Light-reflecting material? Use inside lamp post?

Question

One of the lights in our backyard is a lamp post. It’s the kind you see everywhere (4 panes of glass, black metal frame and cap).

The lamp post is located at the edge of our property and when we turn it on it shines on our yard as well as our neighbors. The neighbors don’t want the light, so is there a way to reflect it back onto our yard? We need more light in our yard actually, so the more light we can reflect back to us the better.

What are some ways of doing that? Could I put a reflective film on the glass panes that face the neighbors’ yard? Maybe use something like mylar film?

Or is there a material that is more light-reflective than mylar? And do I need to worry about an increase of heat inside the lighting unit?

Thanks much!

Answer 1

I wouldn't use mylar - it will probably melt from the heat of the bulb. Try these ideas instead:

Take one of the glass panes out, go to a hardware store, and ask them to cut pieces of mirror to that size. Then install them in place of the clear glass with the mirrored side facing the bulb. You may be able to turn the fixture at the top so that 2 pieces of mirror are enough to shield your neighbor's yard from the light.

Another possibility would be to put a piece of polished brass sheet in the fixture on top of the glass to act as a reflector. The shinier the metal, the better. You may want to spray or brush on a thin coat of clear lacquer first, though. Otherwise, when the brass tarnishes, it won't reflect nearly as much light.

Answer 2

PCBeachRat's idea is good.
You are correct that heat build-up is a factor,
but aluminum foil taped to the pane facing the neighbors
yard will reflect the light back and still allow heat to
escape the fixture. (You might want to back down
one step in lamp size, (75 for 100W. eg.).

Answer 3

Simply put some aluminum foil on the side you do not want to shine from..or you can get some flat black heat resistance paint in an aerosol can made for bbq pits..and spray the glass with it..