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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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Garage Lighting
I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on
what sort of lighting to put up. It's a double-width garage, one smallish window on one side. During daylight that's sufficient but with the evenings drawing in I'm going to be relying on candlepower more and more. I currently have a 100w bulb centrally, and one 40w flourescent either side. That's sufficient for me to find my way around, but for workshop purposes I'm wondering about how to improve the lighting so as to be able to work comfortably. Have thought about putting a 100w bulb in each corner (as well as the central bulb), but that adds up to 500w of power consumption - quite a lot relatively speaking. Perhaps someone has used other types of light source which they could recommend. PoP |
#2
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Garage Lighting
PoP wrote:
Have thought about putting a 100w bulb in each corner (as well as the central bulb), but that adds up to 500w of power consumption - quite a lot relatively speaking. Perhaps someone has used other types of light source which they could recommend. I'm about to install the lighting in my shed and have decided to go for 8 double 5ft fluorescent fittings. Lots of light, and not that expensive. -- Grunff |
#3
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Garage Lighting
"PoP" wrote in message ... I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on what sort of lighting to put up. It's a double-width garage, one smallish window on one side. During daylight that's sufficient but with the evenings drawing in I'm going to be relying on candlepower more and more. I currently have a 100w bulb centrally, and one 40w flourescent either side. That's sufficient for me to find my way around, but for workshop purposes I'm wondering about how to improve the lighting so as to be able to work comfortably. Have thought about putting a 100w bulb in each corner (as well as the central bulb), but that adds up to 500w of power consumption - quite a lot relatively speaking. Perhaps someone has used other types of light source which they could recommend. PoP Fluorescent tubes with reflectors are the best sources of light for a workshop IMHO. Perhaps more importantly, if your garage is brick built, it is well worth emulsioning the walls/ceiling with brilliant white paint. Just doing this will make an unbelievable difference to the level as well as the quality of light available, as the reflected light will reduce and diffuse shadows. It is also worth sealing the floor (if plain concrete) with a floor paint. Dave |
#4
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Garage Lighting
Dave Gibson wrote:
Perhaps more importantly, if your garage is brick built, it is well worth emulsioning the walls/ceiling with brilliant white paint. Just doing this will make an unbelievable difference to the level as well as the quality of light available, as the reflected light will reduce and diffuse shadows. How timely. I was just thinking about doing this in my garage. Do I need to undercoat the walls first, to paint on normal house bricks, or just slap on a couple of coats of emulsion? It is also worth sealing the floor (if plain concrete) with a floor paint. Again, I've seen Garage Floor Paint in various guises, and I'm a little bemused whether it needs a sealer or primer or something, because the literature I've seen for various brands is contradictory or just plain confusing. -- Ben Blaney Must try harder |
#5
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 17:49:38 +0100, Ben Blaney
wrote: Dave Gibson wrote: Perhaps more importantly, if your garage is brick built, it is well worth emulsioning the walls/ceiling with brilliant white paint. Just doing this will make an unbelievable difference to the level as well as the quality of light available, as the reflected light will reduce and diffuse shadows. How timely. I was just thinking about doing this in my garage. Do I need to undercoat the walls first, to paint on normal house bricks, or just slap on a couple of coats of emulsion? It is also worth sealing the floor (if plain concrete) with a floor paint. Again, I've seen Garage Floor Paint in various guises, and I'm a little bemused whether it needs a sealer or primer or something, because the literature I've seen for various brands is contradictory or just plain confusing. It depends on the floor and on the paint. I used a system of two part epoxy paints. This has a sealer (1 coat) and a top coat (2 coats). On the basic paints you would probably find that if a sealer is not said to be required, you will not get the theoretical coverage and will require more coats. ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
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Garage Lighting
Andy Hall wrote:
