A great Tip for Painting

[Colin-Partridge]

Not sure if this has been addressed in a thread seems to me that I did see it but a long while ago. As I sit here in my basement not the best of lighting by the way, my wife who is an avid quilter and has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body came in to see me. She said how in heck can you see what you are painting? She went upstairs and brought me down an OTT- LIGHT. Wow they are excellent I can see everything I am painting. Not only are they good for painting but for carving as well. You can buy them at Costco and other places I am sure. They are a little expensive but they are well worth it. Just thought I would share that with you as I am sitting here waiting for the paint to dry.
Colin

[gtech]

I completely agree with you.

When I was into airbrushing a lot, I bought one and my wife used it for her needle work when she saw the difference. And I still use it everyday for my hobbies.

Gilles

[kdispoto]

I am not familiar with the OTT type but at a carving camp someone had a round lamp that had a magnifying glass in the middle. Is this what you are refering to?

[BeaverDon]

Actually, I've seen lights like this in Carving magazine. They also go by True Light or Full Spectrum lamps. Here's the Ott Light web site. I agree. I think the two times you really need good light is for painting and sharpening.

[Old Codger]

Colin I have to agree with you 100%! I have one I use all the time and love it especially when I'm sharpening/honing and painting...really helps these tired old eyes see what I'm trying to do. These lights were really expensive when they first came out, but now the prices have come down alot...just check around for the best prices. Thanks, never thought of mentioning it myself before.
Kenn

[Farmall]

I got mine at Michaels craft store. They run them 40% off every now and again, so that's when I bought it. Great light!

[Grayhorn]

You are right Colin. Our electric company in Manitoba has been pushing these bulbs for a couple of years now and I have a lamp on either side of my desk. The only way to go. It is a lot like sunlight. Wouldn't be without them now.

[genes]

I have wanted to buy one of these lamps myself. The concept seems to be impressive. However, considering the price, and that the consumer complaints about the ballast burning itself out quickly, I went with buying two $2 desk lamps that I cross over my carving and all is bright enough for me. I bought them from a surplus college venue. I put 60 watt energy saving bulbs in them.

[susieq]

Before you go spending big bucks on the Ott light, check Home Depot for a low end version. I found these by accident when I was considering an Ott light. They come in table top for about $20. the last time I looked, and floor model for $30. I bought one table top for my shop, then hubby found a couple at a yard sale and I have those in the house for painting. I'm sure that the replacement bulbs cost as much as the table top lamp did but then any of those light bulbs are pricey.....

[bigjohn1895]

if you dont care if the light is slow to light up home depot has a energy saver light thats close to the ott light my mom uses to paint its a little blue but not to the point that matters to much
there called daylight somthing just look for the more pricy ones i think i paid 5 each for mine