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Star Ceilings... Painted or Fiber optics? - Page 14

post #391 of 657
7/13/11 at 5:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hanesian View Post

Photos? I thought that was a postage stamp!

Lol right!?!

Postage stamp


THIS is a proper photograph.

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post #392 of 657
7/13/11 at 8:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProFx Murals View Post

I have been watching this thread for some time and just I would like to show you another type of Glow in the Dark Star Ceiling. I have specialized in also creating these types of ceilings for a long long time. I like you work NSC, just though I would throw in a recent one of mine.
This was created in a house in Utah for their cinema room. I specialize in DEEP SPACE ceilings , these types of ceilings can take anything up to a week or more to create. I also do the basic star ceiling.
This image was taken with NO light after the Star Ceiling had been charged under UV.
http://www.profxartists.com/images/P...LIN2689_45.jpg

Hope you like the image this was created in a 30' by 20' room.

ProFx Murals,

I'm having difficulty making out any details in the photo you provided...but I take it (?) that your emphasis in murals runs more toward "telescopic" views than "naked eye" perspectives on the night sky.

In any case, I would like to offer an opinion: Seems to me, it would be more appropriate for you to start your own AVS thread, instead of using a thread begun by another artist to advertise for your competitive product.

Just a thought .

EDITED FOR ADDENDUM: I know that Jeff is gracious and open-minded---he is continually offering his murals as one alternative among the various other approaches to ceiling decoration. Because of his nature, Jeff is not likely to post an objection to your comments, but I just felt something needed to be said. Please understand that no offense is intended.

Tom
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post #393 of 657
7/17/11 at 12:29pm
Hi there,
I am sorry if I have offended anyone by adding to this link, but felt because this was an open link anyone could add to it. I am not wanting to PR my business as much as wanting to share a different angle to the cosmic painted star ceiling thread. My work is different in the fact that we create DEEP Space (fantasy ceilings more than star ceilings, and use up to 8 colors to create them.
I am more than happy to create another thread, as this thread moved away from the technical aspects of star ceilings to a more personal thread.
Again I apologize. as for images yes I can show more images of the type of work we create.
Having spent 20 years in the entertainment industry with specialist lighting and stage set design and the last 15 years developing and painting in INVISIBLE paints. I though I could bring something to the table that may help, I am more than willing to answer questions in the fields I know and become part of this forum.
Regards
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post #394 of 657
7/18/11 at 7:54am
ProFx,

I fully understand that your intent is to offer an alternative type of star ceiling with a different emphasis, i.e., a "deep space" or telescopic perspective.

As I indicated earlier (speaking for myself), no offense was taken. I just expressed my opinion that initiating a separate thread for discussion of your different "flavor" of sky mural might be more appropriate for your business aims.

For instance, I've noted at various times over the years that several AVS threads have been devoted to the fiber optic approach---in fact, that's where my interest in star ceilings began. However, I also came across the mural concept (specifically the naked eye astronomy view), which I ultimately decided would work best in my case.

Best wishes,


Tom
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post #395 of 657
7/18/11 at 6:00pm
I'm bulding my new house right now. I really want a cool night sky in my theater room.

My room is 14x22. I planned on having a 8x8 or 8x12 tray ceiling put in and orginally before reading this thread I had planned on buying some of the fiber optic panels. Now I'm not sure.

I also thought about doing some sort of vinyl that I could put on the ceiling, but I don't know if it would come out right.

Now after reading this thread I think I might like to try a DIY setup. I don't know though if I can do it good enough. Plus I was really wanting a black ceiling and not sure how the paint would come out.

Looking for some more good advice.
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post #396 of 657
8/11/11 at 5:10pm
@Jeff- Thanks for the pictures.

Here are a couple photos taken after Jeff from NightSkyMurals came and touched up my night sky mural...

This is a great shot of the ceiling with the lights on showing off my cloudy sky mural...



Here is a shot using Jeff's camera, we tried really hard to capture the Milky Way that he painted... I've noticed camera's really don't capture what the eye can see...



Keep in mind, turning on the black lights and charging the stars in a fully pitch dark room is ideal for taking pictures of the mural. These photo's were taken while the sun was still out, quite a bit of ambient light was peaking through the blinds and cracks in the doors.

This image (same image as above) has been Photoshop'd. But this is a better idea of what is seen by the naked eye after the paint has been charged, and viewed in the dark (your eyes adjusted to no light). Using Photoshop, I adjusted the contrast to bring out more of what is actually seen. Keep in mind that contrast has been adjusted so more light (in the picture) is viewable. The camera can pick up the Milky Way, but for some reason doesn't expose it correctly. Have a look...



