Who uses Reflectix? Just wondering how well it reflects light, and is it worth it over just white paint?
Reflectix, worth it?
- Thread starter slowandeasy
- Start date
America
Member
Reflectix works amazing and is easy to install with aluminum tape and a stapler/carpet tape. It reflects 97% of light I think, and also insulates very well, too! Its better than mylar and lasts forever because it is easily cleaned.
I use it in my rubbermaid micro sog setup and it works wonders. Lightproofing was easy and the temps are more easily controlled when using it. I love how dirt and residue is easily removed with windex and a rag.
You won't regret purchasing Reflectix.
I use it in my rubbermaid micro sog setup and it works wonders. Lightproofing was easy and the temps are more easily controlled when using it. I love how dirt and residue is easily removed with windex and a rag.
You won't regret purchasing Reflectix.
good/sturdy enough enough to replace panda plastic for diy tent walls?
boroboro
Member
I think it's sturdy enough, but the only stuff I've found comes in rolls that are only 30-36" wide.
America
Member
I'm not quite sure about that application. You would have to tape it up side by side to make it seamless, and the tape might be compromised at some point. If you did manage to get it up and set up air tight and whatnot, then yes it would be a great material for a diy tent.
If it was me, unless I needed it insulated, I would go with the panda plastic. Much less work..
used panda plastic several seasons... can get pin-prick holes; tape loses adhesion bond over time due to heat; no rigidity @ all...
ideally would use strong adhesives & staple gun to construct makeshift walls+ceiling. standard wooden frame.
rigid styrofoam insulation, or reflectix? the insulation boards, @ 1/2", are ~10 coins per 4x8.
reflectix seems good because can break down & reuse. panda can be difficult to reuse...
enjoy your garden!
solarz
Member
Incorrect..you treat it the EXACT same way you treat mylar, panda, etc...the only difference is this stuff is much stronger. I have found rolls that come in 4 ft long tubes...and 2 of them were enough to construct a 4x4x9 entirely from the ground up. Give it a shot, much easier/cheaper than purchasing a tent. Also, its sturdy enough to hold up my ducting that i had to insert b/c of high temps....and it was easily light proofed (as mentioned before)
solarz
America
Member
I stand corrected.
Never used panda plastic, but then again, I bought a tent. I like the fit and finish of a manufactured tent. /shrug The reflectix will work anyway you use it for a tent, so long as you don't mind tape!I've only ever seen the 2 ft. wide rolls, but I don't doubt there is a 4 footer. Was it at home depot or lowe's?
theroadwarrior
Member
SAVE YOUR $$$$$$$$$$$
Hate to rain on everyones parade but reflectix is absolutely not 96% reflective. Take a light meter and you will see for yourself. They make no claims that it is 96% reflective. Their website states that it reflects 96% of radiant energy that strikes the surface. This does not mean it reflects that amount of light. Apples and Oranges. It is referring to the ability to retain heat. That is why the stuff has an R-value. FYI panda film and paint have no R-value. This has been well discussed.
Not saying it doesn't work and work well for some applications but for the price you are WAY better off painting white or getting some pandafilm. The prices are crazy unless your building a small room. You are going to pay several times more than panda film and twenty times more than paint for the same or lesser result.
Below are the info sheet from their own website. People can argue this all they would still be wrong.
Reflective Insulation (Reflective/Bubble)
Our reflective insulation is a safe, easy-to-use, thermal insulating material that provides cost effective, high efficiency performance for a wide range of applications. The Reflectix® Double Bubble product consists of two outer layers of a highly reflective material that reflects 96% of the radiant energy that strikes it's surface. This material is bonded to a tough layer of polyethylene for strength. Two inner layers of insulating bubbles resist conductive heat flow while a center layer of polyethylene give Reflectix® high reliability and strength. The Double Bubble product is recommended when the application calls for enhanced condensation control, greater strength and higher thermal qualities.
Hate to rain on everyones parade but reflectix is absolutely not 96% reflective. Take a light meter and you will see for yourself. They make no claims that it is 96% reflective. Their website states that it reflects 96% of radiant energy that strikes the surface. This does not mean it reflects that amount of light. Apples and Oranges. It is referring to the ability to retain heat. That is why the stuff has an R-value. FYI panda film and paint have no R-value. This has been well discussed.
