Reflective Light

Marijuana Horticulture

by Jorge Cervantes

Flat white contains little or no light absorbing pigment, so it absorbs almost no light and reflects almost all light. Do not use glossy white. It contains varnish that inhibits reflective light. A matte texture provides more reflective surface.

Foylon is a reflective material that reflects light and heat in an evenly dispersed pattern. It is durable, and it reflect about 95 percent of the light that hits it. The material is plied with rip-stop fiber and is thick enough to act as an insulator.

Reflective Mylar provides one of the most reflective surfaces possible. Mylar looks like a very thin mirror. Unlike light absorbing paint, Reflective Mylar reflects almost all light. To install Reflective Mylar, simply tape or tack to the wall. T prevent rips or tears, place a piece of tape over the spot where the staple, nail or tack will be inserted. Although expensive, Mylar is preferred by many growers. The thick is to position it flat against the wall. When loosely affixed to surfaces, light is poorly reflected. To increase its effectiveness, keep Reflective Mylar clean.

Aluminum foil is one of the worst possible reflective surfaces. The foil always crinkles up and reflects light in the wrong directions – actually wasting light. It also reflects more ultraviolet rays than other surfaces, which are harmful to chloroplasts in leaves.

Mirrors also reflect light, but much less than Mylar. Light must first pass through the glass in the mirror, before it is reflected back through the same glass. Light is lost when passing through the glass.