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Star Ceilings... Painted or Fiber optics? - Page 19

post #541 of 675
8/14/12 at 6:29am
I had the privilege of meeting Jeff last week when he was over doing his magic.

The results were fantastic. I took two separate photos so both the room and the stars could show up and merged them in Photoshop so you can have a sense for the entire room.
This was shot with no black lights on. I don't think it does it justice yet...so I reserve the right to reshoot the photo again. smile.gif

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post #542 of 675
8/14/12 at 10:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcascio View Post

I had the privilege of meeting Jeff last week when he was over doing his magic.
The results were fantastic. I took two separate photos so both the room and the stars could show up and merged them in Photoshop so you can have a sense for the entire room.
This was shot with no black lights on. I don't think it does it justice yet...so I reserve the right to reshoot the photo again. smile.gif
IMG_1186_small.jpg

        Fabulous ceiling work! Fantastic theater and build!

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post #543 of 675
8/15/12 at 10:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcascio View Post

I had the privilege of meeting Jeff last week when he was over doing his magic.
The results were fantastic. I took two separate photos so both the room and the stars could show up and merged them in Photoshop so you can have a sense for the entire room.
This was shot with no black lights on. I don't think it does it justice yet...so I reserve the right to reshoot the photo again. smile.gif
IMG_1186_small.jpg



Great looking theater room and ceiling, Mario!

From what I can tell, your mural includes what appears to be the Milky Way. As I interpret what I'm seeing in the photo, the path of the Milky Way depicted in your mural seems to be oriented much like the Milky Way in our mural. smile.gif What I mean is that the path extends diagonally from the left front corner of the screen area to the back right of the seating area.

As it happens, our theater screen is located on a western wall, with due north directly to the right of the seating. So, the Milky Way Jeff painted for us conforms closely with the Milky Way as it actually appears in our North Carolina sky, running southwest (left front of screen) to northeast (right rear of seating) and passing through the "lazy left leg" of Cassiopeia (a "W" shaped constellation with the front leg tilted somewhat downward from the other three legs).

My wife and I enjoy star gazing, and it's cool seeing our galaxy "edge on" stretching across the heavens in very much the same trajectory as depicted in Jeff's mural.smile.gif However, the mural is actually more revealing than the sky we can see from our neighborhood. Though we are fairly well situated for dark skies, we are not as far away from "city glow" as Jeff is able to depict in his murals. It takes us considerable driving---further into the countryside---to see the Milky Way anywhere nearly as impressively as Jeff renders it. The mural is so much more defined and detailed than the view that urbanites/suburbanites can get from their home sites (barring a regional power outage...eek.gif Not a happy prospect).
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post #544 of 675
8/15/12 at 11:24pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Tom...

Mario captured the Milky Way better than I have ever been able to, and though it stands out while you are in the room.... I don't think that it stands out as much as the picture depicts. but, that was last week, and
4 murals ago, so what do I know.

Anyway, what you wrote about the Milky Way (that I quoted below) reminds me of so many times that I have painted murals... only to have people ask me what the "cloudy thing" is that stretches across the room? When
I tell them that that is the Milky Way, they can't believe it. They say, "Really? Does it really look like that?" I know that you have seen it, after driving a long ways out of town, but also while you were on your Navy ship in
the middle of the ocean. But, there are so many people who have never seen the night sky (and Milky Way) the way that some of us have, and what I try to depict in the murals. To me, there is nothing like being out in
the middle of nowhere, sitting under one of those incredible skies.

I hope all is well with you two!!!

