TeaTreeOil
Well-Known Member
Where do you think it's proven that flat white plant is better?tin foil is not a horrible material to use but its also not the best. FLAT white paint works better for reflectivity. And nobody needs to prove it its already proven.
Thw downfall to tinfoil is it crinkles easily causing light to be diverted in the wrong direction. also it holds alot of heat. if you are having problems keeping your temp above 20C then tinfoil is ok. If you are having problems with temps being over 30C then tinfoil is a horrible material to use.
Read the growfaq about materials and reflectivity.
Look at this pic:
That's white reflection. What flat white paint actually causes reflection of this quality? None.
White powder coat is not flat white paint.
White powder paint causes diffusion, this "'diverted' light in wrong directions." It can be in the 90th percentile. Flat white paint is maybe 70% reflective.
According to science, not regurgitation, aluminum foil is nearly 90-95% reflective across the visible light spectrum. It hits a dent in the yellow-orange range, not much to worry about plant-wise. It averages 88%, according to Wikipedia's sources.
Aluminum doesn't 'hold' heat well. That's why it's used for heat sinks and cheap cookware. It's not like it's creating heat. It's being absorbed and dissipated away from the bulbs.
Ever cook fries on an aluminum baking sheet? Take it out for a few minutes, out of 450F, and it's cool to the touch.
Try that with cast iron, copper, or steel for reference. Now try it with an insulator, like glass, or ceramic.