecent bulb to create a self reflecting bulb. Am I wasting my time?
For what it is worth, I have used the aluminum tape in the past. It can be peened out easily to create a light diffusing reflector surface. in fact, you can simply use your favorite Manufacturers reflective surface (IE: a lowel tota light reflector surface) as a mold by sticking the tape onto some foam core, then take your manufacturers reflector material, land push it into the Auliminum-on-Foam Core surface you just made. A rubber hammer will work wonders for pounding the pattern into your foamcore/aluminum tape material without damaging your pre-manufactured reflector.
Whalla! instant peened diffused reflector. This concept is Similar to doing gravestone charcoal rubbings. Keep in mind, this application is for LOW HEAT light sources. Dont put a 1k tungsten bulb anywhere near this and please, do not try to re-sell these home made reflectors. The manufacturers put alot of time into the R&D end of these reflective patterns, some may even be patented!. Be respectful to them. There is a person on an assembly line or in a lab, that is behind the design of everyone of these patterns. They have to put dinner on thier plate everynight too.
Hope this was useful for someone.
MagicCat
