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Roscolux

Roscolux, the long time American standard and first choice of many designers worldwide, is now available throughout Europe. This exceptional range of colours has roots in Rosco's original gelatin range dating back to 1910. With this introduction, 125 brilliant and subtle new colours and diffusions are easily available to expand the European lighting designer's palette. Seventeen of these 125 new colours are based on popular Supergel colours, but can now be used where larger luminaires need wider filters. Roscolux is available 1.2m wide unlike the Supergel range whose colours are only available in 60cm width.

Roscolux is manufactured using a deep-dying process in which clear polyester film is passed through a bath of heated solvent suffused with dye, penetrating into the base film. With the dye inside the plastic, more extreme temperatures are required to cause the dye particles to sublimate out of the film. Deep-dyed filters are, therefore, more resistant to fading and may be used on hot lights.

Sheets: 53 x 1.22 cm
Rolls: 1.2m x 7.62m

  • See the Roscolux range of color filters
  • How Colour Filters are Manufactured
  • How to Read an SED Curve
  • Durability
  • Technical Specifications



    How Colour Filters are Manufactured
    Body-Coloured

    In a body-coloured filter like Supergel, the colorant is integrated with the polycarbonate plastic substrate. The process starts with powdered resin and dye being fed into an extruder. Under intense pressure and heat approaching 600°F, the drive screw combines the melted resin and dye into a coloured "honey". This coloured mixture is pushed through a die which forms it into a coloured plastic film 61cm wide. This thoroughly coloured film is then sealed between two layers of clear polycarbonate which have been extruded on the top and bottom of the coloured core The excellent performance of this engineered filter on a hot theatre light is a result of both the higher temperature resistance of the polycarbonate base polymer combined with the unique extrusion process which seals the colour core between the clear layers. For the colour to fade by dye sublimation, the dye molecules must migrate out of the body-coloured internal layer through the clear sealing layers. As a result, body-coloured filters are the most durable fade-resistant.


    Deep-Dyed
    Deep-dyed colour filters like Roscolux and Cinegel begin with a roll of clear polyester. The film is passed through a bath of heated solvent suffused with dye. The solvent causes the film to swell expanding the polymer structure and allowing the dye molecules to penetrate the surface. The film is then washed and the polymer contracts to its normal form, trapping the dye below the surface. With the dye inside the plastic, more extreme temperatures are required to cause the dye particles to sublimate out of the film. Deep-dyed filters are, therefore, more resistant to fading and may be used on hot lights.


    Surface Coated
    The easiest method of producing a colour filter is to "paint" the colour on one or both sides of a clear plastic base. Most of Rosco's E-Colour+ range as well as Lee Filters® are manufactured using this process. Polyester film is commonly used as the plastic base of a surface coated filter since easily accepts the solvent-based coloured lacquers. Using simple air drying to cure the coating, no heat is involved in the process. Surface coating is one of the oldest methods of manufacturing colour filters but it results in a product that is more susceptible to fading and deterioration from the extreme heat found in luminaires.


    How to Read an SED curve
    The spectral energy distribution curve of each filter describes the wavelengths of colour transmitted through the individual filters. For example, Supergel #312 transmits approximately 80% of the red and green energy above 500nm in the spectrum but only a small amount of deep blue/indigo. The result is a strong, clean yellow colour with just enough blue to prevent it from becoming an acid yellow like Supergel 10.

    The Transmission Percentage refers to overall light transmission that is allowed to pass through each individual filter, based on a Tungsten light source, Illuminant A.


    DURABILITY
    The life of colour filters depends on many variables: the colour, the instrument and lamp used, the dimmer level, and the amount of time the light is running. For these reasons it is impossible to assign a "life" for each filter. However some basics knowledge and experience can help with estimates. Dark green and dark blue filters usually burn out the fastest because they absorb the most infrared energy. Absorbing the extra infrared energy causes the plastic to reach its melting temperature faster. When darker, more saturated colours are needed try to select a colour that transmits high amounts of energy above the 700 nm range. You can find this information by looking at the Spectral Energy Distribution (S.E.D.) curve located in the swatchbook or click on the graph next to each colour, below. 700 nm may also transmit high levels in the infrared range above 700 nm.