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 17:49:38 +0100, Ben Blaney wrote: Again, I've seen Garage Floor Paint in various guises, and I'm a little bemused whether it needs a sealer or primer or something, because the literature I've seen for various brands is contradictory or just plain confusing. It depends on the floor and on the paint. Right. I'm a DIY numpty, and I'm starting with the easy stuff - painting, etc. I'm quite enjoying it, though, and the house is looking better. I used a system of two part epoxy paints. This has a sealer (1 coat) and a top coat (2 coats). On the basic paints you would probably find that if a sealer is not said to be required, you will not get the theoretical coverage and will require more coats. Got it. So, probably the best thing to do is talk to the bloke at the paint shop, and he'll know what's what. I'll do that. -- Ben Blaney Must try harder |
#7
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 19:07:13 +0100, Ben Blaney
wrote: Andy Hall wrote: On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 17:49:38 +0100, Ben Blaney wrote: Again, I've seen Garage Floor Paint in various guises, and I'm a little bemused whether it needs a sealer or primer or something, because the literature I've seen for various brands is contradictory or just plain confusing. It depends on the floor and on the paint. Right. I'm a DIY numpty, and I'm starting with the easy stuff - painting, etc. I'm quite enjoying it, though, and the house is looking better. I used a system of two part epoxy paints. This has a sealer (1 coat) and a top coat (2 coats). On the basic paints you would probably find that if a sealer is not said to be required, you will not get the theoretical coverage and will require more coats. Got it. So, probably the best thing to do is talk to the bloke at the paint shop, and he'll know what's what. I'll do that. You could also usefully contact Max Bone at Decorating Direct. He posts here from time to time, certainly knows his stuff. The web site shows a good range of quality products that you don't often see in the shops. ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
#8
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Garage Lighting
"Ben Blaney" wrote in message news Dave Gibson wrote: Perhaps more importantly, if your garage is brick built, it is well worth emulsioning the walls/ceiling with brilliant white paint. Just doing this will make an unbelievable difference to the level as well as the quality of light available, as the reflected light will reduce and diffuse shadows. How timely. I was just thinking about doing this in my garage. Do I need to undercoat the walls first, to paint on normal house bricks, or just slap on a couple of coats of emulsion? I did mine about 12 years ago, single leaf brick construction. Just vacuumed all the loose dust off and gave it two good coats using a deep pile roller. Still good as new. It is also worth sealing the floor (if plain concrete) with a floor paint. Again, I've seen Garage Floor Paint in various guises, and I'm a little bemused whether it needs a sealer or primer or something, because the literature I've seen for various brands is contradictory or just plain confusing. The main reason I put floor paint down was to kill all the dust you normally get from a bare concrete floor, plus makes it a bit more 'homely'. As I recall I used a heavy duty polyurethane based floor paint which was literally poured straight onto the floor and then spread with a rubber squeegee, one single coat. I think it was made by Leyland paints but can't be sure. Its still serviceable but has the odd chip where heavy items have been dropped. Could be retouched if I was fussy. Again its been down 12 odd years now and has had a *lot* of wear and tear! Dave |
#9
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Garage Lighting
Dave Gibson wrote:
garage walls I did mine about 12 years ago, single leaf brick construction. Just vacuumed all the loose dust off and gave it two good coats using a deep pile roller. Still good as new. Lovely. I'll do that, then. I wonder about pale blue walls with a deep red floor... garage floor The main reason I put floor paint down was to kill all the dust you normally get from a bare concrete floor, plus makes it a bit more 'homely'. As I recall I used a heavy duty polyurethane based floor paint which was literally poured straight onto the floor and then spread with a rubber squeegee, one single coat. That sounds pretty numpty-proof. I'd be hard-pushed to cock that up. I think it was made by Leyland paints but can't be sure. I'll look it up. Thanks Dave. -- Ben Blaney Must try harder |
#10
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 21:38:41 +0100, Ben Blaney
