Thread: Colored CFLs - How to?

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So I read most of the entire gigantic thread regarding the clip-on LEDs, and I have to admit, I was tempted to buy them. I'm glad I read so much of the thread, however, because I could feel the excitement about those lights fading by the end.

In another thread, I read a few people mention colored CFLs, so I picked up a couple recently. The richness of the light, as well as the intensity, was impressive!

This begs the question, though - how do you guys "mount" them without breaking the bank? There comes a point where it would just make more sense to buy a PAR can, ya know?

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by BallstonManor

So I read most of the entire gigantic thread regarding the clip-on LEDs, and I have to admit, I was tempted to buy them. I'm glad I read so much of the thread, however, because I could feel the excitement about those lights fading by the end.

In another thread, I read a few people mention colored CFLs, so I picked up a couple recently. The richness of the light, as well as the intensity, was impressive!

This begs the question, though - how do you guys "mount" them without breaking the bank? There comes a point where it would just make more sense to buy a PAR can, ya know?

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Simple light socket:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Then, you take some duct:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Duct tape to your light socket...presto, el cheapo par can.

You can paint it black if you're in need of hiding it.

That is sorta along the lines of what I was thinking. I also found this and thought it was interesting.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Poor...scape-PAR-Can/

I have used them inside my house and they give off a nice amount of light . How are they outside? Do they throw alot of light as compared to a regular spot light?

I use them IN things as I have Par Cans and large floods already...

The advantages is the color is so 'pure'. Green is VERY green, Blue is VERY blue, etc. You don't need to worry about scratches on the lense, or white light escaping from the sides of a PAR can. It's light is roughly comparable to the flood lights you buy in the store. They are cheap. Do not get as hot. Less power consumption.

The disadvantages include: Not dimmable. NOT a spot light with a defined angle. You can do an ok job of it with homemade par cans, but they are NOT spots. Specific colors (compared to a par can with gels that can be changed). NOT weatherproof: They can break in rain.

Thanks UnOrthodOx........good to know! Trying to avoid the cost of an LED spot but looks like eventually will have to replace the regular spots with them.....one bulb at a time lol!

I was impressed with the richness of the colors compared to my standard floods. And the decreased power consumption is a definite plus. With some coffee-can PARs that I had lying around, they do a decent job of uplighting the front of the house. You're certainly not going to get a long-distance flood out of them though.

Really BallstonManor! Do ya happen to have any pics of them in action?

Originally Posted by BallstonManor

I was impressed with the richness of the colors compared to my standard floods. And the decreased power consumption is a definite plus. With some coffee-can PARs that I had lying around, they do a decent job of uplighting the front of the house. You're certainly not going to get a long-distance flood out of them though.

Which is why I like them IN things. Just such a rich color. But, I'm rather unconventional in my lighting.

Blackfog - I didn't take pictures yet, because I was just testing 'em out. If it ever stops raining, I'll try to grab one for you. I'm off 'til Sunday afternoon, so I have a few days to do the anti-rain dance.