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How to Paint Studio Lights

Studio lights are an important piece of equipment for many photographers. For studio photographers they are an integral part of the equipment that is used each day. Keeping your lights in good condition and having them look like new will promote a level of professionalism to your clients when they are in your studio. Over time as your lights are packed into travel cases and moved from job to job, the paint on the casing may start to wear off. A simple paint job will restore them to their original appearance.

Things You'll Need

Old newspapers
Masking tape
Heat resistant black enamel spray paint
Coarse steel wool or sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the studio lights and let them cool. While they are cooling remove any umbrellas or soft-boxes that may be attached to them. When they have cooled, unscrew the studio lights from their light stands, this will allow for easier handling during painting.
- 2
  Use a coarse sandpaper or steel-wool to sand the rest of the old chipped paint off the studio lights.
- 3
  Tape old newspaper onto the portion of the studio light that you do not want to be covered with overspray from the paint. Specifically, you want to cover the front of the studio light where the strobe and modelling bulb are -- and the rear of studio light where the power controls are positioned.
- 4
  Hold the can of heat resistant spray paint 6 to 8 inches away from the studio light and paint the lights using equal sideway passes so the paint is applied evenly. Keep a damp cloth close by should the paint begin to drip. The best way to avoid drips is to use even passes, not allowing too much paint to be applied to the lights in one coat. Studio lights are traditionally black.

Photography