What are the best diffusers made of?

C

Call_Me_Kurt

Member
Hi,

I have a couple 500W halogen lamps which are actually exterior security lights mounted on old drum kit stands. They do the job.

But I want to make a softbox for them. I'm thinking the heat will be far too high for the usual material, (which I understand is a kind of sailcloth?)

I will probably need to make a free-standing diffuser instead, and just stand it in front of the lights at a safe distance. Which brings me to my question. How fire-resistant is that material? How far away from the light should I place a square of it?

And, if that's not suitable, would a large square of woven fibreglass be just as effective?

Thanks,
Kurt.
 
CR1520T.jpg


You want soomething like this, point the lights at it from different angle. You can also bounce the lights through this for softer light.

You can but material like this at a facbric store if you don't want to spend on a butterfuly and make a stand from pvc.
 
High-temperature diffusion material IS woven fibreglass. You used to be able to buy it cheap by the roll at a hardware store. It's thick though, and you lose a lot of light.

You can buy a small square of thinner material from a lighting shop, and clamp it to the light too.
 
Okay, then fibreglass is the way to go. Because I will want to save space by positioning the diffuser as close to the light as I can.

Thanks, Pmark23.

Cheers,
Kurt.
 
So, what exactly is that material, Djkarn? I'm guessing it isn't fibreglass, or the light would go right through it, instead of reflecting, wouldn't it?

I have various things already that I can use as reflectors. What I mostly need is heat-proof diffusers that I can mount very close to the light.

Cheers,
Kurt.
 
not sure exactly, some kind of sheer nylon. It melts but doesn't burn so it's not a big fire hazard, though I wouldn't put it too close to lights.
 
You can get diffusion material at rosebrand.com under the "diffusion" section. The common kind is 1 stop polysilk and it is heat resistant.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top