Normal light with photosensitive PCB?

[add4]

Hello guys,
The title says it all really.. everything is ready for my first pcb etching, pcb layout is done in eagle, parts are arriving... but i'm not sure if a a normal light source, put really close to the photosensitive PCB, is enough to get a good exposure with a photosensitive PCB.
I THINK i read that it was ok somewhere, but i read so much about building effects lately that i can't remember where...
Otherwise, i have a UV incandescent lamp, but it is a 250w lamp! the higher mlug i could find was 80w.
I think now there are non incandescent light bulbs that have a lower wattage and still produce UVs. What do you guys use?

I also have a laser printer on the way, so i could use nail cleaner to remove the photosensitive cover on the pcb and then use the toner transfer method, right?
thanks
p.s. i say this here because it's too early, and i still can't tell my friends and family, but i don't know anyone here and i need to say it... i'm going to be a father!

[iccaros]

The UV will work better even at lower wattage than non UV lights.
If you have sun light that will also work, just takes time.

If you can shroud the light, that would be even better.

[robmdall]

UV florescent is the optimum for me. I'm using a single one of these now http://www.circuitspecialists.com/416b.html with no issue.

I used a reptile bulb (UVA/UVB) bought at a local pet shop without problems (except for a little heat).

A normal florescent should do the job also. Run a test board, set up to expose a pcb, expose a small portion at a time (Use a cardboard mask) for a set amount of time, move the mask to expose a bit more board, etc. Develop and pick the one that looks best - keep in mind that the lamp distance as well as exposure time are equally important.

Congrats on the Dad thing - it's a life changer!

[defaced]

Does anyone know what band of light the material is sensitive to?  Mercury vapor bulbs emit UVB (they're commonly used as an alternative to the reptile UVA/UVB bulbs).  In the US these are commonly available/fairly inexpensive because they're used as outdoor lights. 

[nomorebetts]

I use an ordinary flourenscent light bulb in a desk lamp.  Exposing the board for about 10 minutes at about 3cm distance.

Basically I follow this guys photo resist tutorial:
http://users.tpg.com.au/pschamb/mpc.html

Also congrats!

[Perrow]

Three and a half minute with a sheet of glass keeping my transparency tight.

Inherited this one from my sons great grandmother, who apparently never used it. It even has selectable IR light, perfect if you're feeling cold when making PCBs (not that I stay in the room while that monster is on, but if I did).