Reflector types

[Hara]

I have noticed that alot of the stock lighting uses white reflective material.
Is there a big difference between that and the polished aluminum?

[fishfreek]

I would say YES. With aluminum being brigher or having a greater reflectivity percentage.

While white will reflect all the colors of light back at your eye there is to some degree a percentage of light that gets absorbed or diverted at the wrong angle to be benifical.

With a polished aluminum reflector the surface is going to be much smoother than white plastic thus you will get beter control of where the light is reflected. Plus I have to belive the metal will reflect more of the light than a plain white surface.

[Anemoneman]

With a polished aluminum reflector the surface is going to be much smoother than white plastic thus you will get beter control of where the light is reflected. Plus I have to belive the metal will reflect more of the light than a plain white surface.

While this is true, polished aluminum reflectors are not cheap (like me). Flat white paint makes a dandy reflector, absorbing little light or heat. If you can't or don't want to afford the fancy ones, painting the inside of your hood flat white is a good second choice.

Mark

[michealprater]

Why not gloss white??