Color Wash

[christmas_junkie]

Ok i need to have a color wash that is rgb on the fence to the right of that picture. I dont have dmx and i would prefer led wash. I have some worklights and i may be able to put those colored gel light filters on it. I dont know how im gonna do this. I need RGBW. What am i going to do.

[mrpackethead]

Get a dmx adaptor!

[DynamoBen]

Depending on the type of work light the filter you are using may burn through. I've had some success with halogen work lights and theatrical gels, which are designed for high heat and consistent color saturation.

You may want to try the old fashioned route with flood lights. The advantage is it’s inexpensive and readily available. The disadvantage is the colors can fade over time but for a couple of dollars you just replace them.

Another option is LED flood lights. They may not have the "punch" of an incandescent but should work. You can try to locate colored ones or you can just do colored filters in front of white ones. The advantage to doing filters is you aren't locked into a color forever.

None of the above requires DMX. :)

Regardless of the method there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. One is ambient light; if you have street lights it will wash out your colors and you may need more lights. Also the fence is a tan/brown color this too will absorb some of the intensity and alter the color some what. I would suggest a "practice run" with whatever you choose, and hang onto the receipt.

[mrpackethead]

yes, watch teh gel on the glass of those work lamps!!! I used that technique and didnt need a smoke machine!!! In the end i made a little wire frame to sit infront, but it really was'nt that good a system... i was always retaping them.. maybe a jel frame like a parcan might be the way.

[Macrosill]

I would reiterate DynamoBen's post. It was very informative and sound advice.

I personally use the standard 90 watt colored flood lights for Halloween and the LED MR16 bulbs for Christmas. You can see my 1st attempt at the led ones in my videos from last year. This year I am doubling the MR16 count for a better effect.

[DynamoBen]

Another good light source is a Par16 or its bigger brother a Par38. A true Par16 not only works off of 120 but tends to be brighter then a MR16. If you decide to go the par can route I would suggest some type of protection from the weather for them. They aren't really designed for outdoor use.

BTW if you want a really bright source that will cover the whole fence a Par56 or Par64 will do the job. ;)