Materials & Craft – Technical Guides for Custom Lighting

The Materials & Craft section of the LanternsArt Knowledge Base covers the physical foundation of every custom light installation — from raw materials and structural engineering to surface finishing and handcraft techniques.

This section is organized into four core areas:

Frame Materials — Technical specifications for structural steel and aluminum, corrosion protection methods (hot-dip galvanizing vs spray coating), and structural engineering standards for large-scale installations. Essential reading for understanding the skeleton that supports every display.

Fabric & Surface — Comparative analysis of silk, oxford, and PVC mesh fabrics; detailed pasting techniques; and UV stabilization methods. Learn how material selection affects light transmission, durability, and weather resistance.

LED & Lighting Systems — Color temperature selection (warm white vs cool white vs RGB), IP ratings for outdoor protection (IEC 60529), luminaire selection guides, DMX lighting control basics, and electrical safety standards (IEC 60364). Covers everything from light source to power supply.

Handcraft Techniques — The complete Zigong lantern fabrication workflow, from design and enlargement to welding, pasting, painting, and final assembly. Includes both traditional craftsmanship and modern mechanized approaches.

All technical references are aligned with international standards (IEC/EN/UL) to ensure compliance and reliability for outdoor events, commercial displays, and public installations worldwide.

Browse the topics below to explore each area in depth.