Not saying it doesn't work and work well for some applications but for the price you are WAY better off painting white or getting some pandafilm. The prices are crazy unless your building a small room. You are going to pay several times more than panda film and twenty times more than paint for the same or lesser result.
Below are the info sheet from their own website. People can argue this all they would still be wrong.
Reflective Insulation (Reflective/Bubble)
Our reflective insulation is a safe, easy-to-use, thermal insulating material that provides cost effective, high efficiency performance for a wide range of applications. The Reflectix® Double Bubble product consists of two outer layers of a highly reflective material that reflects 96% of the radiant energy that strikes it's surface. This material is bonded to a tough layer of polyethylene for strength. Two inner layers of insulating bubbles resist conductive heat flow while a center layer of polyethylene give Reflectix® high reliability and strength. The Double Bubble product is recommended when the application calls for enhanced condensation control, greater strength and higher thermal qualities.
I wish i was smoking what you are. NOT.
FYI Light = radiant energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiant_energy
Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic waves.[1] The quantity of radiant energy may be calculated by integrating radiant flux (or power) with respect to time and, like all forms of energy, its SI unit is the joule. The term is used particularly when radiation is emitted by a source into the surrounding environment. Radiant energy may be visible or invisible to the human eye.
You could not be more wrong. Put down your pipe, youre over thinking this.
theroadwarrior
Member
I wish i was smoking what you are. NOT.
FYI Light = radiant energy
Not exactly true. Radiant is an adjective that means giving off heat or light. So according to your thinking if I rub my hands together real fast creating heat and thus radiant energy this can then be used to flower my girls?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiant_energy
Oh no not Wilkipedia
Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic waves.[1] The quantity of radiant energy may be calculated by integrating radiant flux (or power) with respect to time and, like all forms of energy, its SI unit is the joule. The term is used particularly when radiation is emitted by a source into the surrounding environment. Radiant energy may be visible or invisible to the human eye.
Wow are you serious I was wondering why my woodstove doesn't glow in the dark. So now I can grow in the dark next to my woodstove because of all the radiant energy around it.
How does this paragraph or the whole link disprove my comment in any way. Its apples and oranges. This stuff was made foremost to use overwater heaters, ductwork, piping, etc. Not to reflect light to reflect heat. Heat my friend. Yes it will work but it does not reflect 96% of light energy. Simple as that. "The Double Bubble product is recommended when the application calls for enhanced condensation control, greater strength and higher thermal qualities" Why if its such a great reflector of light don't they mention it?
You could not be more wrong. Put down your pipe, youre over thinking this.
You could not be more rude which caused me to be rude in turn. You are the one over thinking this. Even if I was entirely wrong the fact is it is overpriced and a waste of money unless you don't care about $ (lucky you) or its a small room.
To the original poster sorry to Hijack your thread just trying to save you some GREENBACK$ If you have winter heat concerns then it may be worth it. Like I said for some applications it may be worth the extra cost. I used it and found my exhaust ran more to cool the room because the stuff holds more heat. Like I said it has and R-Value. Feel free to believe me or not but if you can paint the room white you'd save some cash. Panda film can get pin pricks but only if you prick it with a something sharp. So be careful with it if your building a tent. If you a room that is light proof to start it is ideal and pin pricks or small tears would not be an issue whatsoever.
Thought I'd note I am just talking about Reflectix and not Ultraflect. That is an entirely different product which works much better for reflection though I still prefer panda film or white paint. Mylar and Ultraflect need to be hung very carefully to avoid crinkling so you get and even light reflection.
FYI Light = radiant energy
Not exactly true. Radiant is an adjective that means giving off heat or light. So according to your thinking if I rub my hands together real fast creating heat and thus radiant energy this can then be used to flower my girls?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiant_energy
Oh no not Wilkipedia
Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic waves.[1] The quantity of radiant energy may be calculated by integrating radiant flux (or power) with respect to time and, like all forms of energy, its SI unit is the joule. The term is used particularly when radiation is emitted by a source into the surrounding environment. Radiant energy may be visible or invisible to the human eye.
Wow are you serious I was wondering why my woodstove doesn't glow in the dark. So now I can grow in the dark next to my woodstove because of all the radiant energy around it.
