Heat lamp as a UV source

[Gustavo_Castilla]

Hi I am wondering if anyone out there has used a heat lamp as a UV light source
Thanks

 

[Loose Gravel]

Wrong end of the spectrum. You want the blue end and beyond, not the red and the infrared (heat).

 

[Gustavo_Castilla]

red

Hi Thanks for the comment the light I was refering to is a GE Heat lamp 250,
Do you think maybe a mercury vapor light may work

 

[Loose Gravel]

There are so many different kinds of mercury vapor to get into it. No reason to plow new ground here. If you are looking for a cheap source for alt process, use the sun. If you want to build a source, read the article at unblinkingeye.

 

[rogueish]

Heat lamps are indeed the wrong end of the spectrum and for most Alt processes, you want to avoid excessive heat as it can cause fogging on the print.
If you do use bulbs, 24" 20 watt fluorescent with the designation of
F20T12/350BL. Make sure it is labeled BL and not BLB BLB tend to be more expensive and put out less UV.
This is from a book called Coming into Focus:step by step guide to alt photo printing processes.
Check out
Palladio Company. 800-628-9618. Palladium paper, light iunits and vacuum frames. Primarily phone and catalog orders.
www.bostick-sullivan.com

 

[John_Brewer]

I use a UV face tanning unit for which I paid the princely sum of £5 for at a car boot sale. Will cover 8x10.