FAQ

 

1- ABOUT THE TUBES

1. Q: What are these tubes?
   A: The tubes that I sell are the exact same ones that I use to make all of my pictures. They are based on the DIY version I have been making for years. To make them, we start from stock clear tube and add various layers (reflectors, gels, protectors, covers…) to achieve the different colors and effects. These tubes are made of polycarbonate, making them super light-weight. Each tube is assembled by hand here in Montréal.

2. Q: What is the difference between Reflective (Solid, Holographic & Olympic) and Milky tubes?
   A: The Reflective tubes emit light in one direction (facing the camera). This helps make the light painter disappear, and it creates a more "contrasty" look. The Milky tubes are softer and diffused. They emit light in full 360. They are great in situations where you want a nice glow on the ground, and/or a softer light on your subject. I would usually choose the Milky tubes if I shoot in sand dunes. The holographic tubes display some variations of colors depending on the angle in relation to the camera
   
   
3. Q: What are the Caps used for?
   A: End caps are used for multiple reasons:
   - bounce back the light (glow cap)
   - create a rim around the light painting shape (glow cap)
   - block the light to avoid any line on the ground/ceiling (black cap)
   
   
4. Q: How to use the Sliders?
   A: Sliders are black pieces that you can slide on the tube itself. Use them to block certain part of the light that goes through the tube. You can also use them on holographic tubes, with the opening facing the camera, which gives less light/more colors.

 

2- Warranty, return & refund

1. Q: What warranty is included with the tubes?
   A: Your light painting tubes will arrive in perfect condition—every kit is carefully inspected before shipping. If your kit arrives damaged, please contact us within 14 days so we can work out a solution (refund, replacement, or store credit).

   These tubes are like paint brushes—once you start using them, they naturally develop marks, scratches, or wear. This is completely normal and even desirable in most cases, as it adds unique visual textures to your light trails.

   The only way to keep your tubes pristine is to never take them out of the box—but where’s the fun in that?

   For more insight on how wear and tear can enhance your work, see section 2.3.

2. Q: What is the return/refund policy?

   A: We want you to love your purchase! If your item arrives damaged or isn't what you expected, please contact us within 14 days of delivery with photos. We'll be happy to offer a refund, replacement, or store credit. More details on https://lightpainting.store/policies/refund-policy

   Please note:
   - Custom items are final sale.
   - Shipping fees are non-refundable unless we made a mistake.
   - Return shipping is covered for damaged or incorrect items only.
   - International buyers: You are responsible for any customs fees, and we can’t refund delays caused by your local postal service

    

3- SHIPPING, CUSTOMS, PACKAGE

1. Q: When am I going to receive my package?
   A: Production time is currently 3 weeks (updated on April 6th, 2025). That is the time it takes us to finalize the tubes (each tube is assembled by hand). Once we ship your order, it takes from 2 to 21 days for DHL to deliver your package.
   
   **Occasionally, we may experience higher than usual demand, which could result in a longer shipping time. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

2. Q: Where's my tracking number?
   A: Your shipping tracking number is going to be communicated to you by email once your package leaves the studio. 
   
   

3. Q: What custom fees should I expect to pay?
   A: Shipments outside of Canada may incur customs fees depending on the destination country. The fee is beyond our control and may vary depending on your order value, country limits, and other factors based on the product itself. You are responsible for these fees. You can calculate the approximate amount by finding out about regulations for custom fees of your country. Check out these two links for more details: - http://international.dhl.ca/en/express/customs_support/duties_taxes/duties_taxes_receivers.html
   - https://www.avalara.com/vatlive/en/vat-rates/international-vat-and-gst-rates.html
   Please note that we are not responsible for items turned back at local customs.

4. Q: What is the size of the package?
   A: Packages are up to 48” high, and the width varies depending on the number of tubes you are purchasing.

5. Q: How can I request a follow-up about a shipment?
   A: If the package has not arrived after normal delivery time (see #3.1), please drop us an email at admin@lightpainting.store. 

6. Q: In which country do you ship?
   A: We try our best to ship worldwide, but we currently can’t deliver any packages to Russia,  Brazil and Iran.
   *Disclaimer*
   - Shipping to South Korea is possible if you have and provide us your TAX ID.
   - Shipping to Chile is possible if you have and provide us your TAX ID, or if you do no have it, we can send your package by "Canada Post" but this will make the shipping time longer, around 4 weeks (excluding production time)
   - According to regulations in Turkey, orders above $150 are considered to be commercial imports and subject to very high custom fees. Consider placing orders under $150.

4- USING THE TUBES

1. Q: How to use the tubes?
   A: I explain absolutely everything on lightpainting.art/tutorials

2. Q: How to power up the tubes?
   A: You need a flashlight. The tubes by themselves are simply made of plastic. For  actual recommendations, check out lightpainting.art/gear

3. Q: How solid are the tubes? / Why do you recommend to not use them outdoors?
   A: I use the tubes outdoors all the time (at the beach, in sand dunes, in the snow). But they age older by doing so. Is this a bad thing? I don’t think so. A brand new tube is going to give you smooth color all across the length of it. A very dirty tube might give you some lines and/or brightness shifts. Here’s an extreme example using a tube that I used to throw sand around.

4. Q: How can I keep the tubes in good condition?
   A: I am good at beating up my tubes and I don’t mind doing repairs after each trip I make, but if you want to preserve your tubes for years, here’s what I suggest:
   - Never put anything else than caps on top of the tubes (avoid anything that is likely to bend them)
   - Don’t use them in high winds (I bent my tubes way too often by doing so)
   - Don’t use the tubes at the beach: sand and water is super hard to get rid of
   - The end-caps have a heat tolerance of 50°C / 122°F. Don’t leave them on the dashboard of your car when it’s sunny, otherwise they are going to melt.
   
   
   

5- MAINTENANCE

1. Q: How to repair a tube?
   A: If a tube gets bent (visible in the shots), the best trick is to add one long slice of black masking tape to totally cover the back of the tube. This is going to hide the bend mark and also it helps to make yourself invisible. If the tape start to peel off, you can carefully remove it and replace it with a new one.
   
   
2. Q: How about Lithium-ion battery safety?
   A: Check out this amazing safety guide at Budgetlightforum: budgetlightforum.com/node/45314