[First Post] Question about reflective materials

I'm a complete n00b to this. I'm thinking about getting something like this to start with. It is made of particle board covered in a white laminate. Will that be reflective enough, or will I get better results if I repaint the inside?
A friend of mine is convinced emergency blankets are the best material to use. I've read here and elsewhere that flat white paint is the best, but if an emergency blanket is better than the laminate I may go that route to save a few bucks. What should I do? Do you guys think the laminate will do the trick without mods?

Accully Mylar is the best to use... im not sure what material emergency blankets are made of but i have one... i think Mylar is still the best to use... but i could be wrong mate

Material Percent Reflected

Foylon 94-95%
Mylar 90-95%
Flat White Paint 85-93%
Semi-Gloss Paint 75-80%
Flat Yellow 70-80%
Aluminum Foil 70-75%
Black Less than 10%

Is Laminate equivalent to flat white paint? or will I get better results if I paint it myself? If its just as good I can't find mylar around here anywhere and I'd be plenty satisfied with not making any modifications =)

You should be fine.

Thanks Seedlessone, that puts my mind at ease =). I'll still keep my eye out for some cheap Foylon though. I just heard about a hydoponics hobby store around here that may carry it (even though I plan on going the soil root myself). In the mean time I still got fans, thermometers, filters etc. etc. to purchase and or build.

Mylar is more pratical and cheaper.

It just so happens the place has a website so I was able to check out their inventory. They do cary mylar. They cary two varieties: 1mm and 2mm thick. For 25ft the 1mm thick cost 25$ and the 2mm cost 35$. Would it be worth the few extra bucks for the add durability of the 2mm? Also, how do you put this stuff on the walls? Is it sticky, or so I need a roll of duck tape, glue, and/or staples?

Thanks Again,
Crazy88

P.S. I promise pics when I get this up and running.

Yes the 2mm is worth the extra money. Much easier to work with. And duck tape works like a charm, as with anything else that needs to stay put!

Contributed by: Stickydank

I've discovered the cheapest Mylar around-- only 2 bucks$! You save 18 bucks$ a roll! It?s a Christmas present wrapping Mylar called Polywrap



- Waterproof
- 50 square ft. a roll
- 1 mil (@ .001 inch) thick X 3 1/2 ft. wide X 20ft long.

Note: Only buy the very Bright and shiny Mylar-type wrapping!

i make a patch out of duct tape then staple thru the tape. mylar cracks. i will eventially pull all my mylar and put velcro on the back so i can remove it and rinse it off.

mogie do you think colored polywrap would have different effects on growth. just a stoner pondering.

For 2$ a roll that is awesome! That'll really help with my weak budget. Where can I find it though?

Any place that sells gift wrap. Try your dollar store.

I had a look at that cabinet you were thinking of buying to grow, the depth of the unit is too small its only 11" I would have a look around for something else possibly with a little more depth so you can get a little more off the plant

What about something like this? Looks to made outta some wierd offwhite plastic. Would definetly have to mylar coat that one. Dunno how easy it'll be to drill holes for fans either. Also this thing will be in the garage and I dont' have tons of room to begin with. I can't go much bigger. I can get a box like this that is more roomy but much shorter. What kinda dimensions should I be looking for?

be good to have over 6 ft if you can get it, also you want round about 1 1/2 sq foot per plant to give it a good space to grow.

I didnt wanna spend that kinda money for something that didnt suit me completely so I made my own. I made a frame out of 2 x 2 " lengths of wood. then attached hardboard. then covered the inside in mylar, total cost was about $23 and it was exactly the size i wanted