wrote: Dave Gibson wrote: garage walls I did mine about 12 years ago, single leaf brick construction. Just vacuumed all the loose dust off and gave it two good coats using a deep pile roller. Still good as new. Lovely. I'll do that, then. I wonder about pale blue walls with a deep red floor... Bear in mind that the reflected light may throw a slight colour hue over any work you do. This doesn't matter for a lot of things but may be an issue if you are painting projects. garage floor The main reason I put floor paint down was to kill all the dust you normally get from a bare concrete floor, plus makes it a bit more 'homely'. As I recall I used a heavy duty polyurethane based floor paint which was literally poured straight onto the floor and then spread with a rubber squeegee, one single coat. That sounds pretty numpty-proof. I'd be hard-pushed to cock that up. Just remember to start in the corner *opposite* the door :-) ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 7 Sep 2003 16:23:54 +0100, "Dave Gibson"
wrote: Fluorescent tubes with reflectors are the best sources of light for a workshop IMHO. Perhaps I've been slightly worried about using rotating machinery (saw bench, drill, etc) under flourescent lighting. I was led to believe that flourescent lights were prone to producing strobe effects. Perhaps more importantly, if your garage is brick built, it is well worth emulsioning the walls/ceiling with brilliant white paint. Just doing this will make an unbelievable difference to the level as well as the quality of light available, as the reflected light will reduce and diffuse shadows. Brilliant idea! Why didn't I think of that.....? It is also worth sealing the floor (if plain concrete) with a floor paint. Just finished doing that. I suppose I should have emulsioned the walls first.... PoP |
#12
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Garage Lighting
"PoP" wrote in message ... On Sun, 7 Sep 2003 16:23:54 +0100, "Dave Gibson" wrote: Just finished doing that. I suppose I should have emulsioned the walls first.... PoP .... a bit of 'PoP' art on the floor never hurt anyone !!!! Dave |
#13
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Garage Lighting
"PoP" wrote in message ... On Sun, 7 Sep 2003 16:23:54 +0100, "Dave Gibson" wrote: Fluorescent tubes with reflectors are the best sources of light for a workshop IMHO. Perhaps I've been slightly worried about using rotating machinery (saw bench, drill, etc) under flourescent lighting. I was led to believe that flourescent lights were prone to producing strobe effects. Whilst it is true that the light from a fluorescent is not constant, it does not turn on and off as some suggest, but merely slightly changes brightness at a 100Hz rate due to the persistence in the tube phosphor integrating the electron bombardment over time --- as it were!. I have a pillar drill, a myford 7 and a woodworking lathe and can't honestly say its ever been a problem. At certain revs you can perceive a slight moving pattern on the chucks, but nothing more than that. Dave |
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 19:50:23 +0100, PoP
wrote: On Sun, 7 Sep 2003 16:23:54 +0100, "Dave Gibson" wrote: Fluorescent tubes with reflectors are the best sources of light for a workshop IMHO. Perhaps I've been slightly worried about using rotating machinery (saw bench, drill, etc) under flourescent lighting. I was led to believe that flourescent lights were prone to producing strobe effects. They can do. This is another reason to use electronic ballasts which run the tube in the tens of kHz. Perhaps more importantly, if your garage is brick built, it is well worth emulsioning the walls/ceiling with brilliant white paint. Just doing this will make an unbelievable difference to the level as well as the quality of light available, as the reflected light will reduce and diffuse shadows. Brilliant idea! Why didn't I think of that.....? It is also worth sealing the floor (if plain concrete) with a floor paint. Just finished doing that. I suppose I should have emulsioned the walls first.... PoP ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
#15
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 15:17:02 +0100, PoP
wrote: I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on what sort of lighting to put up. It's a double-width garage, one smallish window on one side. During daylight that's sufficient but with the evenings drawing in I'm going to be relying on candlepower more and more. I currently have a 100w bulb centrally, and one 40w flourescent either side. That's sufficient for me to find my way around, but for workshop purposes I'm wondering about how to improve the lighting so as to be able to work comfortably. Have thought about putting a 100w bulb in each corner (as well as the central bulb), but that adds up to 500w of power consumption - quite a lot relatively speaking. Perhaps someone has used other types of light source which they could recommend. PoP I've used double 55W fluorescent fittings (quantity 6) at ceiling height (2.5m) and two further at 2.1m height in the space below where the doors open. I have timber storage racks above the garage doors and these extra two fittings go below these. Each fitting has a reflector and all have electronic ballasts because I am sensitive to fluorescent light flicker from 50Hz mains. I replaced the tubes that came with the fittings with daylight types. I also have the walls boarded with plywood and have painted these and the (boarded) ceiling with white emulsion. For most activities I switch on about half of the lights, but for certain operations needing more light, I can turn all of them on. ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
