Reflective surfaces, mylar, foil, paint...

[Saturn]

Who's got the facts on this?

My understanding is that just a small difference of 4 inches or so changes the light intensity dramatically, so, if the light has to travel over to a flat surface and back to the plant I can't see it actually providing much in the way of lumens.

That is just my opinion.

Is it worth it to put up a reflective coating? Is white indoor house paint just as good?

Thanks.

 

[YardDog35]

I've thought the same thing when it comes to cfl lighting. I see these reflectors for sale for cfl bulbs, I also see threads with diy cfl reflectors. At the same time we all know cfl's need to be 2"-4" from the plant (for lower wattage bulbs) because of the drastic loss in lumens.

When it comes to HID lighting there is a obvious advantage in having reflection.

Flat white paint is very reflective, as is mylar. Steer clear of foil, it can create hot spots when wrinkled.

 

[Saturn]

foil: Yep, your'e right about that I'm pretty sure

It just seems a waste of effort to mylar everything when in reality I don't think they benefit much from it not to mention the expense and time/effort.

That urban grower dood did a vid and he is not running hoods at all on 1k watt HPS, 8 of them.

I thought about lighting the ceiling in that instance but the light has to travel how many ever feet to the ceiling and then bounce back the same distance + how far the plant is away from the light.


Flat white is good? Cool!

 

[Giantsfan24]

foil: Yep, your'e right about that I'm pretty sure

It just seems a waste of effort to mylar everything when in reality I don't think they benefit much from it not to mention the expense and time/effort.

That urban grower dood did a vid and he is not running hoods at all on 1k watt HPS, 8 of them.

I thought about lighting the ceiling in that instance but the light has to travel how many ever feet to the ceiling and then bounce back the same distance + how far the plant is away from the light.


Flat white is good? Cool!

I have read that flat white paint is the best actually. I used Reflectix as it is insulation and could help maintain temps in the winter..my box is in my garage.

If that weren't the case, I would have gone flat white. You're on the right track..

 

[Hash Hound]

i got a cheap piece of mylar sold at Wmart as a emergency camping blanket for a buck. Stuck it up with sticky goo pieces.

 

[Zenww]

I tried mylar once before in the past when i first started up growing, let me tell you... Pain in the ass. I decided to stick with the white paint currently on my wall from before, much less effort and maintenance.

 

[SavorDank]

I like Panda Film. I just installed it and it works nice and is easy to clean up. White on one side and black on the other. Also i think its cheaper than Mylar. May not reflect light DIRECTLY back well but diffuses it and increases general lighting for sure. IMO PANDA FILM IS THE WAY TO GO.

Flat white paint is fine though. Mylar is ok but creates hotspots sometimes and light isnt reflected as well when fans wrinkle and move it around.