Phantom Lighting System

It is important to realize however, that any portrait or painting can never stand on its own. Every masterpiece requires the proper type of fine art lighting in order to be displayed with museum quality. Fine art lights are specifically designed for this person, and they differ greatly in size and luminance capacity from general lighting fixtures and purely utilitarian task lights. Fine art lights are manufactured in a wide range of fixture styles, lamping options, and material builds. These options range on the low end to simple battery powered cordless picture lights to ultra-sophisticated fine art lighting projectors. Efficiency ranges just as widely from the low end to the high end of the spectrum, and some fine art lighting fixtures are really should not be used at all other than general print lighting or photography lighting in public events. We will see why in the moment.

Why can we not hang paintings in windowed rooms and allow natural sunlight to illuminate fine art?
Because sunlight is the worst possible source of fine art lighting. In spite of the fat that it is the light we all live in daily, and the light by which we see the beauty and the many forms and colors of nature, sunlight contains an invisible enemies that can damage human skin if you stay out in the sun for too long—ultraviolet light. Reason tells us that if UV radiation can sunburn our skin, sensitive oils and canvases will suffer an even more severe outcome if they hang for any length of time in a beam of sunlight.

Infrared light is also part of the natural lighting spectrum, and although not as dangerous to humans as UV light, nevertheless has its own deleterious effects on canvas and oils. Infrared light waves are very hot and will dry out the oil and cause it to crack over time.

So what about the universal image of the Renaissance painter sitting by an Italian river, paintbrush in hand, as the sun streams down to light his canvas?

It makes for an excellent painting, provided it is kept out of the sun and showcased under fine art accent lighting fixtures design to preserve it in the annals of myth and symbol as a representative symbol of enlightenment and virtue…not the way painters of the time actually worked.

Do incandescent lamps make good fine art light sources?
Yes and no. For warm colors, such as red, orange, yellow, and brown, incandescent lamps are excellent sources. However, incandescent picture lights have the opposite effects on cooler colors such as blue, green, and violet. They appear flat with this type of illumination.

If you are new to fine art collecting, and you are looking to purchase fine art lights for the first time, we recommend you think twice about incandescent because they will more than likely be forced out by legislation just as they recently were in California.

Can energy saving fluorescent be used for fine art lighting?
We do not recommend this. While larger commercial fluorescent lights rank very high on the CRI (color rendering index), smaller lamps with internal ballasts render only a portion of the spectrum, making them unsuitable for the color palette. Even more serious is the fact that fluorescent produce ultraviolet rays just as the sun does, and they too will destroy any paintings they illuminate.

Is halogen lighting a good source for showcasing art?
Actually, it is the best. Halogen low voltage fixtures produce a strong white light, and they bring out many different colors across the color spectrum. New technology has invented low wattage based halogen bulbs, which deflect damaging UV and infrared rays. Halogen bulbs typically come in line voltage (120 V) and low voltage (12 V). This is why halogen lights are the favored lamping option for fine art projector lighting.

Phantom Fine Art Lighting Projectors
Phantom Contour Projectors feature ideal optics and photometric data for your fine art lighting needs. These projectors feature halogen light fixtures and produce a very unique quality of luminance called “the lighted from within effect.” Phantom fine are lighting projectors are easy to install and extremely versatile, because of their small, compact size and no exposed wiring.

This fine art illumination device incorporates a parabolic aluminized reflector or PAR (MR-16) 75-watt halogen based lamp in its design. These lamps were originally used for the fiber optic industry, where detailed light focusing is required. The typical rated life of this lamp is around 4000 hours, giving the enthusiast of exquisite paintings plenty of time to enjoy their precious piece, before having to replace the bulb. The SM or surface mount series is the ideal choice for any type of fine art lighting. This adjustable projector has a sleek design, which is unobtrusive and perfect for accenting brush stroke details, along with other vital elements of your paintings. The design of Phantom projector fixtures will ensure that your frames are pampered, so they are not damaged.

Call a Phantom Agent for more information on all of these options. We invite you to call toll free 800-863-1184 to request literature online or visit our lighting blog to learn more about Phantom custom low voltage lighting products.

Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all of Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America and the United States including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Los Angeles California, Atlanta Georgia, Dallas Texas and Sacramento California.

In order to be effective, art museum lighting must correspond to the type of art being exhibited. Natural lighting is generally not preferred as a source of art museum lighting. It emits harmful infrared heat and ultraviolet light waves that will damage a wide variety of paint types and canvases. Natural light is also very difficult to control. It is much better to use art museum lighting fixtures specifically designed for the task of illuminating and properly showcasing fine art and statuary. In most cases, a combination of fixture types by most curators, who tend to design the fine art lighting system around the interior architecture of the room and the exhibits on display.

