I'm thinking of using black light (UV) in my upcoming show. There are 8 of us wearing white masks on a reasonable sized stage. Does anybody know what sort are the best to use? (floods, tubes etc.)

Thanks!

That question can't be answered without knowing more about the situation. The fluorescent-style tubes are the cheapest solution. You can lay them down along the front of the stage as foot-lights. The flood type can be more intense, and can be placed overhead so they are out of sight. However, they are certainly more expensive.

Joe Dunfee

Joe's right. I use blacklight in my act: four 4-foot tubes at the foot of the stage. Really cheap to do at Home Depot. (lights must be off or very dim for it to work well).

The best way, however, is to get a can. It'll run you about $400 (at least).

Try to stick with anything from Wildfire. They have the best equipment. They have every type of blacklight fixture as well as UV paints, dyes, makeup, etc.

If you go with fluorescent lights, stay with a fixture that has reflectors. You would prefer not to have half of your light projecting away from your intended direction. Wildfire makes a great reflecting fluorescent holder called Effects Master. It also comes with adjustable mounting brackets. Make sure you get BLB bulbs.

If you can afford it, then the floods or spots are the way to go.

Wildfire's website is http://www.wildfirefx.com

We have been very satisfied with their products.
Hope that helps.

Definitely Wildfire's UV products are the best. The fluorescent tubes are the cheapest solution though. Keep in mind however that the lights are not dimmable. They will simply "pop" on about a second after they receive power. If you wanted to strobe them or fade them, you would need to purchase a spot or flood that has a built-in dowser. Or if you're really handy, you could construct a cheap dowser system to use with your fluorescents.

Depending on how much the blacklight is used in your show, I would say go with the 4 foot tubes available at Wal-Mart, etc. They stay cool, are inexpensive and can be turned on and off as needed. I've never used an expensive spot or flood but have heard they get hot, and once you turn them off you have to let them completely cool before you can turn them on again (around 5 minutes). If I broke one in transit I would be more unhappy than if I broke a cheaper light. Plus I might be near a Wal-Mart for a replacement! Also, be sure that your masks glow. White doesn't necessarily mean it will glow.

I just bought a small portable blacklight at Kmart for 7.00 and I am using it for small levitations due to the fact that its small, about a foot long, cheap, and it still makes things glow.

If you have a Spencer's Gifts store in your local mall, check them out. Often they will have black lights, bulbs and other paraphernalia, usually in the back of the store. Always worth a look.