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Thread: Thin translucent material

  1. #1

    Thin translucent material

    Wondering if anyone can head me on a search for a thin translucent material to line some back-lit lamps with? Preferably something available in a few colors and that may have some texture/milky/swirl type deal? Looking for something that would look similar to rice paper or something to that effect when back-lit. The material is going to be cut into solid shapes (mostly squares and rectangles) and going to be back-lit with either incandescent or LED bulbs?

    My google searches are coming up empty but Im sure I just dont know the correct product to search for.

  2. #2
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    I would try some cellophane from a hobby store.
    Just be careful as to how hot the bulbs are because it will melt easier than some other things.
    It's never too late to have a happy childhood.

  3. #3
    Oil on paper for translucence is a method that goes back hundreds of years. But what paper and what non messy and non smelly oil?

  4. #4
    Thanks guys. Were affraid cellophane or gels are too thin. Papers are an option (smelly oils or not lol) but wondering if theres a more turn key solution.

  5. #5
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    Mark, I imaged Googled textured translucent plastic sheet and came up with a good assortment.
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  6. #6
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    Mylar does come in translucent. It may be something to consider.
    Last edited by Bill Jobe; 02-18-2017 at 1:15 AM.

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce Page View Post
    Mark, I imaged Googled textured translucent plastic sheet and came up with a good assortment.
    Thanks Bruce,
    Thats the search I was wading through. We have some samples on the way but still not really anything I think will work

  8. #8
    Years ago,maybe 1960s ,they made a lot of lamp shades out of an almost smooth transluscent product that had a lot of swirling threads. Might have been fiberglass. It's possible that material is still made for a primary use outliving the lamp shades.

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Mel Fulks View Post
    Years ago,maybe 1960s ,they made a lot of lamp shades out of an almost smooth transluscent product that had a lot of swirling threads. Might have been fiberglass. It's possible that material is still made for a primary use outliving the lamp shades.
    I think I remember that material pretty well. Not fumbled across it yet. You talking the stuff that kind of looked like thin, sinuous, hide,.. with dark fibers?

  10. #10
    Yeah, I'm guessing it's main feature was just more durability than cloth or cardboard

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