Backlighting Products
Our basic backlighting products are side-mount fluorescent strip fixtures and very low-profile fluorescent fixtures. The side-mount strip fixtures vary in length from about 18 inches to 48 inches and are only 1-7/8 inches thick. The low-profile fluorescent fixtures vary in length from 12 inches to 59 inches, vary in width from 1/4 inches to 1 inch, and vary in depth from 1-3/8 inches to 1-3/4 inches.

The Function of Backlighting
The backlighting of transparency graphics can create an unparalleled visual impact - an impact that may stay with the viewer for weeks if not months. The backlighting of white or colored translucent panels, with or without a pattern, can create a dramatic visual effect especially if there is very little light in the space coming from other sources. This type of visual effect is generally used to create a certain mood or ambiance.

The Light Sources In Backlighting Fixtures
Backlighting can be achieved with a variety of low-profile fluorescent fixtures and lamps: T2 lamps (2/8in diameter), T4 lamps (4/8in diameter), T5 lamps (5/8in diameter), T8 lamps (8/8in diameter), and T12 lamps (12/8in diameter). The T5 and T8 lamps can even be dimmed if special dimmable electronic ballasts are used in the fixture. This feature might be especially useful if they are intended to backlight translucent panels to create a certain mood or effect.

Where can backlighting products be used?
Backlighting can be used very effectively in retail stores, trade show exhibits, museums, airport terminals, hotels, bars, restaurants, and even in residential settings.

How many fluorescent light fixtures should I use and how far apart should I place them to avoid "hot spots"?

Since the overall size and the relative transparency of backlit panels vary widely the only way to know this for certain is to experiment.  You will have to test YOUR situation to be sure of the answer to this question. What we can tell you is that the uniformity of the illumination of a backlit panel can be enhanced by taking one or more of the following steps:

A) paint the "cavity" behind the translucent material a matte white (to help scatter the light);

B) try to "hide" the light sources along the edges of the light box and provide an opaque shield, if possible, so that light cannot travel directly from the light fixtures through the translucent panel; and

C) if the light fixtures need to be placed directly behind the translucent panel to light it adequately, you may want to add a plastic diffuser (we suggest a type of plastic called "smooth white acrylic") between the light fixtures and the translucent panel.