As you can see, the stars seem a bit too big and bright, this is due to Photoshop. In person, the stars are smaller and not as blurry.

In my opinion, NightSkyMurals' glow-in-the-dark night sky murals best portrays the night sky. I have seen the most spectacular night sky on Navy ships out to sea. Now thanks to Jeff... I have it in my theater room, ready for viewing pleasure. You really have to see it to believe it.

Thanks again Jeff... The family and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!
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post #397 of 657
8/11/11 at 5:49pm
Spectacular shots Xzener...thanks for sharing. I'm in awe each time I see another example of Jeff's ability to capture the beauty the night sky and recreate its profound elegance on a ceiling---he really does a great job at his craft!

Tom
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post #398 of 657
8/11/11 at 6:14pm
I agree Tom. He has quite the talent. Taught him how to paint clouds, I hope he can add that to his arsenal.
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post #399 of 657
8/12/11 at 11:02am
Xzener,

The daylight mural with blue sky with clouds is excellent as well. I hadn't realized it was your work---well done!.

Maybe you guys should team up.


Tom
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post #400 of 657
8/12/11 at 1:44pm
Thanks Tom. Jeff mentioned a job he has on the radar here in California where the customer wants the clouds painted. I showed Jeff how easy it was to paint them. I hope he can master that technique too.
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post #401 of 657
8/12/11 at 8:44pm
I am going to start of by saying, in no way am I affiliated with Jeff, I am just here to write a review.

Okay so, it has been awhile. I have been in communication with Jeff for who knows how many months. Back and forth every couple of weeks. I have to say, I was dead set on doing Fiber Optics, just because, well, thats the norm. Jeff came by about two weeks ago, and I have to say, I am astounded. Actually, astounded doesn't even cut it. Words can't even come close to describing what Jeff did on our ceiling in our theater. My wife and I just sat in awe and amazement when he was done.

I have taken some pictures to show his work. Now, the saying, a picture says a thousand words. Jeffs work is an exception to that rule. Pictures can't even come close to showing you what he can do, only your eyes in person can do that. I am no photographer by all means, and it took me several times to get some good shots. These photos are not doctor'd or photoshop'd at all. They came out of my camera, uploaded and posted here. Just know, if you look close, and if you see red dots, those are digital noise from the camera lens being open for so long. Enough words......









I am sure you can make out the Milky Way in the middle.

If you want to view my construction thread, and more pics of my theater, please go here....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1336368
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post #402 of 657
8/13/11 at 1:04am
Thread Starter 
WOW!!! Those pictures turned out super nice! You must have had you black lights installed before you took those.

I continue to be amazed at how nice the pictures are turning out! Seriously, for years people promised me that they'd send me pictures... but they never arrived. Now, for the past couple of years I'm seeing some really nice pictures in my email, and now in this thread. I love it.

Now, for those following this thread... You really have to experience this ceiling that was just posted by JRobins. First of all it has beams in it. But even better, if you look closely, you will see that the beams are not attached to the ceiling, but are below it by something like a foot to foot and a half. That alone is really different and cool. But, as much as I love painting ceilings with beams on them (one of my favorites)... with these lower than the ceiling the mural took on an entirely added degree of 3D. With normal beams.. when you move around in the room he stars pretty much never move (in relation to the beam). But with this ceiling, when you move around... you see new stars showing up. It is seriously like there IS NO ceiling at all. It was a great ceiling to paint... and a great look in the theater, even if you don't want a star mural. It's just a really cool ceiling.

Thanks for posting the pics! I'd like a set of them if you dont mind? Not sure if you reduced the size before you posted them.
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post #403 of 657
8/13/11 at 9:56am
Wow. That looks amazing. So do you guys shoot for a suspended beam to add the 3D effect? Love it!
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post #404 of 657
8/13/11 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightSkyMurals View Post

WOW!!! Those pictures turned out super nice! You must have had you black lights installed before you took those.

I continue to be amazed at how nice the pictures are turning out! Seriously, for years people promised me that they'd send me pictures... but they never arrived. Now, for the past couple of years I'm seeing some really nice pictures in my email, and now in this thread. I love it.

Now, for those following this thread... You really have to experience this ceiling that was just posted by JRobins. First of all it has beams in it. But even better, if you look closely, you will see that the beams are not attached to the ceiling, but are below it by something like a foot to foot and a half. That alone is really different and cool. But, as much as I love painting ceilings with beams on them (one of my favorites)... with these lower than the ceiling the mural took on an entirely added degree of 3D. With normal beams.. when you move around in the room he stars pretty much never move (in relation to the beam). But with this ceiling, when you move around... you see new stars showing up. It is seriously like there IS NO ceiling at all. It was a great ceiling to paint... and a great look in the theater, even if you don't want a star mural. It's just a really cool ceiling.

