In my previous post, I delved into the reasons why LED woodshop lighting has gained such popularity in recent times. I also provided guidance on how to transition your shop to LED lighting if you are considering it. Today, I want to focus on what is perhaps the most crucial aspect to consider when it comes to LED woodshop lighting: color accuracy and brightness.

The Importance of Color and Accuracy

As wood finishers, we are often tasked with creating or matching specific colors, tones, shades, and hues. Therefore, the ability to perceive color accurately is not merely optional—it is absolutely critical. If a project appears one way in your shop but looks entirely different in someone's home or business, it can lead to significant problems and customer dissatisfaction.

To ensure you avoid such complications, it is essential to consider the following factors:

Read more: Dazzling Design: Enhancing Interiors with LED Lights

Terminology and Calculation

Before heading off to your local electrical supplier or a big box store to select your LED lighting systems, familiarize yourself with the following terms and perform a simple calculation. This information is typically printed on the LEDs themselves or the packaging they come in. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from the store staff if you have trouble finding the necessary information.

• LUMENS: Lumens refer to the measurement of light output or what we commonly refer to as "brightness." For general shop lighting with 8' ceilings, multiply the square footage by 60 to calculate the required number of lumens. Taller shops will require a higher figure, so add 10% for each additional foot of height. This calculation applies to artificial lighting requirements only. If your shop has large windows and primarily operates during daylight hours, you may need less artificial lighting in those areas.

• CRI (Color Rendering Index): The Color Rendering Index indicates how accurately your eyes perceive colors under different lighting conditions. It is measured on a scale of 0-100, with 100 representing the closest resemblance to natural sunlight. A CRI between 90-95 is generally considered adequate for good color rendering. However, since different lumens can affect color matching, colorists may adjust the lumens to observe how the color shifts when viewed under different lighting spectrums.

• COLOR TEMPERATURE: Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and determines the appearance of the light emitted. For most shop environments, a color temperature of 5000K is considered optimal. Color temperatures in the range of 2000K-3000K are considered too "warm," while those over 6000K are deemed too cool or "harsh." Incandescent lighting tends to produce warmer colors, with more yellow and red tones, while fluorescent lighting casts a cool, greenish-blue light. It is worth noting that CRI and color temperature are independent of each other, so be sure to carefully inspect the specifications on the product packaging.

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Special Considerations for LED Woodshop Lighting in the Finishing Area

When it comes to the finishing area of your woodshop, certain aspects require specific attention.

Finish Prep: As mentioned in Part 1, task lighting with a horizontal orientation is ideal for this area. It highlights problem areas that require extra attention. Remember, if you can't see it, you can't correct it!

Finishing: The finishing area is where both CRI and lumens play a crucial role. The number of lumens needed for general shop lighting should be at least doubled and preferably tripled in this area. Additionally, proper positioning of the lights is vital. The light path should strike the work surface and reflect back to your eyes, providing a clear view of the application process and the amount of finish being used. In terms of safety, if you use spray finishes that are flammable, it is essential to consider vapor and explosion-proof lighting fixtures and switches. Contact your local fire department or safety inspectors to determine the specific requirements in your area.

Recognition: I must express my gratitude to David Levinetz of NRG Alternatives (www.nrga-led.ca) for his invaluable assistance in enhancing my understanding of the technical aspects of LED lighting. Complexity often accompanies such topics, but having experts like David offering their assistance is reassuring.

At Jeff's Woodshop, we strive to make your finishing experience and time in your shop more enjoyable and productive. Did you find this information helpful? Do you have any questions or comments about your shop lighting? We encourage you to share your thoughts or read what others have to say in the comments section below.

Read more: Characteristics of pink LED lights

• Marty Schlosser

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of color accuracy in woodshop lighting?
A: Color accuracy is crucial in woodshop lighting because wood finishers need to create or match specific colors, tones, shades, and hues. If the color appears differently in the shop compared to the final location, it can cause significant problems.

Q: How do I calculate the number of lumens needed for my shop lighting?
A: To calculate the number of lumens required for general shop lighting, multiply the square footage of your shop by 60. For taller shops, add 10% for every additional foot of height. This calculation is based on artificial lighting requirements only.

Q: What is the Color Rendering Index (CRI)?
A: The Color Rendering Index measures how accurately colors are perceived under specific lighting conditions. A CRI closer to 100 indicates better color rendering. For woodshops, a CRI between 90-95 is generally considered adequate.

Q: Which color temperature is recommended for woodshop lighting?
A: A color temperature of 5000K is considered ideal for most woodshop environments. Color temperatures in the range of 2000K-3000K are too warm, while those over 6000K are too cool or harsh.

Q: Why is the finishing area of the woodshop important in terms of lighting?
A: The finishing area requires specific attention in terms of lighting because it plays a critical role in color accuracy. The number of lumens needed for general shop lighting should be doubled or tripled in the finishing area. Proper positioning of lights is also crucial to provide a clear view of the application process and the amount of finish being used.

Q: Are there any safety considerations for lighting fixtures in the finishing area?
A: If you use spray finishes that are flammable, it is important to consider vapor and explosion-proof lighting fixtures and switches. Contact your local fire department or safety inspectors to determine the specific requirements in your area.