Whats the best reflective material to use

[pugzilla]

right now im using solid white construction paper but im looking for something more permanant . should i go with high gloss paint or get that mirror like reflective film i see at my local nursery

 

[StonerGrower]

mylar, or flat white paint.

 

[RooRman]

Mylar all the way! Get the 2 millimeter stuff the 1 millimeter rips too easily and is hard to work with. The 1 mil. is not useful for anything but covering a perfectly flat wall. Second best choice would be to paint the walls with flat white paint or cover them in "panda poly" (white on one side, black on the other.) Personally, I use mylar.

 

[CanadianEh]

and definitely do NOT use "glossy" paint if you go that route. Use "Flat" paint. The gloss is similar to a mirror where some diffraction occurs and therefore light energy is used up.

 

[Smokin Moose]

Also, do not use a mirror.

 

[Bagzgroove]

^^It actually absorbs light, not to mention hotspots. . .

Bagz

 

[pugzilla]

thanks all im goin w/ mylar and it seems to work, ill check out that "glassboard next time lim @ home depot

 

[Bagzgroove]

'glassboard' -- it is made in 'brilliant white' is glossy, pebbled finish for excellent light reflection from & too all angles. This is the stuff that now covers the walls of commercial kitchens $25.00 for a 4'X8' sheet at Home Depot. go to Home Depot w/ all your measurements & they'll cut it for you too.

LOL, I was just looking at this stuff yesterday. . . gotta love synchronicity!

Bagz

 

[RooRman]

They may sell that stuff at Home Depot, but don't even bother trying to find mylar there. The employees will just look at you funny and ask "what are you using it for?"

"Oh, a science project my good man!"

Get the mylar off the internet if you want it.

 

[Damagoman]

If you can afford the extra money
('cuz security is my OneOfMyBlackThangs)

get the mylar with the IR/Thermal scan sheilding ...
sounds sorta Sci-Fi don't it

Cheapest is paint ForSure(one of my other Thangs, Cheap)

 

[angelito]

can u use alluminum foil

 

[Smokin Moose]

^you can but it is not advised as it causes hotspots.

 

[angelito]

wats hot spots

 

[Smokin Moose]

It's where you get a concentration of light off the reflective surface, rather than an even dispersal of light off your lamp. It can damage your plants, specially with the 1000W lamps.

 

[StonerGrower]

Im glad someone finnaly mentioned this besides me for once!

^^It actually absorbs light, not to mention hotspots. . .

Bagz

 

[TrickDaddy]

Mylar all the way! Get the 2 millimeter stuff the 1 millimeter rips too easily and is hard to work with. The 1 mil. is not useful for anything but covering a perfectly flat wall. Second best choice would be to paint the walls with flat white paint or cover them in "panda poly" (white on one side, black on the other.) Personally, I use mylar.

I think the B&W poly is better than mylar for several reasons including reflective, workability and maintainability! That mylar crinkles up easily and if you wash it it will actually reduce the reflective properties of the film!

As for price i think they are similar.

 

[oilbaced]

Would good old foil work?

 

[Damagoman]

not recommended due to hot spots ..

 

[Damagoman]

I've used space blankets.
the emergency type for first aid use.
about .80 to 1.25 at most wallys and BigKs for 6x6 or 7x7ft,
can't remem exact dimin.

 

[GanjaMan417]

I've always just stuck to painting the area white, bu from what I hear mylar works pretty well too. definatly make sure if your using a MH or HPS that you have a good reflector because that can make a difference also..