I'm sure this question has been asked in this forum before, but when searching the old posts I wasn't able to find the info that I need. I'm looking for a source for mica sheets, such as might be used in the old copper lamp shades.

I've been able to find one source online for the clear style sheets, but nothing that has the warm amber-like coloring that I see in pictures of those old lamps. That's the look I'm going for in my project. Is there someplace I can buy the older looking sheets, or a way to color/tint the clear sheets to look old?

Thanks!

Here is a source.
Mica Sheet

Fred

Awesome! Thanks, Fred. I just dropped them an enquiry email, since they don't have any sizes/prices listed for the lampshade mica. The picture looks exactly like what I've been looking for, though.

Thanks again,
Brad

Brad,

Let us know how the transaction goes and any resulting work that you make. I hope this works for you. There is a maker in California for large sheets of mica as well. I don't have there information at the time.

Best,
Fred

Here is another source of mica sheet:

http://www.vandykes.com/product/02838202/

I'm planning on making an A&C lamp in the future so I'm curious what kind of pricing the source that Fred provided above gives you. Vandykes restorers wants $60 for an 18" x 36" sheet of mica. I've done business with them before on other items and have been very satisfied with them. I had an issue when an item I ordered was damaged in shipping and they were very good about taking care of the problem and quickly shipping me a replacement.

Jay

Hello Friends,
Good and accurate posts of the sources for the mica sheets.

You fellows beat me to it Fred.

Ralph

I've just recently switched suppliers for mica. I used to get it from a place in Pasadena, but the thickness and quality both went down. This place out of North Carolina has some pretty interesting variations. The name is Asheville-Schoonmaker. I let you know what the stuff's like when I get it.

Got the mica: absolutely great stuff! Thick and rich...the best I've had yet.

Thanks for posting that the mica is of good quality. I'm working on a design of a copper/quartersawn oak/mica lamp that I'll be building down the road a bit (I have a number of other projects in line first). Its great to know of a good source for mica.

Looking at the Asheville-Schoonmaker web site, they sell mica in .015" and .030" thick sheets. As this will be the first lamp I make, I'm curious which thickness is more appropriate for a mica shade or if there are specific factors in choosing one thickness over the other given the type of shade.

Thanks in advance for the help

Jay

Go with the thickest for the best look...it's worth every penny extra.

I just picked up some Lampshade products from Axim Mica and they have a vast selection of colors in at least 8 different sizes. They are based in NY.

Thanks Circa!! I'll go with the thickest mica.

Jay

I just received a sample from Axim. Their amber mica is good quality, but the Asheville stuff is more opaque and moodier, which is my personal preference.

I guess it's all personal preference in the end. I also received a sample kit from Axim and they had many different hues and colors of the amber and natural color mica.