Inexpensive Detailing light or bulb?

[OBSSEST]

I'd like to get an inexpensive light to use for detailing work, so that I can see scratches and swirls without having to pull the car out into the sunlight.

Is there a common "go to" light or a preferable bulb that I can put in my standard shop light? Is halogen better than fluorescent for example. I have tried my regular incandescent bulb and a LED portable light but they have to be right on the surface to show any scratches.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Inexpensive Detailing light or bulb?

In my experience there is no single light that will do the job - especially not on a budget.

The Brinkman Dual Xenon handheld light that can be found for around $20-30 is the most common weapon of choice for spot checking.

I personally find a stand of dual halogen lights to be crucial and on some swirls, extremely good at revealing said swirls.

Holograms are a tricky beast to find with anything other than direct sun, but the Brinkman if held at a glancing angle can often do the trick.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Inexpensive Detailing light or bulb?

Here is another vote for the Brinkman. A must have tool for detailing.