People with sensi bulbs seem to have more compact plants, although I'm guessing the bulbs are 4000k so simulate normal sunlight and better for vegetation, whilst the other lights have more red spectrum for fruiting
the more creases in your alum foil the less efficient it is btw, you want it to be as smooth as possible, or just use mylar
White printer paper is better than aluminium foil btw according to chatgpt
Chatgot
even printer paper beats foil
the more creases in your alum foil the less efficient it is btw, you want it to be as smooth as possible, or just use mylar
White printer paper is better than aluminium foil btw according to chatgpt
Chatgot
est Reflective Materials for Plant Growth
- Mylar (90–98% reflectivity)
- Highly reflective and diffuses light well.
- Available in different thicknesses (2mil, 4mil, etc.).
- Must be kept smooth to avoid hotspots.
- Can tear easily and may degrade over time.
- Flat White Paint (85–95% reflectivity)
- More affordable and durable than Mylar.
- Reflects light evenly with minimal hotspots.
- Easy to apply on walls and does not degrade quickly.
- Panda Film (85–95% reflectivity)
- Black on one side (light-blocking) and white on the other (highly reflective).
- More durable than Mylar.
- Easy to clean and resistant to moisture.
- Foylon (95%+ reflectivity)
- A more durable, tear-resistant alternative to Mylar.
- Less prone to creasing and wrinkles.
- More expensive but longer-lasting.
- Aluminum Foil (~55–70% reflectivity, highly specular)
- Not ideal due to uneven reflection and hotspots.
- Crinkles create shadowed areas.
even printer paper beats foil
- Printer Paper (~70–90%) – Decent for reflecting light but absorbs more than Mylar or white paint.
- Flat White Paint (~85–95%) – More consistent and durable for plant growth.
- Mylar (~90–98%) – Best for maximizing light reflection.
- Aluminum Foil (~55–70%) – Less effective due to hotspots and uneven reflection.
Steps to Seal and Paint Cardboard White
1. Seal with PVA Glue & Water
- Mix PVA glue with water (50:50) for a thin sealant.
- Apply one or two thin coats with a brush or sponge.
- Let it dry completely (4-12 hours) before painting.
2. Apply a White Base Coat
- Use acrylic or latex paint for best results.
- Apply thin layers with a brush or roller.
- Let each coat dry before adding another.
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