beppington
Elite Member
I think using a pretty fine sandpaper is going to be needed. Seems like rough sandpaper will leave scratches that you can actually see thru your work.
Has Anyone Built a Light Box?
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dmccarty
Super Star Member
My old film light box uses a white opaque plastic to diffuse the light. If you cannot get something similar I would be include to just use thin, light weight paper. I do not like the idea of sanding. Not sure how well the would work.
Later,
Dan
Later,
Dan
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
Maybe I could just paint the underside of the plexiglass. White paint ought to work. I'd probably still have to lightly sand the plastic with some fine grit paper to get the paint to stick.
JamesHW
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Semi opaque white plexiglass is referred to as ""milk plexiglass" in my experiece. We would often use large sheets in commercial photo shoots to create seamless backgrounds that allow lighting from below (glassware and such). I've used pieces to make easy makeshift light tables for examining slides and negatives (remember them).
Since you already have a clear sheet, you might be able to get a thin sheet of the white stuff to layer on top of your thicker piece. I believe I've seen different sizes of clear and white thin plexi sold at big box hardware stores near the window section.
Painting might work, but could also look like crap.
Since you already have a clear sheet, you might be able to get a thin sheet of the white stuff to layer on top of your thicker piece. I believe I've seen different sizes of clear and white thin plexi sold at big box hardware stores near the window section.
Painting might work, but could also look like crap.
forgeblast
Elite Member
Sax.com and other art places have led versions for 40.oo, you might want to search them out before spending a whole lot of money.
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
I already have everything leftover from other projects... Wood, light, plexiglass, etc. All I'd be into it is my time, and I like tinkering. My time is worth the pride of workmanship.
beppington
Elite Member
If you don't want to scratch the plexi, place like Home Depot maybe(?) sell that self-adhesive window obscuring clear stuff that you can stick on your bathroom window or front door window to obscure the view. Pretty cheap, too.
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Iplayfarmer
Super Member
That's a good idea.
I think for now I'm going to just use the clear stuff I have like it is. I can always paint it, coat it, or replace it later if it needs to be translucent.
MossRoad
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If you have a local newspaper you might want to give them a call and see if they have any old "paste up banks" that they would be willing to get rid of. Most newspapers (that are left in business) don't use them anymore and many have them in the basement gathering dust. Just a thought. 
