Halogen and Gels Q?

[TSEE]

Can anyone help me?
I've got this set that I'm using in my home studio:
http://www.adorama.com/SVKQ83.html?searchinfo=KQ83&item_no=1
I'm thinking of adding another light for main subject fill as when I started to use paper BGs and started to light my BGs for the first time ever I don't have enough light on subject. But here's my problem too, since I'm lighting my BGs I also get spill and was gonna get barndoors to stop some of that harsh spill on my subjects (or foamcore as one member suggested and I might try).
Well I read when I first got my halogens somewhere that when I use halogens I can't use gels becuz my halogens run so hot the gels would melt. But now looking at the accessories for it I can get barndoors with gel holders and gels for it. So now I'm confused, will the halogens melt the gels or not? I've always wanted to try a few things with gels but like I said I read it would melt them so it seemed like a waste of money to try but now since its listed under accessories for my set I'm wondering?
Anyone know?
Thanks!

[Curtis N]

Gels of the same ilk are used in theatre lighting, with various tungsten lights up to 1000 watts each.

Melting gels from the heat is usually not a serious problem but it does happen sometimes with darker colors. Keep in mind though that theatre lighting is generally pointing downward, with the gel below the bulb. If you're lighting a background from below, the hot air will rise from the upward facing light and make the problem worse. Also note that theatre instruments are made with longer enclosures that allow placing the gels several inches from the bulb/lens.

But I'm a little confused as to why you think you might need gels. Are you mixing tungsten with flash?

[TSEE]

Well my lights are 600 watts a piece and I usually light the BG from above (which might be my problem with the shadows I'm having, seemed easier to light it from above tho).
No not mixing flash and tungsten, that's something else I've been afraid of - not sure if or how much that would affect the WB?
Anyways, I've seen some neat effects with gels in studio settings and I've wanted to try them that's all, for 20 bucks I might give them a shot but I didn't want to spend the money only to have them melt. LOL

[Curtis N]

Ok. So you're trying to be creative.

I'm concerned that if you clipped a gel to the reflector of one of those smith victor lights, you might have problems since the gel will be so close to the bulb. But I haven't tried it personally.

I think the cheaper and easier way to color the background with gels is to use flash. With your white balance set for the tungsten lights, the color won't come out quite like you envision but it might be worth experimenting with. The gels are pretty cheap when you get the small size.

Have you seen this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=415671)?

[TSEE]

Yeah I reckon I am. ;) I've seen some neat effects using gels at seminars, just haven't had a chance to try it yet.
And well I'm getting barndoors and there's apparently a gel mount on the barndoors which made me wonder in the first place, since I had heard gels and halogens don't mix due to the heat. Since I"m getting the barndoors I might have to give it a shot.
No I hadn't seen that thread, neat...I'll go read it. Thanks Curtis!

[Curtis N]

You might call the Smith Victor people and ask them. Specifically about using gels with your lights. It could be the gel mount on the barn door frame keeps them far enough from the light and allows a little air movement behind it. Or they might say that same barn door unit is also sold for strobes and they don't recommend gels with the halogens.

[TSEE]

Good idea, i'll do that. Thanks Curtis for all your help.

[goforphoto]

Pickup a cheap strobe head and place your gels on the strobe with barn doors of some kind of flag to keep it from spilling onto your subject.