    To prolong the life of a colour filter, align your ellipsoidal lamp to a flat field focus, in order to eliminate the hot spot. Increasing the distance between the lamp and the filter by using a top hat or barn door will also reduce the heat on the filter, extending it's life. In more critical situations, use Rosco Heat Shield or Thermashield to prolong the life of your colour filters.

    Never use a plastic filter directly in front of an open faced lamp. This will nearly always cause premature failure. Always allow a suitable air gap between the exposed lamp and the filter, 2-3 (50-75mm) inches is recommended.



  • Click on this icon View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve shown next to each filter to view its SED curve.

    Available in sheets of 20in. x 24in. (50cm x 61cm) and 53cm x 1.22m or rolls of 24in. x 25ft. (61cm x 7.62m).

    Color Effects Filters Sort by:   
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #00: Clear
    A durable, heat resistant polycarbonate film used in the preparation of color scrollers to allow the passage from a color to clear. (Transmission = 100%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #02: Bastard Amber
    Good where a tint of color is needed. Excellent for natural skin tones. (Transmission = 78%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #302: Pale Bastard Amber
    Very pale warm white. Perfect for enhancing the HPL lamp in a Source Four. (Transmission = 88%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3410: Roscosun 1/8 CTO
    Converts 5500K to 4900K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3409: Roscosun 1/4 CTO
    Converts 5500K to 4500K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3408: Roscosun 1/2 CTO
    Converts 5500K to 3800K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3411: Roscosun 3/4 CTO
    Converts 5500K to 3200K. Nice strong amber. Less pink than R04. (Transmission = 58%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3407: Roscosun CTO
    Converts 5500K to 2900K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3444: Eighth Straw 1/8 CTS
    (Transmission = 92%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3443: Quarter Straw 1/4 CTS
    (Transmission = 81%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3442: Half Straw 1/2 CTS
    (Transmission = 73%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3441: Full Straw CTS
    (Transmission = 50%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #06: No Color Straw
    Slightly off white. Good for interiors. (Transmission = 92%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #08: Pale Gold
    Warmer straw. Flattering to skin tones. (Transmission = 86%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4515: CalColor 15 Yellow
    Very pale yellow. Interior lighting to create industrial mood. (Transmission = 80%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4530: CalColor 30 Yellow
    Double 4515. Medium yellow with green tone. Bright sunlight accents. Not flattering on skin. Combine with 4430 for rich foliage washes. (Transmission = 75%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4560: CalColor 60 Yellow
    Double 4530. Strong yellow with green tone. Deep sunlight rays. (Transmission = 70%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4590: CalColor 90 Yellow
    4530 + 4560. Very strong sunlight with no red accents. (Transmission = 66%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #310: Daffodil
    A soft medium yellow. Can be used for creating naturalistic effects such as early morning sunlight or for special effects. (Transmission = 82%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #12: Straw
    Greener yellow than 10. Special effects and accents. Use with caution on skin tones. (Transmission = 88%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2003: Storaro Yellow
    Deep yellow with amber tones. Strong, late day sunlight. Flattering on skin. (Transmission = 64%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #16: Light Amber
    Excellent area light. Light pink-amber tint. Safe for most light skin tones. (Transmission = 68%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #316: Gallo Gold
    A pale reddish gold, good for creating sunrise or sunset, or simulating incandescent light. A flattering naturalistic backlight color. Can be used for warm area lighting. (Transmission = 58%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #17: Light Flame
    Heavier pink-amber tint. Useful for dance. Especially useful when balanced with a cool color. Good general warm tint in striplights. (Transmission = 56%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #18: Flame
    Warm pinkish amber. Afternoon sunset. Good sidelight. (Transmission = 56%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #318: Mayan Sun
    A medium salmon color which evokes feeling of a tropical island. A good sunset color. Interesting backlight and accent color. Good for warm tonal effects. (Transmission = 52%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #21: Golden Amber
    Useful for amber cyc light and late sunsets. (Transmission = 43%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #321: Soft Golden Amber
    An amber with some green content. A good sunlight transition color that shows the progression of the sun from white or yellow to amber later in the day. (Transmission = 39%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2002: Storaro Orange
    Flattering Firelight (Transmission = 23%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #23: Orange
    Provides a romantic sunlight through windows for evening effects. (Transmission = 32%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4615: CalColor 15 Red