Thanks for posting the pics! I'd like a set of them if you dont mind? Not sure if you reduced the size before you posted them.




Thanks to Robinsj for expanding the inventory of great mural photos on this thread.

Jeff, thinking about your description (highlighted in bold), I began trying to imagine myself in the room and how it would look as you move about and turn your eyes beneath the mural. That is a really cool effect!


Tom
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post #405 of 657
8/13/11 at 11:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by xzener View Post

Wow. That looks amazing. So do you guys shoot for a suspended beam to add the 3D effect? Love it!

You know, when I was designing my theater, and wanted the suspended beams, I wasn't even thinking about the star ceiling and how it would make it look. Funny thing is, I took a lot of flac from everyone that knew what I was doing in my theater, even from the guy doing the woodwork himself. He questioned how it would look, and said if it was him, he wouldn't do it, because he though it would look strange.

Once it was all done, everyone loves it. He couldn't believe how cool it looked. But, to his defense, he does cabinets for a living, so he probably couldn't see the vision I had in my head. Although, he did have me a little concerned. I was beginning to think myself, oh man, I hope what I am doing will look good.

Then, once the star ceiling is in, the 3d effect it creates is amazing. Because of the beams, once the lights are off and it is completely dark, and when I say completely dark, I mean can't see your hand two inches in front of your face dark (Yes Jeff, I Got the door fixed so no light comes through at all), the beams make it look like you are looking out through a open air auditorium. Truly Amazing.
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post #406 of 657
8/14/11 at 1:01pm
Which of the Ursa Major stencil kits are most of you using? There are several to choose from. If your room is larger than the stencil what do you do then? I have no place to mount blacklights...Do any of you do it poor mans way and charge the paint by plugging them in on the floor before a movie? Thanks...Al
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post #407 of 657
8/14/11 at 1:49pm
Hi Alan,

I use one shop light fixture containing two 40 watt black light tubes. Before viewing the mural, I place the fixture on the floor in the middle of my theater room and charge the ceiling for about half an hour. Works just fine for my needs.


Tom
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post #408 of 657
8/14/11 at 3:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Hilton View Post

Hi Alan,

I use one shop light fixture containing two 40 watt black light tubes. Before viewing the mural, I place the fixture on the floor in the middle of my theater room and charge the ceiling for about half an hour. Works just fine for my needs.


Tom

Thanks Tom...Glad that works, cause thats what I'm gonna' have to do too! How long does the effect last? What is the best paint to use? Thanks...Al
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post #409 of 657
8/14/11 at 7:30pm
Alan,

I've never actually timed the effect except in an approximate way. However, I can attest that it remains at least 2-3 hours after I have established the charge.

As to the best paint to use...I know very little about that. Jeff (thread starter) would know much more about the proper paint. He is the artist who did the night sky mural in our HT.

If you want to try your own hand at painting a mural on your ceiling, Jeff may be able to steer you in the right direction. I seem to remember some discussion earlier in this thread about paints for the DIY enthusiast.


Tom
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post #410 of 657
8/15/11 at 2:35pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for everyone who has posted on here... and to Tom Hilton for being so nice to help answer questions here. I am still buried and have tried for a couple of months to find the time to get on here and answer everyone. But, Tom has done a great job... as have others. I have to paint some samples, and do a little more checking on a DIY stencil that is still in the works... and then I will try to get back and get into answering questions.

By the way... for those of you in the KC and Omaha areas, I'll be there next week. Please keep the tornados away just a little longer. Don't like the idea of coming across one. :-)

Jeff
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post #411 of 657
8/15/11 at 2:38pm
Thread Starter 
@robinsj = Again... really nice pics of that ceiling. Are you going to add them to your thread too? Everyone should see his thread. He did his entire build in one day! :-)

@Xzener = Going to try to clouds again today. You made it look really easy. I'll let you know how it comes out.
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post #412 of 657
8/15/11 at 2:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alan_ct View Post
Which of the Ursa Major stencil kits are most of you using? There are several to choose from. If your room is larger than the stencil what do you do then? I have no place to mount blacklights...Do any of you do it poor mans way and charge the paint by plugging them in on the floor before a movie? Thanks...Al
I measured my room's ceiling and added the sidewalls of the soffit. Chose the best stencil that would require less trimming. Took the measurement and calculated how much needed to be trimmed from the stencil. The stencil comes with a few long sheets of paper labeled A, B, C,... etc. I drew a diagram and that helped me trim the sheets.

