UV Light Bulbs

[YUMSBPA]

Does anyone know a web site that sells UV bulbs at a good price? Also, I heard that the bulb does not have to be a blacklight? Some are clear? The ones I have are f4t5 130v 4w.

[screenman]

How about Delta kits, it must costs almost nothing per repair in terms of cost for a UV bulb. Best to get one that is tried and tested. 2 Repairs will buy you a complete new light.

[Brent Deines]

Blue bulbs are filtered, white bulbs are not. I have heard arguments on both sides as to which are best, but our testing shows little difference for curing windshield repair resins. As long as it produces UV light and you are powering it with a source that produces the proper wavelength the color of the bulb is not all that important. However, florescent bulbs are also available in the 6" size you mention, and those will not work for UV curable windshield repair resins.

There are many brands available, some costing less than others. There is also a significant difference in quality from one brand to the next. The poor quality bulbs can usually be identified by looking at the ends. If they are loose, or have sloppy solder around the prongs, you may not be happy with them. High quality bulbs typically have a brand name and bulb size clearly printed on one end of the bulb.

I'm not saying you need to buy the most expensive American made bulbs, but to some extent you get what you pay for so when shopping around be sure you compare apples to apples.

[YUMSBPA]

Thanks Brent. You say the 6" won't work, but the light that I got with my kit from GT is a 6". The bulbs are not very long lasting but they do the job while they are working. Or do you mean the 6" while bulbs won't work?

[Brent Deines]

Sorry I was not clear about that. A florescent bulb will not work. Some people do not understand that white bulbs can be either florescent or UV, but they are not interchangeable. There is a big price difference between the two but they look exactly the same, so you just want to make sure you know which one you are buying.

6" is the size you mentioned so of course that is the "only" size that will work for your light.

[YUMSBPA]

Thanks again!