#16
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Garage Lighting
On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 15:17:02 +0100, PoP
wrote: I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on what sort of lighting to put up. Hi. Just one more tip with fluorescents: if the ceiling is painted white, I'd suggest putting the fls on their side on say a 10" shelf a bit above eye level, so you dont see the bulb directly. The light is diffused over the ceiling, so much better than bare tubes. Or if youve got much racking /shelving in there, they can just sit on top out of view. Regards, NT |
#17
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Garage Lighting
PoP wrote:
I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on what sort of lighting to put up. It's a double-width garage, one I used 4 x 5' 65W tubes in my 12' x 8' workshop. With magnolia walls and ceiling you get a very good working light. Also make sure you buy the diffusers for the strip lights - they have saved a tube numerous times when I have accidentally clomped one with a bit of wood! -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
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Garage Lighting
On Mon, 08 Sep 2003 02:02:08 +0100, John Rumm
wrote: Also make sure you buy the diffusers for the strip lights - they have saved a tube numerous times when I have accidentally clomped one with a bit of wood! I'm glad I'm not the only one PoP |
#19
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Garage Lighting
"John Rumm" wrote in message ... PoP wrote: I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on what sort of lighting to put up. It's a double-width garage, one I used 4 x 5' 65W tubes in my 12' x 8' workshop. With magnolia walls and ceiling you get a very good working light. Also make sure you buy the diffusers for the strip lights - they have saved a tube numerous times when I have accidentally clomped one with a bit of wood! As my garage is unheated, I used IP65 sealed units, which not only protect the tubes from accidental damage, but also, if you make sure the entries are sealed and close them in warm, dry conditions, from condensation in winter. As the tubes lose light output with age, it is a good idea in a workshop to replace them every 2 or 3 years, depending on the use they get. Cleaning the diffusers regularly also makes a lot of difference. Colin Bignell |
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Garage Lighting
In article ,
nightjar nightjar@insert my surname here.uk.com wrote: As my garage is unheated, I used IP65 sealed units, which not only protect the tubes from accidental damage, but also, if you make sure the entries are sealed and close them in warm, dry conditions, from condensation in winter. I was going to say it seems an expensive solution to a problem that shouldn't exist in a garage, but looking at TLC prices, you get a Telco twin 6ft IP65 for 47.50 quid against about 35 for a 'normal' fitting with reflector. Prices plus VAT, of course. -- *Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. Dave Plowman London SW 12 RIP Acorn |
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Garage Lighting
"Dave Plowman" wrote in message ... In article , nightjar nightjar@insert my surname here.uk.com wrote: As my garage is unheated, I used IP65 sealed units, which not only protect the tubes from accidental damage, but also, if you make sure the entries are sealed and close them in warm, dry conditions, from condensation in winter. I was going to say it seems an expensive solution to a problem that shouldn't exist in a garage, Until I glued a rubber speed bump across the door, my garage would flood every time there was heavy rain. As the raft has sunk in the corner furthest from the door, it could be a couple of inches deep there. Even now, a rain-laden North wind can bring water seeping through the single skin brick wall after a few hours. Painting it with Aquaseal has been on my to-do list for a few years now. but looking at TLC prices, you get a Telco twin 6ft IP65 for 47.50 quid against about 35 for a 'normal' fitting with reflector. Prices plus VAT, of course. I don't think I paid as much as that, but I don't have the invoice to hand. One of my factory units has a low-roofed mezzanine floor and I used sealed units there to protect the lights from damage. When I bought those, I added a couple of units on for my garage, so was able to buy them with both trade and quantity discounts. Colin Bignell |
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Garage Lighting
