Gloss white paint - reflector
 

I was wanting to increase the amount of light at work but the cost of installing more lights was pretty high both in initial cost as well as operating cost. So my solution was to paint the walls with high gloss white paint. The walls have been white primer since we moved into the new shop 7 years ago. I have only been able to get part of one wall painted so far but it made a huge difference in the amount of light reflected off the wall. Painting a ceiling at home with gloss white would allow for lower wattage lights. I wouldn't want to paint my walls at home gloss, but the ceiling would look alright. I will snap a pic today of the difference of reflection.

Here is a picture of the wall. It is pretty cloudy outside but the reflection that is cut off is from the window. Almost no light is reflected from the white primer.

Interesting modification. Do you think that this alone will negate the need for additional lighting?

I think it will. I did it in the weekend and when my coworkers came in they couldn't believe the difference it made. It is almost like it turns the wall into a light source. You can even get shadow from the light reflecting off the wall.

Do you have before and after pics so we could compare the effects?

I don't have any before and after, Just the one tha shows the light reflecting off. Before and after would be neat I just never thought of taking a pic before I painted.

I use semi gloss paint in my home, and now in my garage / workshop project. I like its ability to stand the abuse of cleaning and its reflectivity.

When we talk about stretching our dollars spent for value gained, I'd say you hit that one out of the park! Great job, thanks for posting this. :thumbup: