Thread: Black Lights

Tweet

Just a quick question for those who frequently use blacklights... do you know what to look for in a black light? Which one's do you prefer? And who sells them at good prices?

I usually use strobe and flood lights... I never had a good position for black lights outside... but with the new house, I'll have a good size porch... so any and all suggestions/comments would be helpful... thanks

I'd say, don't waste your money on incandescent...best I've found for a room of any size (and price-wise) is to get a cheap fluorescent light rig with no bulbs...$20 at walmart for a 48" one. Then get a couple of BL bulbs, probably $10-12 apiece. You won't be wanting for light, that's for sure...

You can go cheaper, walmart has an 18" single-bulb unit (base and all) for about $20, which is fine for a smaller space, as long as you can get within 6-8 feet of the objects you want to illuminate.

Jeremy is right. The incadescents aren't really blacklight as far as I can tell. The flourescent tube style is pretty good for the price. They get reallly hot. I personnally dont like the haze effect that they cause to my vision; gives me a headache. If you can spend a little more, get a uv wash. I use the Elation UV wash. It's relatively compact yet it spreads the uv long and wide. uv reactive pigments light up very well to it's wavelength.

No brand preference.

Again, the incandescent ones are utter crap so don't waste your money on them. If you can find them in a dollar store, they aren't real blacklights.

I use the compact UV ones that fit a standard lamp socket for several areas during parties. The tubes that go in florescent light fixtures can be found at any of the home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes for not too much.

I know that Spencer's carries a small 2 foot portable light fixture that comes with the black light for under $20 in my area. I put that up inside my FCG crypt.

Originally Posted by Frankie's Girl

No brand preference.

Again, the incandescent ones are utter crap so don't waste your money on them. If you can find them in a dollar store, they aren't real blacklights.

I use the compact UV ones that fit a standard lamp socket for several areas during parties. The tubes that go in florescent light fixtures can be found at any of the home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes for not too much.

I know that Spencer's carries a small 2 foot portable light fixture that comes with the black light for under $20 in my area. I put that up inside my FCG crypt.

Agreed with all above.

I do also recommend checking Spencer's frequently for sales. I have been able to get a 48" black light from them for $20 before.

How about the CFL's (compact Florescent Light)? I have one that fits into a regular socket and is in a spiral shape, anyone use one of these before?

Spirithalloween.com and there brick and mortar stores carry large and small florescent blacklights. I was gonna pick up a couple.

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/48-blacklight/
http://www.spirithalloween.com/produ...ch-blacklight/

Not bad prices. I believe all there black lights include the bulb (florescent tubing)

Originally Posted by BeaconSamurai

How about the CFL's (compact Florescent Light)? I have one that fits into a regular socket and is in a spiral shape, anyone use one of these before?

As a matter of fact, I started using those last year. I'm really happy with them, but know that they don't have the kind of throw that the large tubes do. They are great if you want a UV spotlight, but it has to be located fairly close to the object. 10'-12' I'd say. Whereas a regular 48" UV tube will light up every corner of my garage.

I picked up a 48" blacklight at Spirit using a 20% coupon, so it was only $20.

I use the compact florescent black lights. I noticed home depot was starting to sell them. For the money the walmart stuff is the most cost effective.