    Very pale red. Subtle warming on skin tones. Warmer than R05. (Transmission = 67%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4630: CalColor 30 Red
    Double 4615. Pale red with peach tones. Nice on skin when paired with a cooler cross light. (Transmission = 55%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4660: CalColor 60 Red
    Double 4630. Medium red with pale salmon accents. Romantic subtle back or side lighting. (Transmission = 39%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4690: CalColor 90 Red
    4660 + 4630. Strong salmon red. Deeper and more orange than 32. Beautiful backlight. (Transmission = 30%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #325: Henna Sky
    Toasted red-amber color. Useful in re-creating setting sun or as a dramatic cyc. (Transmission = 18%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #26: Light Red
    Vibrant red. Good alternative primary. (Transmission = 12%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #33: No Color Pink
    A pale almost colorless pink. (Transmission = 65%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #333: Blush Pink
    A pink tint that is excellent for most skin tones. A good color for warm area lighting. Lighter than 33. (Transmission = 71%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3318: Tough 1/8 Minusgreen
    Partial green absorbing filter.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3314: Tough 1/4 Minusgreen
    Partial green absorbing filter.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3313: Tough 1/2 Minusgreen
    Partial green absorbing filter.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3308: Tough Minusgreen
    Converts cool white fluorescents to daylight.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #34: Flesh Pink
    Useful for bright musicals. Creates a happy atmosphere. (Transmission = 45%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4815: CalColor 15 Pink
    Between 33 and 333. Excellent on all skin tones. Not as cool as 333. (Transmission = 71%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4830: CalColor 30 Pink
    Double 4815. Pretty pink. Slightly more blue than 34. Nice for musicals and "happy" lighting. (Transmission = 61%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4860: CalColor 60 Pink
    Double 4830. Rich pink accent. Excellent in follow-spots. (Transmission = 46%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4890: CalColor 90 Pink
    4830 + 4860. Deep rich pink. Lighter than 332. Romantic backlight or accent color. (Transmission = 38%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #37: Pale Rose Pink
    Blue Pink, Use in general washes and toning. (Transmission = 56%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4715: CalColor 15 Magenta
    Pale Magenta. Cooler than 3318. Useful on many skin tones. (Transmission = 65%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4730: CalColor 30 Magenta
    Double 4715. Medium cool magenta. Nice fill light without adding warmth. (Transmission = 52%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4760: CalColor 60 Magenta
    Double 4730. Strong pink/magenta. Interesting side light with slight bluish cast. (Transmission = 37%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4790: CalColor 90 Magenta
    4760 + 4730. Clean dominant magenta. Good choice for CYM color mixing. (Transmission = 28%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #39: Skelton Exotic Sangria
    A sultry, deep purple. Good for musicals or concert lighting. Excellent special effects color. (Transmission = 10%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #41: Salmon
    Light orange with high blue content. (Transmission = 24%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #42: Deep Salmon
    More red than 342. (Transmission = 8%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #44: Middle Rose
    Musical pink. Lush accents. Very versatile color. (Transmission = 26%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #47: Light Rose Purple
    Good for eerie or dramatic effects. Beautiful backlight color. (Transmission = %).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #51: Surprise Pink
    Touch of color when white light is not desirable. (Transmission = 54%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4915: CalColor 15 Lavender
    Pale no color lavender. Slightly cooler than 351. Tones without adding color. (Transmission = 61%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4930: CalColor 30 Lavender
    Double 4915. Excellent cool on skin tones. Nice warm tones during nighttime. (Transmission = 47%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4960: CalColor 60 Lavender
    Double 4930. Rich comfortable lavender. Compliments darker skin tones. (Transmission = 29%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4990: CalColor 90 Lavender
    4960 + 4930. Dynamic, lush backlight. More red than 357. (Transmission = 18%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2009: Storaro Violet
    Deep reddish purple. Nice as saturated special accent. (Transmission = 3%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2008: Storaro Indigo
    Deep icy blue with violet undertones. Moonlight illusions. (Transmission = 4%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #59: Indigo
    The original Congo Blue. A purple-blue, highly saturated, for modeling effects and non-realistic atmospheres. (Transmission = 2%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3216: Eighth Blue
    Boosts 3200K to 3300K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3208: Quarter Blue
    Boosts 3200K to 3500K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3206: Third Blue
    Boosts 3200K to 3800K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3204: Half Blue
    Boosts 3200K to 4100K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3203: Three Quarter Blue
