Black Plexy B
lack Plexiglas is highly reflective, and it adds a dynamic element to many kinds of images. You have to provide enough light on the subject so the reflection is discernable, and it’s also important to make sure the surface of the Plexiglas is clean and free of scratches. This kind of material shows scratches readily, so handle it very carefully. Plexiglas comes in 4 x 8 feet sheets, but most plastics suppliers will cut it down for you. I find that a quarter of the sheet -- 2 x 4 feet -is a good size for a great many subjects. The thickness I use is 1/8 inch which keeps the
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cost and the weight down. Protective adhesive paper protects both sides of the Plexiglas, and I remove just one piece of paper. Because black Plexy is opaque, you can’t see through the material. Removing only one of the protective adhesive papers means you can use that side for photography while the other side remains protected. If and when the exposed side of the Plexy gets scuffed or scratched, you can then remove the paper from the other side. In this way, you can extend the life of the material for photographic purposes. The portrait of my young model, below, was
