Specifications

What are Printed Fluorescent Light Diffusers?

Sky-Scapes® printed fluorescent light diffusers replace existing fluorescent light panels. Designs are printed onto Durastrong® plastic panels that measure 23 ¾˝ x 47 ¾˝ and are .045 mils in thickness. The diffusers drop into a standard 2′ x 4′ fluorescent light frame. If your light fixture is smaller, the printed diffusers can easily be cut with a utility knife to fit your existing light frame.

For a less costly alternative to the Durastrong® panels, Sky-Scapes offers Clear Cell™. Clear Cell™ is a printed film that measures 22 3/8˝ x 46 ½˝, and lies on top of the current fluorescent light cover. All designs can be printed on either Clear Cell™ or Durastrong® (Dilbert license states that Dilbert can only be printed on Durastrong®).

Our printed Durastrong® panels and Clear Cell™ films are rolled to reduce shipping costs. Durastrong® plastic has a bit of memory, so when you receive your printed diffusers, promptly remove them from the box and lay flat until installation. If you store them in the box too long and they are curled, lay them flat to rest. Your panels will flatten out, and if you don’t have time to wait, we offer spring clips that will hold them flat in the light fixture’s frame. Our Durastrong® diffusers have clear protective sheeting on the back to keep the panel clean before installation. Peel off the clear plastic sheet before you install your diffusers. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth will keep your new Durastrong® panels clean and bright. Dust the Clear Cell™ films with a soft dry cloth.

Sky-Scapes’ Durastrong® plastic has an UL-94V-2 rating, and a flame spread of 0-5! We have our Durastrong® plastic specially formulated with just enough white pigment for the best luminosity without viewing the light bulbs. UV inhibitors are added to our plastic to help prevent yellowing and to keep colors bright and crisp. And best of all, our Durastrong® plastic is guaranteed not to break during shipping—even with rough handling!

Durastrong® Fire Rating

ASTM E-84-07 Results and Ratings
* Per manufacturer’s test dated 3/25/08, code # 03210810 US Testing

DURASTRONG® SHEET
ASTM E-84 Results and Ratings

In order to obtain the Flame Spread Classification, results must fall into a range as shown in the table. In all cases, Smoke developed must be less than 450.

Class Flame Spread
Class A 0-25
Class B 26-75
Class C 76-200
STEINER TUNNEL TEST Flame Spread Summary
Product Gauge CFS Calculated Flame Spread (Ceiling) FSI Flame spread Index (Ceiling)+ CFS Calculated Flame spread (Floor) FSI Flame spread Index (Floor)++
Durastrong® Sheet 0.045” 0.00 0 5.67 5
STEINER TUNNEL TEST Smoke Developed Summary
Product Gauge CSD Calculated Smoke Developed (Prior to floor Ignition) SDI Smoke Developed Index (Prior to floor Ignition) CSD Calculated Smoke Developed (Entire Test Duration) SDI Smoke Developed Index (Entire Test Duration)
Durastrong® Sheet 0.045” 0.00 0 5.67 5

Light Reduction

Sky-Scapes® printed fluorescent light diffusers will “lighten up” your environment and spirits. Our relaxing cloud designs will make every day a bright sunny day. They soothe and calm while eliminating harsh glare from fluorescent lighting.

The scenes are printed onto panels with durable UV inks. The printing produces about a 32% reduction in light with the cloud designs (the darker the design, the darker the room). If you are concerned about the blockage of light, we suggest you strategically replace a few light diffusers with printed diffusers, leaving other fluorescent lighting without designs. Windows and other light sources will help keep the room bright.

When using high lumens daylight or full spectrum bulbs with 5000° Kelvin (a color temperature close to white), most adjust to the reduction of light and notice less glare. For color correct designs, make sure the fluorescent light bulbs are daylight or full spectrum. If you have a light bulb with a Kelvin temperature above 5000° K, your bulb is adding blue. A blue light with our cloud designs could cause a blue cast in your design. If you have a light bulb with a Kelvin temperature below 5000° K, your bulb is adding yellow and your printed design may appear dull and yellowed.

Health Hazards Connected to Fluorescent Lighting

The following is a list of symptoms known to be linked to fluorescent lighting exposure:

  • Stress
  • Headaches
  • Eyestrain
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability caused by the noise
  • Glare and flicker from fluorescent lighting.
  • Some allergic skin reactions and dermatitis can become worse, or be caused by exposure to fluorescent lighting.

There is some evidence that the following effects may be caused by exposure to fluorescent lights:

  • Increased risk of seizure in epilepsy sufferers
  • Higher incidence of miscarriage
  • Speeding up the aging of the retina