On Mon, 08 Sep 2003 10:41:04 +0100, Dave Plowman
wrote: I was going to say it seems an expensive solution to a problem that shouldn't exist in a garage, but looking at TLC prices, you get a Telco twin 6ft IP65 for 47.50 quid against about 35 for a 'normal' fitting with reflector. Prices plus VAT, of course. I was in Focus DIY shed earlier today and swung by the lighting section. 4ft x 38w with diffuser costs £25, VAT included. May not be IP65 spec but it looks like I'll be grabbing 4 of those shortly. BTW, I thought metrication had taken over big time these days? Why are flourescent lights described in feet then? PoP |
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Garage Lighting
On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 19:44:32 UTC, PoP
wrote: BTW, I thought metrication had taken over big time these days? Why are flourescent lights described in feet then? Especially when flour is measured in kilograms...! :-) -- Bob Eager rde at tavi.co.uk PC Server 325*4; PS/2s 9585, 8595, 9595*2, 8580*3, P70... |
#24
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Garage Lighting
In uk.d-i-y, PoP wrote:
BTW, I thought metrication had taken over big time these days? Why are flourescent lights described in feet then? Describe 'em how you want: call the 5ft length 150cm if you're being usefully descriptive, or 2.54 * 60 = 152.4 if you're being inappropriately exact (like those recipes which tell you to take '56g of butter' when it meant 'about 2 oz'. But, unusually, I digress ;-). Not even the Society for Mass Metrication is going to suggest changing the physical dimensions of existing flourescent tube fittings, meaning people having to keep twice as many tubes in stock and fitting too-loose/too-tight or otherwise marginally incompatible tubes into fittings made 20 and more years ago! |
#25
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Garage Lighting
In article ,
PoP wrote: I'm just doing up my garage/workshop and would appreciate advice on what sort of lighting to put up. It's a double-width garage, one smallish window on one side. During daylight that's sufficient but with the evenings drawing in I'm going to be relying on candlepower more and more. As others have said, fluorescents are ideal for this use. New twin 6ft fittings with metal reflectors will cost about 40 quid each from the likes of TLC, so will be fairly pricey to do the job properly. It's worth looking for a factory or office block which is being demolished or re-furbished - these are usually scrapped at this time, and can be had for very little. Try and get more than you need for spares, although many designs have a very long production span so are easy to repair. -- *Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.* Dave Plowman London SW 12 RIP Acorn |
#26
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Garage Lighting
In article ,
PoP writes: Have thought about putting a 100w bulb in each corner (as well as the central bulb), but that adds up to 500w of power consumption - quite a lot relatively speaking. Perhaps someone has used other types of light source which they could recommend. In a single garage with white ceiling and bare brick walls, I have 3 x 5' 58W single fittings, and that's good enough for regular woodwork. Bought a 4-pack and the 4th went into the loft. It might not be good enough for very intricate work. Have replaced the ballasts in the ones in the garage with instant start electronic as the freezer is in there, and nipping in for a few seconds to access the freezer could be anoying when the lights only finish coming on as you have finished in there. (Actually, only got round to replacing two of them so far -- last one's been waiting a couple of years for me to get around to it;-) -- Andrew Gabriel |
#27
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Garage Lighting
Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article , PoP writes: Have thought about putting a 100w bulb in each corner (as well as the central bulb), but that adds up to 500w of power consumption - quite a lot relatively speaking. Perhaps someone has used other types of light source which they could recommend. In a single garage with white ceiling and bare brick walls, I have 3 x 5' 58W single fittings, and that's good enough for regular woodwork. Bought a 4-pack and the 4th went into the loft. It might not be good enough for very intricate work. Have replaced the ballasts in the ones in the garage with instant start electronic as the freezer is in there, and nipping in for a few seconds to access the freezer could be anoying when the lights only finish coming on as you have finished in there. (Actually, only got round to replacing two of them so far -- last one's been waiting a couple of years for me to get around to it;-) Add an ordinary light or 2 for quick acces jobs like getting to the freezer, no point firing everything up when all you need is a little lighting. -- James... http://www.jameshart.co.uk/ |
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