Accent Lights
Accent lighting fixtures often use low voltage halogen lamps that have been specifically engineered for the purposes of art lighting. Ultraviolet light has to be filtered out of the light beam in order to make the light safe for the art, and the fixture must also provide a means of adjusting lighting levels.

Some accent lighting fixtures look like over the picture lights, although many have a base that attaches to the wall above the frame, not to the frame itself. The arms are generally longer and more flexible than generic equivalents. This allows the picture lights to be positioned at just the right distance from the art in order to make the light fit the frame.

Exhibition lighting in art museums is also done with low voltage, filtered spotlights that reside on or near the ceiling. These fixtures create a less intense luminance that is highly effective for special effects or ambient lighting. This type of accent lighting is often found in art museums that exhibit sculpture and three-dimensional abstract art.

Track Lights
Track lights hang suspended from rails that run parallel to the wall. The greatest advantage that they offer is the ability to match the number of lighting fixtures to the exact number of works of art. Because each low voltage light fixture can be moved individually along the rail, each light can be aimed precisely at its chosen object for pinpoint lighting effect. We often see track lighting in art museums showcasing photography exhibits. Because such exhibits normally feature a number of works in a series, track light installations allow for each photograph to be placed in its own individual light.

Recessed Lights
Lighting designers use recessed picture lights in art museums use halogen lights that produce a very bright, white light with superb color rendering. This light is filtered to remove ultraviolet radiation, and the use of dimmer switches to control lighting levels is generally recommended both as an aesthetic factor and a power saving feature.

One of the greatest advantages recessed accent lighting fixtures offer in art museum lighting is concealment. Unlike track lights, which hang suspended from the ceiling, recessed lights reside on or within the ceiling itself. They are difficult for the casual viewer to see, and they can be used to light both art and sculpture from virtually any angle.

Art Projectors
Art projectors are the most high-end of art museum lighting fixtures. Because art projectors can fit the light to the precise dimensions of a painting, and because they produce the safest form of UV and Infrared-free lighting, art museums frequently rely on them to light their most important and rare works of art on display.

Like recessed lights, projectors such as the Phantom Contour mount above the line of site in the ceiling. Almost all have some sort of lens adjustment mechanisms, sophisticated light filters that strip the beam of harmful ultraviolet light, and built in dimmer controls that allow lighting levels to be adjusted appropriately to genre, style, and individual characteristics of a work of art.

The Phantom Contour Projector offers a number of advantages over competing projector models. It is smaller and therefore easier to conceal in more eclectic, formal art museums. Lighting controls on the Contour Projector are exceptionally user friendly and do not require a technician to adjust. A number of models are available specific to interior architecture, including retrofit models that do not require cutting into a ceiling.

Click here to read more about Phantom Contour Projectors and Phantom Linear Strip lights that can be used in art museum display lighting.

Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.

Phantom Lighting Systems specializes in residential and commercial specification grade lighting products designed for the illumination of fine art and low voltage display lighting. We are recognized as one of the country's premiere lighting manufacturers of Art lighting, Custom Cabinet Lighting, Cove Lighting, and Adjustable Shelf Lighting.

For our Latin American friends, we are currently in the process of creating a Spanish version of the Phantom Lighting website.

Feel free to contact us toll free at 800-863-1184, visit our mobile website, lighting blog or online lighting showroom to discover which Phantom Lighting products and models will best adapt to your particular lighting needs. Together, the professionals at Phantom Lighting will ensure that your next project is an astounding success!

As a curator of a fine art gallery, I am always worried about protecting the art from infrared and ultraviolet light. We have very few windows in the gallery but, I am concerned about the halogen light fixtures we use causing damage over time. Does your Contour Projector produce the same kind of light?

The Contour projector has several glass lenses, including a special ultraviolet filter, that eliminate these harmful light rays. That is why you see the Contour framing projector used to light some of the most precious art objects and pictures in the world.

Infrared rays cause the temperature of the paintings surface to rise when the bulb is on, and then drop back to normal after the light has been turned off. If this on/off cycle goes on long enough problems such as fading, cracking, and deterioration of the picture itself can take place. Your artwork can be permanently destroyed because of this.

To learn more about infrared light and ultraviolet light, and how it is created, visit www.phantomlighting.com. Our fine art lighting information section is loaded with helpful information for serious art collectors.

Phantom Lighting Systems specializes in high performance lighting products designed for low voltage adjustable display lighting and precision optical framing projectors for the illumination of art. The unique design and unparalleled performance of our products, makes it a favorite choice of architects, builders, interior designers and homeowners who expect only the very best money can buy.

