Buying plexiglass

[jwkramer]

Originally Posted by rwmson

A first-surface mirror will eliminate the dreaded double-reflection.

Where can you get this?

Thanks!

[jwkramer]

Originally Posted by Chet

plexi will give you a double reflection. Just use something shiny.

Example of Plexi.

This looks like a piece of plexi mirror. Is that what it is? If you use a piece of black pexi (colored through), it will give you the same effect (a little darker) with no double reflection...

-Jim

[Chet]

Originally Posted by jwkramer

This looks like a piece of plexi mirror. Is that what it is? If you use a piece of black pexi (colored through), it will give you the same effect (a little darker) with no double reflection...

-Jim

No, it was only smoked plexi. No mirror what so ever.

[jwkramer]

Originally Posted by Chet

No, it was only smoked plexi. No mirror what so ever.

I guess the smoked isn't opaque enough. I use solid black.

Thanks!
-Jim

[theatrus]

Look for a plastics shop in the area, like TAP Plastics (might have online ordering). You can get solid color acrylic.

I also like using granite tiles that are well buffed. Shiny, but with enough texture to be interesting.

[rwmson]

Originally Posted by jwkramer

Where can you get this?

Thanks!

http://frontsurfacemirrors.net

[jwkramer]

Originally Posted by rwmson

http://frontsurfacemirrors.net

Thanks!

12x48 - $240 = OUCH!

[phuang3]

Originally Posted by jwkramer

Someone said you get duplicate reflections from plexi. This has not been my experience, and I shoot a ***LOT*** of reflection shots on plexi.

I believe these people use 2 light sources.

[brecklundin]

Another source for really nice affordable sheets of high grade plastic sheets is to keep any eye out for old projection style big screen TV's, especially ones made by Sony. I had one and bought an optical grade tinted (read polarized) front panel that can be detached. I use it all the time. I did paint the back side a flat black which made for a great black background for product shots. I've found on transparent and even semi-transparent sheets the different gloss-types make for a different result.

Also, you can pickup any number of either plastic resurfacing kits or even stuff from your local NAPA auto parts store to keep your sheet nice and scratch-free. I use a nice power sander with a buffer cloth on it to give the sheet a fast going over before each project.

Here are a couple examples of my chosen solution for this (sorry they aren't B&W but just to show how this option works for my uses):


Kralik Art Nouveau Bohemian Art Glass Bowl c1900 by brecklundin, on Flickr


Vintage Navajo Turquoise & Sterling Silver Bracelet - Unknown Mark by brecklundin, on Flickr

Here I used a CPL to cut out the reflection:

Dabby Reid Iridized Pastel Pink Swarovski Crystal Necklace by brecklundin, on Flickr

[brecklundin]

Originally Posted by Mark1

Regular glass and plexy both give the dreaded double reflection. A sure fire way to ruin a reflection shot.

There is black plexy that you can get. It is a solid color so there is no second reflection. There is also white plexy that will work for white backgrounds. There is also "milk" glass for white that is a lot more scratch resistant.

If you paint the bottom side you eliminate the whole double-reflection issue. That way you can use less costly clear plexi then paint the underside (back) any color you want with paint of the gloss you want (I prefer flat or semi-gloss as high-gloss can cause the reflections again) and you have multiple color options. Colored paper works fine as well just you might have a harder time getting a true deep black.

As for scratches, yup a total PITA, however there are easy & fast products out there to allow you to just resurface your very expensive sheets of plexi time and time again. I've been using the same sheet for over a decade and it looks brand new because I just spend 30-mins resurfacing it every now and then. A nice random orbit sander (I use one from Dewalt) with a buffer pad and some good polishes and viola you have fresh new surfaces to use.

[AlexMak]

I did some plexiglass reflection photography for my works. I got a 48"x24" Black for around $80 from eplastics. But if you don't need that big you can check on amazon. I got a few small one for under $30.

http://www.amazon.com/Cast-Acrylic-S...rds=plexiglass

[farmer1957]

plexiglass scrataches very very easy.
i bought some smoked glass and like it alot better.
lent or dust will always be a problem.


farmer

[farmer1957]

one more


farmer