Hope that helps.
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post #413 of 657
8/15/11 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
Al... If you aren't in a huge hurry, then I am really close to having a set of stencils ready that will work on any size ceiling. If you ARE in a hurry, then go with what @Xzener told you. If you need better paint, I can help you there, or point you to another place that might have good paint too.

You want it thick, though, to get the stars bright.

And, if you go with the stencil from Ursa Major... I also have instructions that I put together just for those stencils that will make it turn out many times better than the stencil alone.

Just email me, or PM me for info

However you decide to do your ceiling... good luck and let us know if you have questions.





Quote:
Originally Posted by xzener

I measured my room's ceiling and added the sidewalls of the soffit. Chose the best stencil that would require less trimming. Took the measurement and calculated how much needed to be trimmed from the stencil. The stencil comes with a few long sheets of paper labeled A, B, C,... etc. I drew a diagram and that helped me trim the sheets.

Hope that helps.
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post #414 of 657
8/15/11 at 3:53pm
Thread Starter 
Oh my gosh... Xzener's wife is a great cook!!! And he does a mean Ribeye.

Xzener... I'm making those Jalapeños tonight, and the potatoes. Can't wait.

Not done with the clouds yet... so back to them.
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post #415 of 657
8/15/11 at 7:43pm
Jeff,

I'm getting closer to the ceiling being ready. Any trips planned near Chicago / Milwaukee?
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post #416 of 657
8/15/11 at 9:02pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Mario...

How close are you to being ready? I will be in Omaha and Kansas City next week, but have a fairly tight schedule. I could possibly change a couple of things around... or what I'd rather do is set up a few other things out your way and then do a week long trip out there.

I like to see the areas that I paint in... and try out the foods from there too.

I can't remember which place it was, but I had a layover in one of the Chicago airports once and was hungry. So, I found a sandwich kiosk in the food court and ordered a sandwich (some Chicago style sandwich). It had roast beef, green, red, and Jalapeno peppers in it (so many Jalapenos that I was in tears as I ate it)... but that was one of my favorite sandwiches. In fact, I made one of those yesterday for lunch. Great sandwich. So, it would be nice to set up a few jobs there.

Why don't you PM me and we can discuss it.



Quote:
Originally Posted by mcascio View Post

Jeff,

I'm getting closer to the ceiling being ready. Any trips planned near Chicago / Milwaukee?
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post #417 of 657
8/15/11 at 10:02pm
Thread Starter 
OK @Xzener... here's my first real attempt at painting some clouds. It's obvious that I have more practice to do... but it was fun, I learned a little more of what I like and what I want to do better. But, the kids liked them so... that was at least something. Anyway, I will possibly post more as I learn to do them better. Hey, did I ever post any shots of the night sky that I took while driving to and from California last week? If not, I'll post a couple of those pics too. The real night sky was sooooo awesome!

Please be kind about these. Remember that they are my first try...




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post #418 of 657
8/15/11 at 10:44pm
Thread Starter 
I recently drove out to California to paint a few murals and it just so happened that the moon was setting at about 10:30 at night. By midnight... the night sky was awesome. And, between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles... there are lots of areas to pull over and enjoy the night sky. Here are a few pictures that were either taken going or on the return drive. As much as I try to paint my murals like this... there's no comparison. The real thing is awe inspiring!

In this first picture... I was trying to get the big and little dippers in the same shot (but was aiming too low, as you can see). But, as I help the shutter open for about 30 seconds... a meteor burst out of nowhere and blazed right towards where I was taking the picture. I was so hoping to get at least some of it... and I did. I wish that I could have gotten more... but I'll take this.




This second shot is in the same location (just south of State Line.. or about two hours south of Las Vegas). It's looking in the opposite direction from the Big Dipper/Meteor picture. Obviously, with a long exposure you are getting more colors and a brighter Milky Way than is actually visible... but I can promise you, the Milky Way was very bright. You didn't have to search for it. It was very obvious all the way across the sky. Beautiful!!!!!




This last picture is on the way back from California and I am in the canyon just before crossing the Utah boarder and into St. George. There was a large turnout and I pulled as far over as I could. What I like about this picture is that the lights from other cars lit up the hill that was off to the side of me and I think makes a nice picture.

Hope you all enjoy these shots.

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post #419 of 657
8/16/11 at 5:24am
Looking forward to seeing your stencil offerings. Will you post info about them in this thread?

These rooms are amazing! Keep up the good work.
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post #420 of 657
8/16/11 at 7:11am
I think the clouds you made as well as the ones previously posted look realistic. Being in the air all day I get to look at them a lot. The only thing that bothers me is the view of all the clouds posted looks like it is from a horizontal perspective, as viewed from the side of the cloud, not from below. Maybe that's just me, but it bothered me from the first picture posted lol.
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