How to Make an Inexpensive Light Tent | by Amanda Smith

How to Make An Inexpensive Light Tent – DIY

by Darren Rowse

Materials Needed:

1.) A Box – It could be any size you want as long as you can light it! Preferrably as square as can be. You can find boxes anywhere for  FREE. You can also find boxes in the back of strip malls, grocery stores, appliance stores or basically any place that makes or sells products. Thicker the better! (Free)

2.) Fabric – This again could be any type. Buy enough to cover the entire box. (4.00$ US or 1.99$ a yard) People suggested fabrics like White Nylon and white fleece. If your extremely cheap and have some white under shirts laying around. Cut up the sides to where you have two halves of the shirt. If you use multiple shirts, be sure that the color matches or your end result may not turn out as you like it

3.) Tape – Used to secure the fabric to the sides of the box. Reason being is that In-case you want to try out different fabrics. Regular masking tape works great. (1.00$ US A Roll)

4.) Glue – You can use a “Glue Stick” (1.00$ US a Stick) or spray adhesive (5.00$ US per Can) to stick the lining in the box.

5.) White Bristol board – This will line the inside of the box and will also serve as your back round (.50 a sheet X2). Buy 2 or 3 sheets as you will be cutting up two to line your box (Could be more depending on the size of your box) and one for the back round. Bristol board is a heavyweight paper (.006″ Thick) that is used in drawing/art. The name came from where it was originated, Bristol England. If you wanted a different back round you can also pick up different colors.

6.) Lights – You will need to light this box and this could be the most expensive part of the box unless you already have the lights. Lighting is the most important part of this box. Without it you will not get the picture you desire. Go to the local hardware store and picked up some “Daylight” Bulbs. Using regular light bulbs will cast a yellow light and should be avoided. If you have one of those desk work lamps,  it will work fine. If you don’t getting a “Clamp On Work Light” is suggested. At Home Depot they have a smaller reflector dish (5″) for 5.99$ (US) or the 10.5″ reflector for 11.99$ (US).

7.) Miscellaneous Tools – Tape ruler, ruler or any straight edge, scissors and knife

For the full tutorial go here.