Vanta Black

Reminds me of the jokes we used to make about using "Lumen Suck" when we were getting spill or Halation from a fixture; "Oh just spray it down with Lumen Suck, it'll be fine. "
 
I've been keeping an ear on coverage of Vantablack in a number of press venues. So far, I haven't heard anything that suggests that anyone has, y'know, *plans* to do something with it that would mesh with what most of us want it for...

but I gather the people working on it know we're here, and that we'd like them to eventually end up there, if they can come up with something that won't cause us respiratory scoliosis... or whatever condition graphene monotube fragments would cause. :)
 
https://www.surreynanosystems.com/vantablack/faqs

Vantablack is generally not suitable for use in art due to the way in-which it's made. Vantablack S-VIS also requires specialist application to achieve its aesthetic effect. In addition, the coating's performance beyond the visible spectrum results in it being classified as a dual-use material that is subject to UK Export Control. We have therefore chosen to license Vantablack S-VIS exclusively to Kapoor Studios UK to explore its use in works of art. This exclusive licence limits the coating’s use in the field of art, but does not extend to any other sectors.

Probably not for us yet.
 
Can you imagine the respiratory havoc that billions or trillions of carbon nanotubes in the over-spray could cause?
 
Imagine for a moment that it didn't have any health and safety issues related to application. There's still the problem of keeping it pristine since any dust or dirt would be far more reflective, ruining the effect.

Assuming you could keep it pristine there's the issue of using it as a surface that an actor might come in contact with. Assuming it works as advertised it would be extremely difficult to judge distance, see corners or curves, or any other visual cues that might be useful to move around without tripping or slamming into things.
 
Imagine for a moment that it didn't have any health and safety issues related to application. There's still the problem of keeping it pristine since any dust or dirt would be far more reflective, ruining the effect.

Assuming you could keep it pristine there's the issue of using it as a surface that an actor might come in contact with. Assuming it works as advertised it would be extremely difficult to judge distance, see corners or curves, or any other visual cues that might be useful to move around without tripping or slamming into things.

Right, but you can just stick a bunch of glow tape on it. Problem solved.
 
Did a search and was surprised I didn't see any results on this topic. New material that's the blackest of black. Pretty amazing. Apparently there's a spray on version that's almost as black. Maybe in a few years it'll be viable for use in our industry. I can imagine designers will go crazy for it

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/15/world/vantablack-blackest-black-material/index.html

Vanta Black I imagine, would of had an interesting future in the theatre industry. However the rights to use and create it have been bought out by artist Anish Kapoor. Besides because of the way its made it has limited scenery applications because the carbon nano tubes are easily broken or damaged by contact. They might have had a future in lining interior parts of lighting fixtures but like I said Kapoor makes that near impossible. A different alternative is Black 2.0, the world flattest blackest paint not made from nano tubes. Thus it can withstand contact from other objects. Its not quite as good but it, regardless of whether or not Vanta black rights were avalible, is heck-a-lot cheaper and more versatile.

Black 2.0 website:

https://culturehustle.com/products/...orld-s-mattest-flattest-blackest-art-material
 
but like I said Kapoor makes that near impossible.
Black 2.0 website:

https://culturehustle.com/products/...orld-s-mattest-flattest-blackest-art-material


HAHAHA quote from the website:
  • "Not available to Anish Kapoor"
and

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: this is not the blackest black in the world. It is however a better black than the blackest black in the world as it is actually usable by artists.

*Except Anish Kapoor

and

*Note: By adding this product to your cart you confirm that you are not Anish Kapoor, you are in no way affiliated to Anish Kapoor, you are not purchasing this item on behalf of Anish Kapoor or an associate of Anish Kapoor. To the best of your knowledge, information and belief this material will not make it's way into the hands of Anish Kapoor.
 

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