Installation

Our fluorescent light filters are easy to install and can last up to ten years. If you’ve changed a fluorescent bulb before, you can install our filters. Tube filters simply slide over your current bulbs, and panel filters can be taped to parabolic or prismatic fixtures. 

Click the sections below for step-by-step instructions on installing fluorescent light filters.

Note: We do not recommend tube filters for T5 HO bulbs (high output). They generate too much heat! Please use overlay panels instead.

Flat Light Covers

Tips for installing fluorescent light covers

Parabolic fixtures (“ice cube tray style”)
 
Prismatic fixtures (“existing plastic lens”)

Light fixtures vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer.  While slightly more complex to install than fluorescent tube cover filters, the benefit is that the filter only has to be installed once and never has to be removed when changing fluorescent bulbs.

Fluorescent light covers are an easy DIY project and should take less than 1 -2 minutes per fixture.

Step 1 – Measure twice

Per your light fixture manufacturer’s instructions, open the door for the light fixture. Some fixtures are hinged on one side and have release tabs on the other.

Once the door is open, measure the inside dimensions (length and width) of the fixture. The fluorescent light filter will lay on top of the parabolic, between the bulbs.

While you have access to the light fixture, this is a great time to inspect the bulbs. If your bulbs are darkened at the ends, the bulb is probably near end of life. Replace the bulbs before continuing. Bulbs that are near end of life generate a lot of heat, which could damage your filters.

Step 2 – Cut once

Lay your fluorescent overlay filter on a flat surface and tape it in place. Transfer your measurements to the overlay filter using a long straight edge. Using scissors, a sharp razor or X-Acto knife, cut the filter to size.

If using a razor or X-Acto knife, make sure you don’t damage the surface underneath the filter.

Step 3 – Tape into place

Before taping into place, make sure the reflective side is UP towards the bulbs. This will make cleaning off dust and dirt easier in the future.

For parabolic overlays

Tape each corner, ensuring that the filter is square with the fixture to keep the fluorescent light filter in place.

For prismatic lenses and diffusers

Align the overlay panel on the lens and tape into place.

We recommend a clear tape, such as  packing tape.

Step 4 – Close it up

Once the overlay filter has been positioned and fastened with tape, you can close the fixture according to your manufacturer’s instructions and enjoy your natural, full-spectrum light for years to come. Since our products are 100% recyclable, please dispose of your scraps in the nearest plastic recycle bin.

Flat Light Covers - LED Installation

For Curved LED Fixtures

Before installing, check to see if the curved cover is removable. 

If the cover IS removable, you can install the filter inside the cover by cutting to size and taping in place with transparent tape. 

  1. Remove curved cover.
  2. Fit the filter into the curved cover so one edge is flush with the cover.
  3. Temporarily tape the filter on the edge to hold in place. Form the filter to the shape of the cover.
  4. Draw a line using a sharpie to indicate the width and another line to mark the length.
  5. Cut the filter on the line using a sharp pair of scissors. Test the fit. If the fit is good, you can use this as a template for the rest of the light filters. 
  6. Tape the filter in place (shiny side faces the light, matte side faces the floor) and install the cover back on the fixture.  
Note: you will likely be able to “double up” on filters. Installing two filters per fixture further reduces the light output.

 

If the cover is NOT removable, you will affix the filter to the outside metal frame using magnetic tape or double-sided tape. 

  1. Affix either double-sided tape or magnetic tape to the shiny side of the filter. 
  2. Attach the filter to the metal frame on the outside of the light fixture.
tip: it is easier to align one corner first.

For Flat LED Fixtures

Led flat panel ceiling light

  1. Affix either double-sided tape or magnetic tape to the shiny side of the filter. 
  2. Attach the filter to the metal frame on the outside of the light fixture.
tip: it is easier to align one corner first.

Tube Cover Installation

Tips for installing fluorescent light tube filters


Please be safe when removing fluorescent bulbs. Turn off your light fixture to eliminate the chance of an electrical shock. Always stand on a sturdy surface or ladder, not a rolling chair. And please handle your bulbs with care.

Step 1 – Remove Bulbs

Per your light fixture manufacturer’s instructions, open the door for the light fixture. Reach up with both hands and grab the bulb as close to each end as you can.  Gently twist the bulb about 1/4 turn either clockwise or counterclockwise.  The pins on both ends of the bulb should now be aligned up and down. The bulb now should be easily taken out of the fixture.

Before you remove the bulb, it’s a great time to check for end of life of the bulb. If one or both ends of the bulb are black you may want to consider replacing the bulb as it is losing its efficiency.

Step 2 – Install tube filters

Now slip the fluorescent light tube cover over the bulb. Then attach BOTH end caps over the end of the bulb ensuring that they are both completely over the ends of the tube filter. It is very important that you install the end caps, as it keeps the filter off the light bulb, eliminating the chance of the filters melting.

Step 3 – Install the bulb into fluorescent light fixture

For 4’ bulbs

Grab the bulb again with both hands, close to the ends and with the END PINS in a vertical position, gently slip BOTH PINS back into the light fixture ends. Ensure that BOTH PINS have slipped into the end pieces. Grasp the now filtered light bulb firmly with both hands and twist it about 1/4 turn either clockwise or counter clockwise to secure the bulb to the fixture.

Make sure you are grasping firmly enough so you are turning the bulb and not just rotating the tube filter.

Close your fixture per your manufacturer’s instructions.

Additional Resources

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