Polished reflectors...
 

Hello,

Has anyone read anything about the use of polished stainless steel for reflectors? I can't find any articles regarding its efficiency in reflecting light.

I have an old polished stainless steel incandescent canopy from the 70's and this material looks like a good alternate for polished aluminum. I called around a few shops in vancouver and thin gauge (24ga) polished stainless sheets are only about 2-3$ per square foot (depending on quantity), it's readily available and doesn't oxidize/pit as easily as alumninum.

If you have read any articles on this please share.

TIA
Clint

Polished reflectors...
 

that will probably be better than polished aluminum but not quite as good as spectral aluminum. Spectral aluminum is actualy coated with a highly reflective finnish and suposidly better than a miror for the reflectivity.

maby thats why the spectral aluminum is almost 7.00 per square foot.

Steve

Polished reflectors...
 

Hello Steve and Shane,

I read in your other thread about the spectral aluminum. I would buy some even at that price since all I need is 1 square foot. Just to wrap around the top of the MH bulb and act as a heat shield for the mirror plexi on the rest of the canopy. Plus aluminum is so much easier to work with. I cannot find any company on the mainland that carries this stuff.

If the polished SS is only 10 15% less efficient as the spectral Al then it's good enough for me!

Polished reflectors...
 

i would prefer SS over aluminum. good score you found i say.
shane

Polished reflectors...
 

I have read that actual mirror is the absolute best, for it does not change the spectrum of the light, while polished alminums and others change. I thinking I might try this. Its easy to find and fairly cheap.

Polished reflectors...
 

Jay,

If you do a search you will find out why mirror is not a good type of reflector..

It will corrode and go black in essence. I can't remember it all and have to run.. but do take a look.

Polished reflectors...
 

Jay, like Darren said there are several reasons why a miror is not good to use, but when you talk about pure reflectance it is right at the top of the heap but spectral aluminum is a tiny bit better and much better suted for our use.

you can check out a good article that talks about it here

Steve

Polished reflectors...
 

Well I guess mirrors are out the question [img]redface.gif[/img] . I guess i'll go to the Hydro. shop and see what they got!!! Sounded pretty damn cool though!!! :D

Polished reflectors...
 

What do you guys think about aluminum flashing? Is it worth considering? 18'' by 12'' piece $2.50. Sorry guys!!!