What Tool Will Cut a Hard Plastic Light Diffuser?

Hard plastic light diffusers shatter easily, and require the use of a specific cutting tool.

Diffusers scatter light emissions from a light source, typically to soften the light to make it appear less concentrated or hide imperfections. Hard plastic diffusers, often used with fluorescent lighting, require special cutting techniques.

Function

A light diffuser typically comes in the form of a hard plastic sheet that covers the lamp. Color tints or designs either partially or fully cover the diffuser, providing colors and/or details to the light, softening its glare and scattering it in a broader pattern.

Tool

Power cutting tools, which use moving teeth to cut through workpieces, may crack the diffuser's plastic. A utility knife will cut a hard plastic diffuser more effectively.

Process

It is possible to measure the diffuser for cut size by placing it on a plywood sheet or similar surface and then marking it with a pen. Placing masking tape around the surface of the diffuser outside the pen marks helps protect it against breaking. Pulling the utility knife evenly, without applying downward pressure, across the pen marks helps ensure a straight cut without scratching the diffuser surface. After scoring with the utility knife, you can brace the diffuser against a surface while applying pressure to one end to snap the diffuser into two pieces.

References

• Sky-Scapes: Decorative Flourescent Light Diffusers
• "Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers"; Bob Davis; 2010

Resources

• "Basics Photography: Lighting"; David Präkel;2007