Fluorescent light bulbs, 4100k 5000k or 6500k?

[LoiG37]

I just got four 48" dual fluorescent light fixtures that takes T-12 bulbs.



What light temperature should I go with that will be best for detailing? 4100K, 5000K 6500K?



What do you guys have?





thanks

[dschribs]

I just put 6 light strips in my garage. I put one set in each of three strips. Ended up going with the 6500k. Bright, very day light like light. My wife has dubbed it "The Operating Room".

[imported_paintxpert]

Almost 90 percent of the cars I do are done OUTSIDE. The Sun is the boss when it comes to detailing. If I do it inside , I always move it out if the Sun is out. The car must reflect optically perfect with no webbing or clues that the surfaces were machine polished. That is key here. Typically if you get the car looking good under flourescent lighting, which can be difficult, it will look even better outside. The brighter you have your garage the more perfect you can make your detail. At least presumably...always check it outside after completion.

[josephclemente]

I`ve had 6500K lights in the garage for a few years and I`ve never liked them. I look forward to replacing them but they`ll probably last many more years. I just don`t find the color to be comfortable or natural at all. They suck.

[jaynick808]

5000k is the best, and also the most expensive. 3500,4300,6500 are considerably cheaper usually.

if you go to the phillips website it explains the color rating index(CRI)

[rdorman]

For a natural daylight type of appearence I would suggest 5000k with a CRI > 90. You can`t have to much light!

[washnwaxr]

4100, 6500 don`t give good light IMO.

[josephclemente]

I recently switched from 6500k to 5000k. I am much happier now!

[YeboGoGo]

I recently switched from 6500k to 5000k. I am much happier now!

Ironically I went from 5000k to to 6500k and im happier now... I guess it boils down to personal preference

[Pats300zx]

Ironically I went from 5000k to to 6500k and im happier now... I guess it boils down to personal preference

Same thing for me. I was very dissatisfied with the 5000k bulbs.

[VitoB]

Same thing for me. I was very dissatisfied with the 5000k bulbs.

I purchased a pair of 5000K bulbs recently just to try them out and I was not happy with them either. I find the 6500K light up the garage much better. The 5000K seemed much more dull.



When you are polishing paint to remove swirls, no fluorescent light will allow you to see the defects properly, therefore the way I see it is the fluorescents are only for general lighting. You still need halogen lights to see the true condition of the paint. With that being said, there is no benefit to 5000K bulbs in my opinion.

[ABQDetailer]

I`ll be doing up my new garage in a couple of weeks. Would 6500s suffice and use the Brinkmann to spot check? Halogens really eat up the power...

[Pats300zx]

I`ll be doing up my new garage in a couple of weeks. Would 6500s suffice and use the Brinkmann to spot check? Halogens really eat up the power...

You will need the Brinkmann. The 6500k bulbs in the ceiling are not enough for swirl correction.

[Greg Nichols]

its all about the CRI IMO, good bulbs are not cheap and you cannot find them at the box stores.



I have t8 in my garage and I love the look K5100, the 6500 are too blue. You will need halogens or Brinkman for the detail work, but I say light up the place WELL and you will be very happy. While I agree the SUN is boss, you can get pretty darn close except for halogram checking with florescent bulbs.



Cheers,

GREG

[bdspler]

5050 was what I tried to balance film with some years back.

so 5000k is the best to match color! if thats important!

but not sure if it helps with detailing!