Jeff



Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Hilton View Post

Though we are fairly well situated for dark skies, we are not as far away from "city glow" as Jeff is able to depict in his murals. It takes us considerable driving---further into the countryside---to see the Milky Way anywhere nearly as impressively as Jeff renders it. The mural is so much more defined and detailed than the view that urbanites/suburbanites can get from their home sites (barring a regional power outage...eek.gif Not a happy prospect).
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post #545 of 675
8/16/12 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightSkyMurals View Post

Hi Tom...
Mario captured the Milky Way better than I have ever been able to, and though it stands out while you are in the room.... I don't think that it stands out as much as the picture depicts. but, that was last week, and
4 murals ago, so what do I know.
Anyway, what you wrote about the Milky Way (that I quoted below) reminds me of so many times that I have painted murals... only to have people ask me what the "cloudy thing" is that stretches across the room? When
I tell them that that is the Milky Way, they can't believe it. They say, "Really? Does it really look like that?" I know that you have seen it, after driving a long ways out of town, but also while you were on your Navy ship in
the middle of the ocean. But, there are so many people who have never seen the night sky (and Milky Way) the way that some of us have, and what I try to depict in the murals. To me, there is nothing like being out in
the middle of nowhere, sitting under one of those incredible skies.
I hope all is well with you two!!!
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Yes, we're getting along okay. I trust that all is well with you and your family too.

I recall well the experience of a clear night sky on a Navy ship with all other lights well over the horizon. I remember especially a North Atlantic cruise above the Arctic circle and another ocean trek past the equator into the southern hemisphere ("Crossing the Line").

With regard to the work you do, I have to say that your murals are in many ways closer to an actual night sky than most folks ever get to see nowadays. I suppose that people who lived centuries ago (before light bulbs and the proliferation of electrical power) could view the night sky's true glory much better with the naked eye than it typically appears to us it in the 21st century. Of course, we can still achieve those grand views today, but we have to put forth significantly greater effort to situate ourselves for superior observing.

Not saying I want to turn back the clock...they didn't have home theaters back then! wink.gifbiggrin.gif.

P.S. Love the comment under your avatar: " Location: Based in Salt Lake City, UT... but usually somewhere else,..." biggrin.gif
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post #546 of 675
8/20/12 at 8:09am
Jeff, I'd also be interested to hear what you find out about LED strip lights that broadcast UV light. The light tray in my ceiling is complete and I'm afraid I did not leave enough room for traditional blacklight fixtures. I think an LED striplight would be my best option at this point if I decide to go down the painted star ceiling route.

Do you think the coffered portion of this ceiling is a good candidate for stars (within each of the 6 recessed areas)? Traditionally, you see them on wide open ceilings, but I've seen a few like this that have a skylight effect. The 4 small squares are 3'x3' and the 2 large rectangles are 3'x5'. The inside of each light tray is only 2-1/2" wide and the inside of the tray sits 10" below the ceiling. Would it look more realistic if stars were applied only to the ceiling portion of each recess, or would I get more bang for my buck if I also had stars on the 4 vertical faces between the ceiling and the light tray (doing the top AND sides of each recess)?

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Edited by Spaceman - 8/20/12 at 10:22am
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post #547 of 675
8/20/12 at 10:15am
Hi Spaceman,

Not Jeff, of course wink.gif, so I'm not the expert...but I think your ceiling would look great either way. I know Jeff can paint on most anything and the illusion might even be enhanced with objects or surfaces at different distances from the viewer---that can make the depth of the night sky scene look even more realistic. On the other hand, I've also seen photos of his work which simulate "sky lights", and that effect is also very striking. It appears to me that you have two really nice mural options with your ceiling.

I'm sure Jeff will chime in with his expertise and ideas soon.

Happy home theater-ing and have fun with your ceiling!smile.gif
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post #548 of 675
8/20/12 at 4:13pm
This really awesome!!! I am getting ready to move into my new house and I would love to do something like this in my son's room as his room theme is going to be Star Wars.
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post #549 of 675
8/24/12 at 1:14am
Thread Starter 
Spaceman... I answered you in your thread, but will do it again here. Either option (painting just the top part of the insets, or bringing the stars down the sides) will both work out great. One will look like a window and the other more like an open space. Tom pretty much nailed it in his answer so I won't say any more about the look, other than to say that you have a ceiling that I love!!! When I saw it a while back, I thought that I would love a chance to do another ceiling like that. They are so perfect for a mural. I have even created the look, on a flat ceiling, of what your ceiling would look like.

