Light boxes are essential tools for anyone involved in the fashion industry, as they allow you to accurately assess the colors of fabrics and ensure that they match your vision. However, using a light box properly can be a bit tricky, especially if you are new to the world of fashion design. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to use a light box in the proper way to check fabric colors.
What is light box?
First, let’s start by understanding what a light box is and why it’s an essential tool for fashion designers. A light box is a piece of equipment that emits a constant and evenly distributed light source, providing a consistent and accurate representation of the fabric’s color. The light emitted from a light box is typically a cool white light, which is ideal for assessing the color of fabrics, as it eliminates any color bias that may be present in other light sources.
Set up properly
When using a light box to check fabric colors, it’s essential to set it up properly. The light box should be placed in a well-lit room that is free from any external light sources, such as windows or overhead lights. This will help to ensure that the light emitted from the light box is the only light source present, which will provide the most accurate representation of the fabric’s color.
Adjust light intensity
Once you have set up your light box, it’s time to start checking your fabric colors. Begin by placing the fabric in the light box and adjusting the light intensity to your desired level. The ideal light intensity will vary depending on the type of fabric you are checking, but as a general rule of thumb, a medium intensity light is usually the best starting point.
Next, take a moment to assess the fabric’s color under the light box. Does the color appear to be consistent across the entire fabric? Are there any variations in color that you can see? If you notice any variations, you may need to adjust the light intensity to better highlight these differences.
Consider the condition that the fabric is going to use
It’s also essential to consider the lighting conditions in which the fabric will be worn or used. For example, if the fabric will be used for a garment that will be worn outdoors in bright sunlight, you will need to adjust the light intensity on the light box to mimic these lighting conditions. This will help to ensure that the fabric’s color will appear consistent and accurate in all lighting conditions.
The observation angle
There are a few other factors that you should consider when using a light box to check fabric colors. For instance, the angle at which the fabric is placed on the light box can affect the perceived color of the fabric. It’s important to place the fabric on the light box at a consistent angle to ensure that the color is accurately assessed.
Put a holder at 45° to the floor, there is a natural vertical light source as the modulator tubes are in the top of the box. 45° is considered the best angle to observe a fabric in a light box because it allows for the most accurate representation of the fabric’s color, texture, and patterns. Viewing the fabric at this angle minimizes any potential distortion or shadowing that may occur from viewing it at a different angle. It allows for the most accurate and thorough assessment of the fabric’s features.
The type of fabric
Another factor to consider is the type of fabric you are checking. Different fabrics will absorb and reflect light in different ways, which can affect the perceived color of the fabric. For example, a satin fabric will reflect light in a different way than a matte fabric, which can affect the way the color appears on the light box. It’s important to take this into account when using a light box to check fabric colors.
Using correct light source
Using a correct light source is also important. D65 is a daylight spectrum light source that simulates average daylight conditions at noon on a clear day. It is widely used as a reference light source for color evaluation and matching in a variety of industries, including textiles and printing. In general, it is the most common for fabric color checking.
Finally, it’s essential to remember that a light box is just one tool that you can use to assess fabric colors. It’s important to use a combination of tools and techniques to ensure that the fabric’s color is accurately assessed and matched to your design vision. For example, you can use a Pantone color guide to provide a standardized reference for fabric colors, and you can also use a colorimeter to measure the exact color values of the fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a light box in the proper way is an essential skill for any fashion designer. By setting up the light box properly, adjusting the light intensity, and considering other factors such as the fabric type and lighting conditions, you can accurately assess the colors of your fabrics and ensure that they match your design vision. So next time you are working with fabrics, be sure to use a light box to check the colors and make sure they are just right.
