Q: “Randall, a few weeks ago I saw an episode of “Outer Spaces” with Susie Coelho in which she used color gels to change the color of outdoor lighting. Can you tell me where to purchase them? I am trying to decorate my landscaping for different holidays, and I thought that this was a very good idea.”

A: Okay, I’ll tell you where to get what you want—and then try to talk you out of it. Color gels come from theatrical supply houses. The gel material comes in sheets and you cut them to fit your fixtures. Go to www.stagespot.com and click on GELS; Rosco and Lee are the two big companies who make them. You can call toll free, (888) 56-STAGE, to get a sample ring of all the hues they have to figure out the colors you need. Now that I’ve told you how to get what you asked for, I am asking you not to do it. Strong colors of light create a very unreal look. They draw too much attention to the light sources, rather than to what they are lighting.

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