Garage Lights

detailbarn · 12-03-02, 04:28

I am setting up my new garage for detailing I have always had flouresent light but I wonder if there is something better?The over all garage is 24'x36'. The shop is 24'x24' with 11' ceilings. The walls are all white now but I'm planning on some accents probally some wainscoting around the bottom and chair rail , not sure what color yet. Any and all ideas are welcome , I was looking into the metal halide that Griots has but I don't think I want to spend $2000.00 for four lights. Thanks for the help.

Shiny Lil Detlr · 12-03-02, 04:41

frankly the setup you have is good, fluorescent is the best overall light you can have. However, I would add some accent/fill lighting for color and accuracy.

Ideally you would put a bunch of fluorescent directly aimed at the floor (through a clear light diffusing screen), then bounce some halogen lamps off the ceiling and walls to fill in color and depth of the lighting.... you might consider having some independently controlled non-diffused fluorescent and halogens aimed directly at the vehicle at various points so you can check for really minute swirls and micro-marring.

detailbarn · 12-03-02, 05:03

ok I hear you , what size would you suggest and how many units for my size garage? thanks

Shiny Lil Detlr · 12-03-02, 05:30

I would just do a bunch of the 48" shoplites you can get at lowes or wherever, for a 24x24, I would say probably 12-16 light units of the fluorescent, and 4-6 halogen lamps.... part of it depends on the colors on/in the room, the vehicle parked in there, and how much light you generally like to have. You could either use it to land a 747 (runway light level) or use it to see what you have to see.. just play with it and see what works for you.

detailbarn · 12-03-02, 05:39

thanks for the imput.

Redcar GUY · 12-03-02, 08:54

My garage is 26X26 and I have 15 of the cheap 4 foot 2 bulb lights. I would suggest getting at least a few that are the "cold weather" ones It will take a while for the Cheape ones to light up all the way. Just my 02$ I got mine for about $6 each and the Cold weather ones are on sale now at Lowes for about $15.

turnipgreen · 12-04-02, 06:15

I did 8 foot flourescents (4 two bulb fixtures) in my garage which is about 34 X 26. We have plenty of light, but I wish I could do away with the humming from the lights.

Also, I wish at this point I would have put in two ceiling fans, if you get a chance you might want to consider it.

detailbarn · 12-04-02, 07:07

i agree with the humming thing right now I only have four 4' units and they sound like a swarm of bee's. As far as the ceiling fan goes , my garage is climate controled , has both central heat and air so I'm good for that.

turnipgreen · 12-04-02, 10:09

My garage has vents from the house as well, but sometimes having air movement would be really nice.

ryeh2o · 12-05-02, 08:43

How many cars or trucks are you going to detail at the same time?
I'm an Electrician by trade, and one of my buddies ask me to set him up in a larger shop than your garage. What we did was hang 4 - 8ft x 2 bulb floresents side be side about 8ft off the groung using "jack chain", in the centre of the specific work area.
This was done to cut down on any shadows caused by people around the car.
It was tons of light, and was not that expensive to complete. All supplies can be picked up at building supply, and the power requirements was 15A breaker.
This could be done at each work bay you choose to set up.
Just a thought
Ryeh2o

Jimmy Buffit · 12-05-02, 09:05

[quote]Originally posted by ultgar

or via the internet (no point in having Network cameras if you can't illuminate what's in the shop). SD

(SNIP)

ultgar (if that's your real name), you are the man. You give new meaning to the word ultimate.

I trust your business is fairing well...

We all look forward to more photos!

Jim

bretfraz · 12-06-02, 06:24

Quote:

Originally posted by ultgar
I have a small 20x32 garage

My garage is 19x18. Supposed to be 20x20 but you know how builders are. I'd love a 20x32.