Best material for a reflector

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ivanfj

Guest
I currently have some good lightings for my 20 but they don't come with the reflector. Actually I didn't order the reflector because they are over 60 bucks each. I just wonder what kind of metal, is it aluminum, would be the best for a reflector. Thank you.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
The best reflector is snow. That's probably not practicle for you though.
I think the next best is Aluminum coated with Titanium oxide. This stuff isn't cheap though.
The next choice depends on you lighting type. I'd suggest polished aluminum for HID lighting and White painted aluminum for flourescent.
 
joez

joez

Member
Gutter material from HD that is metal gives a good result. I got some of that and polished it up with a dremel then put a layer of clear coat on to keep it clean looking (for rust and such).
So far, so good.
 
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pirate_bob

Guest
I have not tried this myself but I hear chrome spraypaint for you car from any car store is perfect and works just like a reflector... and since its for some carparts in the engine the heat is no problem.. just read the label to make sure your buying the right stuff
 
joez

joez

Member
Bob....I tried that and it didn't work *as* well as the gutter. Infact, the paint I used was engine paint, and the clear I have on it now is for engine use as well. The problem with it was that it didn't make a mirror surface (or maybe just wouldn't for me). The metal you can polish so you can see yourself.
Did you have luck with the chrome paint?
 
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pirate_bob

Guest
Actually I did not try the chrome paint myself but from what I saw it looked good..
Is the gutter metal you use good to stand the heat or does it bend? How long have you had it in there?
I'm actually getting ready to build my canapy and this website is perfect trying to figure out what to use cause I'm not spending 40 bucks on a reflector I can make for 10.
I guess the best thing for you to do Ivan would be practice alittle with different things and see what looks best to you.
 
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ivanfj

Guest
Where can I get that big piece of aluminum. I have 150 watts VHO and may want to get two more chords and make it 300. I guess I need a pretty big piece but I went to HD this past weekend and I basically found very little/nothing that is shiny.
 
lonestar

lonestar

Member
I was considering using thick mirror. Is this not a good idea? I was sold on the idea but have not seen it mentioned so I may be way off on my decision. Lemme know.
Thanks,
Jeremy
 
joez

joez

Member
LoL...why haven't I ever thought of that?!?! I would think it could take the heat, considering what they are made out of.
Hmm...I may need to revamp my canopy.....
:D
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Most Glass mirrors don't really reflect much light and they actually change the spectrum in the higher wavelengths. Better than nothing, but spectral aluminum would be much better.
 
conundrum

conundrum

Member
Snow is not the best reflector, file it under useless info.
If you paint aluminum white, it will reduce the light reflected, total and spectra.
Mirror is the best, it reflects almost all the light spectrum accurately.
A properly shaped polished reflector will reflect more total light than a flat mirror.
For VHO think about mirror acrylic. Look for it at any plastic/glass shop, it's cheap too.
For MH think about a 12 inch mirror tile from home depot, it will take the heat just fine.
You stated you have a VHO setup. Think about getting the bulbs with the 180 deg internal reflectors, thereby making a reflector unnecessary, although may not be avail in your length.
 
chevydragtruck

chevydragtruck

Member
I work with aluminum for a living............I can get all I want..........plus I already have some in the garage for my truck........I just have been to lazy to put it in, plus I haven't decided yet to go with power compacs, or MH, or a combination of the 2, plus I would have to figure out how to remount my moonlights.
 
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