I noticed in your thread that you had posted PhotoShopped pictures of your ceiling with dark paint. Are you thinking that dark paint is better with the murals? Or do you just like the look? Because the paint actually works better on a lighter colored ceiling, and it will be much more difficult to see any of the stars in the light. On a dark colored ceiling, you will see stars in the light. A little texture will help hide some of the stars, but some will still be visible. If it was just a matter that you were thinking that it was needed for the paint.... it isn't. When the room goes dark, those areas will go black, just as if it were painted black.

Here is a picture of a ceiling that is similar to yours. I love these types of ceilings!!!



Just for the record... I am still working on finding someone who has LED lights that will charge the paint. I have some now, but they are in a flashlight... and that would be kind of weird having 6 or 7 flashlights up in your soffit... :-) So, I am trying to get something made. I will keep you updated.

Jeff
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post #550 of 675
8/24/12 at 1:15am
Thread Starter 
Duck... That is a perfect room for a star mural. I can help you do it yourself if you need.

Jeff

Quote:
Originally Posted by duckvader View Post

This really awesome!!! I am getting ready to move into my new house and I would love to do something like this in my son's room as his room theme is going to be Star Wars.
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post #551 of 675
8/24/12 at 9:30pm
Mcascio, Your room looks AMAZING!!! Welcome to the NightSkyMural club. wink.gif
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post #552 of 675
8/25/12 at 9:18am
Well being way up in Northern Alberta, getting Jeff to paint a mural is out of the question. Can someone point me to a site where I can purchase all I'd need to build fiber optic ceiling? I'm at wiring stage in my build, what should I pre wire and to where? Thanks
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post #553 of 675
8/25/12 at 10:18am
Thread Starter 
From the little research on companies that do Fiber Optic ceilings.... it seems that FOSI is the way to go. But, having so little time to even take care of my own customers properly... I may have missed other companies who would do a good job for you. But, they seem to be among the better options.

Good luck!

By the way.... northern Alberta is not to far for me to go. All I do is travel around. Possibly going to the UK and Australia. So, you aren't far. :-)

Loved your build thread. Good luck with the rest!

Jeff

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdika17 View Post

Well being way up in Northern Alberta, getting Jeff to paint a mural is out of the question. Can someone point me to a site where I can purchase all I'd need to build fiber optic ceiling? I'm at wiring stage in my build, what should I pre wire and to where? Thanks
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post #554 of 675
8/25/12 at 2:54pm
Hey Jeff,

Where is your build thread?? Looking forward to seeing more pictures.
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post #555 of 675
8/25/12 at 3:41pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Jason...

I keep wondering if I should, because it's an office and not a theater. But, since I encorporated many things from this forum... I just might.

But, I've had so many problems posting pictures on this new site that it's sometimes too frustrating to try. Is it just my Mac, or do others have problems uploading from their computers?

I'll try soon. I love the office!!! It's quiet, dark, and very similar to Xzener's ceiling.

Jeff


Quote:
Originally Posted by xzener View Post

Hey Jeff,
Where is your build thread?? Looking forward to seeing more pictures.
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post #556 of 675
8/26/12 at 7:33pm
Hey Jeff,

I use Photobucket and add an image url for the particular image I wish to share. It is much easier than uploading them from your computer. You could post your build over at the media/game room thread... It could always be converted right??

Xzener
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post #557 of 675
8/27/12 at 7:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by xzener View Post

Mcascio, Your room looks AMAZING!!! Welcome to the NightSkyMural club. wink.gif

THanks Xzener. Glad to be a part of the club!
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post #558 of 675
8/28/12 at 10:14pm
Thread Starter 
OK, I will go and look into putting up the build over in media/game room thread... but, sure, it could be converted into a small theater. The kids are already talking about it. :-) But, I need this room so badly to try and keep focused on work, without all of the interruptions. If I get a thread started over there.... I'll post a link here. But, xzener... it's basically just your room anyway. At least the soffit is. Your clouds are better, but I don't need them to look too real. The point gets across, though, so I'm happy. I'll post a link later.