I am often asked what is the main difference between a Wendelighting® optical projector and a Contour projector? The answer is quite simple - new halogen lamp technology, precision optics, user friendly housings and multiple confinement masking methods.

Low Voltage Halogen Lamp Technology

The Contour projector utilizes a special Ushio 75MR16/FO lamp that was originally designed for use in fiberoptic light engines. The optical engineers at Phantom Lighting Systems devised a way to harness the power of this lamp, condense the light and project a focused light beam which can be shaped to illuminate objects of art.

The optical chamber on the Contour projector has been cleverly designed to include an aperture component as well as several Pyrex condensing lenses. The aperture mimics the characteristics of the fiberoptic light engine, by forcing the light through a defined area which is tuned to match the MR16 lamp. The result is a 70% pass through of light. Imagine, more light output with less heat.

User Friendly Housings

Probably the biggest difference between the Contour projector and the Wendelighting® optical projector is the user friendly mounting methods and multiple masking methods. A variety of ETL Approved housings have been created to handle just about any situation or room condition:

Float Finish Housing
Top Access Housing
New construction Housing
Remodel Housing

Multiple Confinement Masking Methods

Gone are the days of the technician flying in to meticuously install a picture framing lights. Now professional results can be achieved by anyone who can follow our detailed instructions. If you are illuminating a square or rectangular work of art, use the shutter system for a fantastic results. If multiple objects, large objects or 3D objects is the task at hand, use our hand cut template method to achieve dramatic results. Our template cutting instructions will guide you through the process.

What do you think?
You be the judge. See for yourself just how effective a Contour projector can be. Contact Us at 800-863-1184 or one of our lighting sales reps for more information or a demonstration on what Phantom Lighting can do you!

WENDELIGHTING® is a registered trademark of Jacksen International, LTD.

One of the unique features of the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR is the universal rotating ring and fully adjustable mounting cradle inside all the different housings. Designed with the installer in mind, the heavy duty mounting assembly is the foundation for the contour projector making it a snap to install.

The universal rotating ring is constructed of .08 (#5052) heavy gauge aluminum and is adjustable and designed for a full 360 degree rotation with four positive locking phenolic thumb knobs to secure the projector into position. The special mounting cradle is also constructed of .08 (#5052) aluminum and has keyed anchoring slots and multiple pivoting positions for both vertical and horizontal applications up to 55 degrees. This locks the contour projector into position and allows the projector to be removed for servicing and cleaning.

Every detail of the Phantom contour projector has been refined so that you will get years of performance and enjoyment. More than just a light fixture, the Phantom contour projector delivers the mood and magic that you would only expect from quality accent lighting fixture. Click here to view a chart comparing contour projector to other projectors on the market today.

Feel free to call the art lighting specialists toll free at 800-863-1184 if you have any questions about Phantom lighting products, or to discuss which model is right for your application. Let them know what they can do to help- they have experienced technicians ready to share their knowledge about fine art lighting with you.

I am trying to light an expensive oil painting that is installed above a fireplace in my study. I currently have an eyeball light that was installed by the builder that is horrible. The artist chose to seal the work with a varnish coat which reflects light. Since the art is installed above eye level, all I can see is glare when I view the art from my desk. Is there a light that won't reflect or some words of wisdom that you can share with me? The painting is very dark and must be lit to see the detail.

Unfortunately, glare is a very common problem when lighting art if the surface is reflective. There is a simple solution if you understand what is really happening. You have to understand that light travels in a straight line, as does the reflection. So it's not the light source, it the angle by which the light source is aimed. This is a phenomena called the angle of incidence, which is defined as the angle of incidence of a ray or beam is the angle measured from the ray to the surface normal. In other words, when light is pointed at a reflective surface the light or glare is reflected at the exact opposite angle.

By moving the light source forward or back, left or right you can redirect the glare out of your normal viewing angle. So if your viewing angle at your desk is left of the art, mount the projector to the left of your painting. Likewise, if your viewing angle at the desk is right of the art, mount the projector to the right of your painting. If you want proof or to test the theory, have someone hold up a flashlight from several angles while you are sitting at your desk. When the glare is squarely in your eyes, you are sitting in the angle of incidence.

One of the main advantages of the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR is the ability to mount the light off center to deal with the angle of incidence. Since the Contour Projector produces a focused light source, it is still possible to mask the light to the exact contour of the object, even thought the light is off center. That means that you will not have unsitly shadows on the wall to contend with or reflective glare from the art.

For more information about dealing with glare or mounting postions for the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR contact at Phantom Lighting System. We will respond to you in a timely manor and provide you the necessary information to illuminate your art. You can also contact us toll free at 800-863-1184 to discuss your project in detail.