How to Build Stands for 4 ft. Fluorescent Light Fixtures
1. How To Build a Vertical Stand for Blacklights
- 3/4” plywood
1 – 16” x 16” piece (base of stand) - 2” x 4” lumber (upright part of stand)
1 – 32” piece
1 – 10 ½” gusset (mitered at 45% angles) - Screws
- Drill
- Black Light Fixture (double lights) – has 6 ft. Cord attached
(see “What to Buy:” #1 - above). - Can of Flat Black Spray Paint (for metal/wood)
- Can of Gloss Black Spray Paint (for metal/wood)
[the two cans of paint above should do approx. 3 light fixtures] - Black Light Bulbs – 2 per light
(see “What to Buy:” #2 - above). - Optional: Black Paint for the wood stand.
- Before painting light fixtures make sure bulbs are removed as you’ll be spray painting them, make sure the area is clear and be mindful of paint fumes – we did them outside.
- Paint inside of fixtures with the “Glossy” Black paint as this reflects the ultra-violet light.
- Paint outside of fixtures with the “Flat” Black paint.
- Base of light fixture stand is made from 3/4” plywood
– Cut 1 piece – 16” x 16” - Upright part of light fixture stand is cut from 2” x 4” lumber
– Cut 1 – 32” piece
– Cut 1 – 10 ½” gusset (mitered at 45% angles). - Using a drill and screws (size – used assorted sizes – just what he had) attach upright piece to base, then add the gusset (see photo).
- After light fixture has dried (1 hour +) using a drill and screws – drill the light fixture to the upright 2x4 piece, light fixture should be 14” above Plywood base with the cord on the bottom of fixture.
- Insert two - Black Light Bulbs - (see “What to Buy:” #2 - above).
- Black Paint (optional) for the wood stand – it is not painted in picture so you can see how it was put together. If stands will be hid by stage curtain it does not matter, but if you’re using them in an open room, I’d paint them black so they disappear.
- Black Fabric (optional) to cover white cord – I plan to make a black fabric tube the length of the cord and attach to wood, under light fixture, with Velcro.
2. How To Build a Horizontal Stand for Black Lights
I recycled an old wooden bedroom window valence used to hide roller blind. We laid the light fixture horizontal, on it’s side, across the top of this box (Note: box was painted black after picture was taken) inside was left white.
This kept fixture off floor and slightly raised and there was room to hide small props underneath (such as fish & bread) which were coloured on both sides in "Footprints" song). The audience could not see the props until they were pulled from underneath the light.
Dimensions:Top: 44 1/2" Long x 8" Wide
Back: 44 1/2" Long x 4" High.
Ends: 8" x 4" (two)
Front: Open
You may wish to make yours slightly longer (than 44 1/2") as the 4 foot light fixture (48") hung over two inches past each end.