Disco Dome part 2

[euthlogo]

Hey gang,

A few of you may remember this thread from about a year ago asking about the feasibility of building a Disco Ball looking dome on the playa
http://eplaya.burningman.com/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=46274

Well this year I got my ticket and really want to make this idea happen! I'm camping with some burners who are bringing 4-5 domes for our camp, and I'd like to panel one with either reflective mylar or one way mirror film, and potentially also colored cellophane to create a disco ball (or rainbow disco ball) effect, while minimizing heat, and the potential for moop.

These are the materials I am considering as of now

Mylar: http://www.hydroponics.net/c/54

One Way Mirror Film: http://www.amazon.com/Gila-PRS361-Privacy-Residential-36-Inch/dp/B000H5XTKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1361763918&sr=1-1&keywords=one+way+mirror+film

Cellophane: http://www.cellodepot.net/shop/123-Cellophane-Rolls/

Our camp will be building a few Hexayurts, so there will be some bidirectional filament tape around that I can use to secure the films to the dome.

The things I am trying to figure out are how to properly ventilate such a structure to prevent each panel from becoming a mirrored kite, and the best way to secure the films to the dome. I am still getting the details on what material the domes are made of, but does anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

[some seeing eye]

Your biggest unknown is the dome cover. You might look at clear (translucent) shrink boatwrap. I think people are starting to use the white version on the playa. It is very difficult to apply. It is one time use. It may be recycled at some specialty recyclers. If you apply your mirror films, it will not be recyclable. Acrylic sheet (Plexiglas) is going to be $10 a sf plus fabrication. Mirrored acrylic even more expensive. There are silvery fabrics available through Rosebrand, but they are not transparent and would be unlikely to stand up to the wind on their own. There are many foil-faced opaque sheet products.

[bobsicle]

If you use Mylar, that thing is going to be dangerously bright during the day.

I made a jacket out of holographic hula hoop tape and people couldn't even look at me until sundown.

In 2010 there was the mirror ball suit out in the deep playa that required welding goggles to look at. super cool, but also super dangerous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1tL4NjV6U

This year we will be using metallic silver lycra on our UFO... it still looks cool and shiny, the reflectance is not eyeball frying bright, and it breathes when stretched.

good luck!

[euthlogo]

Thanks so much for the replies folks!

Using a reflective fabric seems like it might solve a few of the potential problems. A cut, hem, grommet, and zip tie approach might work with the right fabric. I fear it will get a bit pricey, but if its done right the cover should last at least a few years yeah?

Has anyone come across a highly reflective fabric paint that could be applied to canvas, or other canopying materials?

The way a plan morphs as the hive mind provides their advice is one of my favorite things about the eplaya. You guys rule.

Edit: Has anyone used reflective powder/beads either in paint or another way?
http://www.colesafety.com/Reflective-Powder-Glass-Beads-GSB10Powder.htm?productId=77