How does this paragraph or the whole link disprove my comment in any way. Its apples and oranges. This stuff was made foremost to use overwater heaters, ductwork, piping, etc. Not to reflect light to reflect heat. Heat my friend. Yes it will work but it does not reflect 96% of light energy. Simple as that. "The Double Bubble product is recommended when the application calls for enhanced condensation control, greater strength and higher thermal qualities" Why if its such a great reflector of light don't they mention it?
You could not be more wrong. Put down your pipe, youre over thinking this.
You could not be more rude which caused me to be rude in turn. You are the one over thinking this. Even if I was entirely wrong the fact is it is overpriced and a waste of money unless you don't care about $ (lucky you) or its a small room.
To the original poster sorry to Hijack your thread just trying to save you some GREENBACK$ If you have winter heat concerns then it may be worth it. Like I said for some applications it may be worth the extra cost. I used it and found my exhaust ran more to cool the room because the stuff holds more heat. Like I said it has and R-Value. Feel free to believe me or not but if you can paint the room white you'd save some cash. Panda film can get pin pricks but only if you prick it with a something sharp. So be careful with it if your building a tent. If you a room that is light proof to start it is ideal and pin pricks or small tears would not be an issue whatsoever.
Thought I'd note I am just talking about Reflectix and not Ultraflect. That is an entirely different product which works much better for reflection though I still prefer panda film or white paint. Mylar and Ultraflect need to be hung very carefully to avoid crinkling so you get and even light reflection.
Roadwarrior,
It is just for a small cab, and the stuff is only like 13 bucks a roll for the small size. And actually the added insulation might help in the cold months. I value your info, but already bought a small roll....will see how it works out. BTW, do you know how reflective it really is then? Thanks!!
It is just for a small cab, and the stuff is only like 13 bucks a roll for the small size. And actually the added insulation might help in the cold months. I value your info, but already bought a small roll....will see how it works out. BTW, do you know how reflective it really is then? Thanks!!
Stepping outside of the radiant enrgy argument, a competing product available at Lowes (in Canada, availabe at Rona) is Peal 'n Seal. Like Reflectix, it is an insulating material with a mylar/alum reflective base. Unlike Reflectix, it does not contain insulated air cells of any kind. It's still relatively thick, but nowhere near as thick as Reflectix. It is easier to work with when cutting.
Instead, Peal n Seal is backed with an asphalt coating - ideal for use in roofing projects (which is the section of the store where you will find it). It is very durable and easy to clean, but comes in larger widths, larger lengths and it is cheaper than Reflectix. It is also much thinner, so when using this as a reflector inside cabinets where space can be at a premium, the reduced width of the material is usually welcome. It is also a good sound insulator.
Here's an example of the material from one of grouchy's screen shots. As you can see, the finish is pebble aluminum. The shot also gives you a good idea of how thin it is compared to Reflectix.
Instead, Peal n Seal is backed with an asphalt coating - ideal for use in roofing projects (which is the section of the store where you will find it). It is very durable and easy to clean, but comes in larger widths, larger lengths and it is cheaper than Reflectix. It is also much thinner, so when using this as a reflector inside cabinets where space can be at a premium, the reduced width of the material is usually welcome. It is also a good sound insulator.
Here's an example of the material from one of grouchy's screen shots. As you can see, the finish is pebble aluminum. The shot also gives you a good idea of how thin it is compared to Reflectix.
Yeah fatigues, that peel n seal stuff is more expensive...plus do you want ashphalt around your hot lights? I know he sealed everything, but not gonna take a chance on melting some ashphalt in my grow area. He had that shit laying around, it is pricey. Thanks for the info tho! Take care.
N
noone4u
I found tons of it in my attic !
Farmtek.com sells similar stuff, and you can get it all sorts of thicknesses, sizes, and different facings. Great site!
I haven't used reflectix, but most of my grower buddies tell me they switched from shiny surfaces to Panda because the shiny stuff gives them bad vibes, like it's so unnatural looking that it just seemed to stress them out being in the room. I've always used panda and have never regretted it, it's cheap and easy to find and easy to work with.
I haven't used reflectix, but most of my grower buddies tell me they switched from shiny surfaces to Panda because the shiny stuff gives them bad vibes, like it's so unnatural looking that it just seemed to stress them out being in the room. I've always used panda and have never regretted it, it's cheap and easy to find and easy to work with.