Jeff
Quote:
Originally Posted by xzener View Post

Hey Jeff,
I use Photobucket and add an image url for the particular image I wish to share. It is much easier than uploading them from your computer. You could post your build over at the media/game room thread... It could always be converted right??
Xzener
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post #559 of 675
8/29/12 at 1:48am
Thread Starter 
Some of you know that I have been building a little office in my back yard to escape the distractions of an in-home, home office. I needed a home office that was here at home, but yet not. So, I took a lot of the techniques that you guys are using in your theaters and used them to build an office out back. Since my painting commute usually involves a trip to the airport... I like working close to home when in town. So, after many suggestions from members here on AVS I went for it. Then, I was asked to post pictures. But, I didn't want to put them here in this thread... so I started a new one.

Here it is:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1426767/night-sky-murals-new-stand-alone-office-build-inspired-by-all-your-builds-thanks
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post #560 of 675
9/13/12 at 1:04am
Thread Starter 
Have any of you seen, in your searching the Internet, any sources for Black Light Rope Lights? I was given a lead to a site that sells some, but besides not ever getting a reply to many emails or voice messages (I have not been much better lately), I am concerned with the light being 405nm. The best range for the glow paint is around 365nm.

I am still planning on trying the 405nm UV black rope lights out and will report my findings... but I was just wondering if anyone has ever seen any other sources for it. That would be really nice is it works, and if it is powerful enough to cast it's light out into the middle of a ceiling.

Jeff
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post #561 of 675
10/1/12 at 12:26pm
Does anyone who is subscribed to this thread have any leftover 1.0mm fiber optic fiber left over from their FOSI star ceiling installation they would like to sell on? If so, please PM me. I am taking the 'ol tin cup around to see if I can scrounge up enough orphan fiber to make the star ceiling possible within budget. PM me with quantity and asking price with shipping. Thanks!
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post #562 of 675
10/1/12 at 1:10pm
Hi....

I have 1 complete spool of 1mm FOC

I'll get back to you soon with a price.

MMan
(Maurice)j
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post #563 of 675
10/2/12 at 11:04am
Thread Starter 
I did a mural for a customer earlier this year who had bought the fiber optics and the light source before deciding to have me paint the ceiling instead. Let me try to remember who that was and I will check to see if they still have it laying around. Do you need the light source too, or just the fibers?

Jeff
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post #564 of 675
10/2/12 at 1:19pm
Thanks Jeff. I sent you an e-mail to your standard e-mail account since your PM on this forum is not available. Thanks again!!
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post #565 of 675
10/2/12 at 4:47pm
Anyone want to do a mural in the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana area between Nov. 15 and Dec 15? I'm working on getting Jeff do to a mural in this time, and it's a lot cheaper when he can do several murals in a trip.
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post #566 of 675
10/3/12 at 11:45am
Thread Starter 
Sorry... Yes, I did get the email... and I'm working on getting you that info. I've lost some of my info. (with a stolen computer, and no back up) but I think I can track the info down. I'll be in touch.


Quote:
Originally Posted by TMcG View Post

Thanks Jeff. I sent you an e-mail to your standard e-mail account since your PM on this forum is not available. Thanks again!!
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post #567 of 675
11/15/12 at 2:16pm
Jeff, Just sent an email to pickup some of your paint. No hurry, I'm still under construction!
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post #568 of 675
11/15/12 at 2:20pm
I recently showed off my theater to my brother. And he was just astounded by the stars Jeff did. He swore they were moving when we turned off all the lights.

It's remarkable how cool it looks. And it just keeps looking better each time I go in there. smile.gif
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post #569 of 675
11/15/12 at 6:27pm
Jeff, have you set your year-end schedule yet? I haven't heard from you after I sent my particulars a couple weeks ago.
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post #570 of 675
11/16/12 at 6:25pm
Is there a website to buy this stuff ?
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