cheap mylar sucks black and white poly is much better. as gas tanker said cheap mylar has to be stretched tight to be effective and the diamond pattern mylar isnt so cheap, but it the best stuff around.(better than paint or poly) but this is the order of the best reflective surfaces IMO; diamond/pattered mylar coated fabric, white paint(some whites are better than others)good mylar sheeting, white poly,cheap mylar(Christmas wrappinglol), foil.