Question re: reflective material

[calikush]

I have a quick question. I wanted to know if using the white side of christmass wrapping paper would work good as a reflective material. I don't want to spend $20 or so on mylar because I don't really need that much nor do I want to paint my walls. So does using the back side of wrapping paper sound like a good idea? or are there any other really cheap materials I can use as reflective material? Do you think wrapping paper would work better than tin foil? Thanks.

 

[green_grow]

please dont put paper in your grow box . why not just a spray can of flat white paint ? if you really dont want to paint then i would go with the tin foil.

 

[Harry Gypsna]

A cheapo reflective method much better than paint or tin foil is those emergency survival space blankets.... you know like they throw round a runner when theyve just run a marathon... ordinary mylar is what they are.... any semi decent army surplus type place or camping/hiking/outdoors store will definately have them for for sure if u were going to use any wrapping paper use the mylar stuff silver side out.... you may find its not as cheap as you think doing it that way tho....space blakets are cheap and a decent size. Ordinary wrapping paper is a bit of a fire risk and wont stand up to humididty in the air either.
Reflextix bubble and foil type insulation is quite good too.......try to get the one with foil on both sides..... Its sometimes called radiator reflector foil
kitchen foil is pretty crap to be honest...it tears and crinkles and soon ends up being a waste of time.....

 

[SomeGuy]

I've found cheap mylar in the gift wrap dept at the dollar stores.

I tried some that was paper backed but it wrinkled in a few days time, also as stated above its probably a fire hazard.

 

[Guest]

I have a quick question. I wanted to know if using the white side of christmass wrapping paper would work good as a reflective material. I don't want to spend $20 or so on mylar because I don't really need that much nor do I want to paint my walls. So does using the back side of wrapping paper sound like a good idea? or are there any other really cheap materials I can use as reflective material? Do you think wrapping paper would work better than tin foil? Thanks.

You want to raise some dank weed and won't spend the money necessary for a Successful indoor grow. "Just Getting By" seldom gets it done and you don't even want to paint the walls. LOL

 

[Guest]

I like flat white paint. I've used mylar and now prefer flat white paint. It's like 88% reflective. Mylar is definitely better but not worth the extra $ and hassle to replace. Paint is cheap. If you wanna save money just stick your hand in the can and smear it on the walls.

Wrapping paper is a bad idea and tinfoil is actually not very reflective.

 

[icon]

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100020855

 

[Guest]

Icon...I use that stuff mainly to insulate my hoods and duct T's, elbows and Y's. For the same price use flat white paint, I know the original poster did not want to paint, and it'll end up being more reflective. Paint s not the best solution for some setups though and understand that.

 

[icon]

i actually havnt tryed reflectix yet but i was planning on it i was using the emergancy blanket but when i go my 400w hps it was a little too warm so i switched to my plain white wall. so yea white paint is best if you have heat issues.

 

[Guest]

so yea white paint is best if you have heat issues

I don't think the use of white paint over any highly reflective material will do much for heat issues. I know what you linked was basically insulation but still don't think the change form paint to insulation in a small grow space will have much impact at all.

 

[chosen]

Actually elastomeric white paint is the best of both worlds. IT insulates, is waterproof, easy to apply, has a 90% reflectivity rate. I really am afraid of using many reflective materials. They can become accelerants in a heart beat. Yet, sometimes it's needed for blocking light instead of as a reflective material.

 

[green_grow]

knna ... you comment re : barite is interesting . where does one find such a substance ? i am a big fan of flat white paint due to it's simplicity, safety and effectiveness. if i can pump up the reflectivity when i eventually repaint, that would be sweet.

 

[Guest]

Knna...cool info there for sure.

 

[manitu]

I don't think the use of white paint over any highly reflective material will do much for heat issues. I know what you linked was basically insulation but still don't think the change form paint to insulation in a small grow space will have much impact at all.

When i tried mylar instead of white paint , my temps jumped 4 degrees celsius.
(15sq.ft., 1200 watt)

.manitu

 

[MedResearcher]

Flat white paint is my favorite.


If you really dont want to paint, you can use Butcher Paper. Like the white thick paper they wrap the meat in. Very cheap, easy to replace, and nice reflectivity and it is somewhat water resistant.

Also you can buy the black and white panda film by the foot at most grow stores. The white side works well, but honestly I would rather use paint.


I like paint better then Mylar, the mylar has a tendancy to loose its reflectivity when it gets wet or to humid. The white paint is nice for long term use, in between sessions you can always add another coat to help clean the room and keep up the reflectivity. Where as if you have an infestation or infection and your walls are covered in mylar.... you prolly gonna have to throw it away and buy more, besides paint or bleach the walls behind the mylar anyways.