BEST light for detailing

[ShineOCD]

Hello all,

Historically use a set of double Halogen lights on my adjustable tripod. As you all know they throw off a lot of heat. Thinking about going to a set of double LED lights on a tripod. 4400 Lumen 54 Watt. Anyone else use LED's? Do they show the swirls etc. as well as my Halogens? Thank you.

[Super Dave]

Re: BEST light for detailing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUk-i-xtXks

skip the first half of the video to see about lighting

[ShineOCD]

Re: BEST light for detailing

Thank you for the link. Very helpful. Would still like to hear from some with first hand experience. Anyone ever take a Meguiars class? What do they use?

[NextLevelDetailAZ]

Re: BEST light for detailing

Thank you for the link. Very helpful. Would still like to hear from some with first hand experience. Anyone ever take a Meguiars class? What do they use?

I have used both halogen & LED, and have deddicated the dual halogen setup for painting with using the large amount of radiated heat to help in the cure process (about all its good for) My LED dual Snap On setup is at 2400 luminens each, and it's great, almost too great. It'll light up the room and every little imperfection on your ride. So choose when you use it and when it might not help the situation i.e. client inspections/expectations. Meguiar's has fluorescent lighting, not sure if it's a special xenon technology or something but good enough & the right amount. Too much will have you chasing imperfections you won't see in normal conditions ie sunlight, shade, etc. (the downside of LED technology in some industry instances)
But when you do purchase a lighting source I recommend a white background around & behind the bulb. The housing color isn't important but inside and behind the lense cover is important as this is what you'll focus on in the paint reflection to see the condition of the paint, and the white surface of the light source works best to highlight defects via it's reflection. My experience & my opinion, hope it helps. Good luck

[ShineOCD]

Re: BEST light for detailing

Thank you much. I am glad you mentioned the Lumen strength. I am looking at a tripod set up with 4400 Lumens. Maybe too much? I have also been told by others that agree with your opinion about the white background behind the bulb.

[ShineOCD]

Re: BEST light for detailing

Conducted my own test. I have the traditional tripod with two 500watt Halogen lights side by side to my new LED tripod with two 4400 Lumen lights. The first and biggest difference is there is virtually NO heat from the LED. As far as light for finding defects the LEDs are quite good. Maybe too good. They will surely find the defects. SO far Im very pleased and glad i switched.