Dear TanningBeds.org,

Are there any other practical (or otherwise) uses for a sunlamp other than tanning?

Casper

————————-
Dear Casper,

(yes, same Casper as last email, he had two good questions!)

There are several “unofficial” uses, and I have written about several of them on the blog. You should search the archives for more information on specific applications of these uses.

First, some people use them as medical devices, although no tanning bed has been certified for such use. Most often it is for psoriasis or other skin problems that necessitate the use of UVB. Doctors have UVB units that do the job, but they are expensive, and some have suggested using tanning beds as a replacement or in addition to doctor treatment. I have also heard people using tanning bed for athritis, because most generate a generous amount of infrared heat as well, although this is much less common.

Another use is in curing UV coatings. This is commonly done by surf board makers and people who make musical instruments, such as violins and guitars. Not all finishes use UV for curing, but the ones that do can cure faster with a tanning system. A tanning unit can provide a more regulated environment for UV curing, insuring each item is exactly like the next one, and the finish is very even.

Lastly, some people use tanning units (canopies, beds or home made rigs) to “age” wood finishes. This is mainly for custom guitars, to make a new guitar look like an old road warrier. This can take several days or longer, and the heat and UV combined can help put fine cracks, or “checking” in the finish to make it look like a 20-40 year old guitar. It doesn’t affect the sound, however. Some violin makers do this to their custom bows, to make them darker. They say it changes the feel of the bow as well, although I have no personal experience to share on the effectiveness of this.

I am sure there are other uses as well, but these are the most common I hear about. If anyone else has any other uses, I would glad to hear about them, so I can pass it on to our readers.

Dennis