    (Transmission = 41%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3202: Full Blue
    Boosts 3200K to 5500K
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3220: Double Blue
    Bright nighttime area light. Crisp moonlight. (Transmission = 10%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4215: CalColor 15 Blue
    Very pale blue tint with a hint of red. Nice no-color definition when crossed with 51. (Transmission = 57%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4230: CalColor 30 Blue
    Double 4215. Pale blue with reddish cast. (Transmission = 42%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4260: CalColor 60 Blue
    Double 4230. Medium blue with red tones. Nice cool crosslight on most skin tones. (Transmission = 24%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4290: CalColor 90 Blue
    4260 + 4230. Deep red blue. Enhances deep blues in costumes and scenery. Vibrant backlight. (Transmission = 15%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #60: No Color Blue
    Helps maintain white light when dimmer is at low intensity. (Transmission = 62%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #360: Clearwater
    The slightest blue tint. Excellent for eliminating amber shift when lights are running low on a dimmer. Good for cool area light. (Transmission = 52%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #62: Booster Blue
    Helps maintain white light when dimmer is at low intensity. (Transmission = 54%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #362: Tipton Blue
    A soft clean blue. Good choice for cool area lighting. Can also be used to shift the amber of lamps running at low dimmer levels. (Transmission = 32%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #364: Blue Bell
    A clean light red blue. Creates naturalistic daylight fill color. Good cool area light. (Transmission = 32%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #65: Daylight Blue
    Useful for achieving depressed moods and dull skies. (Transmission = 35%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #365: Tharon Delft Blue
    Clean blue with more red than 364. A true color correction filter for film. Converts 3200°K to 5500°K. Good for area light. (Transmission = 36%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4307: 7 Cyan
    Photographic lighting filter equal to CC07C. Enhances blue and green transmission by effectively reducing red exposure by 1/4 stop. Heat resistant base. Deep dyed. (Transmission = 78%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4315: CalColor 15 Cyan
    Very pale blue green. Interesting industrial daytime skies. Use with caution on skin tones. (Transmission = 72%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4330: CalColor 30 Cyan
    Double 4315. Slightly greener than "normal" daylight. Uncomfortable skylight. (Transmission = 63%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4360: CalColor 60 Cyan
    Double 4330. Strong eerie daylight. Simulates fluorescent and industrial light sources. (Transmission = 50%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4390: CalColor 90 Cyan
    4360 + 4330. Strong cyan. Fantasy water scenes. (Transmission = 39%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2005: VS Cyan
    (Transmission = 18%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #375: Cerulean Blue
    A crisp, clean blue-green. Useful as a water effect or as a sidelight for dance. (Transmission = 32%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #376: Bermuda Blue
    A soothing green blue. More blue than 76. A good conventional moonlight color. Interesting tonal color. (Transmission = 6%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #77: Green Blue
    Distinctive greenish blues. Useful for romantic moonlight. (Transmission = 9%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #378: Alice Blue
    A rich clean red blue that warms to lavender when dimmed. (Transmission = 15%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #2007: VS Blue
    Rich deep indigo blue. Slightly more red than 81. (Transmission = 10%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #80: Primary Blue
    Primary blue. For use with three color light primary system in cyc lighting. (Transmission = 9%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #381: Baldassari Blue
    (Transmission = 6%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #83: Medium Blue
    Good for non-realistic night skies. (Transmission = 4%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #87: Pale Yellow Green
    Sunny spring mornings. (Transmission = 85%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4415: CalColor 15 Green
    Pale, balanced green without yellow tones. Nice for leaf breakups and foliage washes. (Transmission = 67%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4430: CalColor 30 Green
    Double 4415. Golden green wash. Less saturated but strong, balanced green. Excellent for exterior landscaping. (Transmission = 52%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4460: CalColor 60 Green
    Double 4430. Rich bright green. Good transmission of color. (Transmission = 32%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #4490: CalColor 90 Green
    4460 + 4430. Bright saturated clean green. (Transmission = 18%).
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3317: Tough 1/8 Plusgreen
    Adds partial green to balance with fluorescents.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3316: Tough 1/4 Plusgreen
    Adds partial green to balance with fluorescents.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve Roscolux #3315: Tough 1/2 Plusgreen
    Adds partial green to balance with fluorescents.
     
    View the Spectral Energy Distribution Curve