Thin translucent material

[Mark Bolton]

Wondering if anyone can head me on a search for a thin translucent material to line some back-lit lamps with? Preferably something available in a few colors and that may have some texture/milky/swirl type deal? Looking for something that would look similar to rice paper or something to that effect when back-lit. The material is going to be cut into solid shapes (mostly squares and rectangles) and going to be back-lit with either incandescent or LED bulbs?

My google searches are coming up empty but Im sure I just dont know the correct product to search for.

[Chris Schoenthal]

I would try some cellophane from a hobby store.
Just be careful as to how hot the bulbs are because it will melt easier than some other things.

[Mel Fulks]

Oil on paper for translucence is a method that goes back hundreds of years. But what paper and what non messy and non smelly oil?

[Mark Bolton]

Thanks guys. Were affraid cellophane or gels are too thin. Papers are an option (smelly oils or not lol) but wondering if theres a more turn key solution.

[Bruce Page]

Mark, I imaged Googled textured translucent plastic sheet and came up with a good assortment.

[Bill Jobe]

Mylar does come in translucent. It may be something to consider.

[Mark Bolton]

Mark, I imaged Googled textured translucent plastic sheet and came up with a good assortment.

Thanks Bruce,
Thats the search I was wading through. We have some samples on the way but still not really anything I think will work

[Mel Fulks]

Years ago,maybe 1960s ,they made a lot of lamp shades out of an almost smooth transluscent product that had a lot of swirling threads. Might have been fiberglass. It's possible that material is still made for a primary use outliving the lamp shades.

[Mark Bolton]

Years ago,maybe 1960s ,they made a lot of lamp shades out of an almost smooth transluscent product that had a lot of swirling threads. Might have been fiberglass. It's possible that material is still made for a primary use outliving the lamp shades.

I think I remember that material pretty well. Not fumbled across it yet. You talking the stuff that kind of looked like thin, sinuous, hide,.. with dark fibers?

[Mel Fulks]

Yeah, I'm guessing it's main feature was just more durability than cloth or cardboard