Table of Contents
What is glow in the dark paint?
Glow in the dark paint is a type of paint that is designed to emit light in the dark after being exposed to light. The paint contains special phosphors that absorb energy from light and then release it slowly over time as a visible glow. This glow is only visible in the dark. Once the glow fades, just expose to light and it will start to glow again.
Difference between Toxic Glow and Non Toxic Glow
Non Toxic Glow
Glow in the dark paint works by absorbing and releasing light. This is a natural similar to photosynthesis. Glow time for these products are between 3 to 15 hours, depending on the quality of the glow material. Once the glow has faded off, just expose to light and it will glow again. This process can be repeated thousands of times.
Toxic Radioactive Glow
Materials that contain glow from radium (a radioactive substance), glow due to chemical reaction. The glow can last up to 10 years after which, it must be discarded in a controlled manner. These materials are radioactive and usually sealed in glass tubes. Special permits are required for selling and buying these materials. Another example of chemical glow would be the light sticks.
How to energize (charge) glow in the dark paint?
Glow in the dark powder gets charged up by exposure to light. They get charged up faster by light sources which have UV rays in them. Some UV rays are harmful to the skin and eyes. These are usually the short and medium wave UV rays. Glow in the dark products get charged up by safe UV rays in the long wave range which is around 365nm.
Besides UV rays, glow in the dark powder can also get charged up by normal room light (particularly those which have blueish tint in them). Glow in the dark products cannot get charged up by lights that are warm in colour like yellow or green lights.
To summarize, glow in the dark products gets energized by surrounding light. They do not need any sort of battery or electrical power to work. They just need surrounding light. They cannot work in places which are always dark, or places lighted by yellow or green light.
Glow Powder plus Transparent Paint equals Glow in the Dark Paint.
For starters, whichever paint you select must be clear or transparent in order to be able to work with glow in the dark powder. Some paints appear white, but dry to a clear finish. These paints can be used. Paints that dry opaque, cannot be used. A simple way to test the clarity of the paint would be to paint a test patch on a dark background. If you can see the background after the paint has dried, it can be used to mix with the glow powder.
Not all glow powders are the same. Some can only be mixed with water based paints, while others can only be mixed with oil based paints. Our water based glow in the dark powder contain the letter ‘W’ at the end of the product code.
Buy Clear Water base, Oil base or Epoxy Paints
How to make glow in the dark paint
Glow in the dark paint can transform any art project or DIY craft into a fun and entertaining product. Learning how to mix and use glow material correctly is key to getting the best results. Here is a simple recipe to make your own glow in the dark paint
Materials:
- 30 grams Glow in the dark powder
- 100ml Water based or Oil based clear paint
- Mixing bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Water to dilute or wash off water-based paints
- Thinner to dilute or wash off oil based paints
Instructions:
- Add the glow in the dark powder in a mixing bowl
- Slowly add in either the water based or oil based clear paint
- If the mixture gets too thick for painting, dilute with water or thinner (depending on the paint base used).
- Since this is glow in the dark painting where the effects can only be seen in the dark, it is good to periodically check the painted surface for patches, by exposing it to light and bringing it in the dark.
- Keep repeating step 4 until you have a smooth and even glow in the dark surface.
Note
- The paint will not glow indefinitely and will require exposure to light to recharge its glow.
- Mix only what you need to use. We do not recommend storing the mixed paints overnight as the powder may sink to the bottom.
Areas where Glow in the Dark Paint can be used.
Glow in the dark paint can be used on a variety of surfaces such as walls, clothing, and other objects, and is often used in art and craft projects to create unique and eye-catching effects.
There are different types of glow in the dark paint available, including water-based acrylic paint, oil-based paint, and spray paint. The duration and intensity of the glow will depend on the quality of the paint and the amount of light it has been exposed to.
Oil based paints with a glossy finish tend to have the brightest glow. Water based paints have a matt finish with a slightly less bright glow surface. Due to the fine glow particles used in the production of glow spray paints, they have the least bright glow finishes.
Selecting the right paint base type based on the surface to be painted
The first step for paint selection is knowing they type of surface the paint is going to be applied on. As a general rule, water based paints can be used on almost all surfaces except metal. Oil based paints are suitable for use on any metal surface; but they cannot be used on materials made of plastic, leather or other similar soft materials.
Next would be to consider whether the painting would be indoors or outdoors. When selecting paints for indoor or outdoor use, it is important to consider several factors such as durability, weather, UV resistance, and appearance. Here are some tips for choosing the right paints for your indoor and outdoor projects:
Glow in the Dark Outdoor Paint
- Look for paints that are specifically labeled as “outdoor” or “exterior” to ensure that they are weather-resistant and durable enough to withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and other outdoor elements.
- Weather proof water-based acrylic paints are a good choice for outdoor projects as they are resistant to fading, chalking, and peeling. They also dry quickly and emit low levels of VOCs.
- Oil-based paints are also suitable for outdoor use, but they may yellow or crack over time when exposed to sunlight. Look for ones that are UV resistant. They offer a durable and glossy finish, but may require solvents such as thinners for clean-up.
Glow in the Dark Indoor Paint
- Water-based acrylic paints are a popular choice for indoor projects such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. They dry quickly, emit low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and are easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Oil-based paints are also suitable for indoor use, but they take longer to dry and emit more VOCs than water-based paints. They offer a durable and glossy finish, but may require solvents such as thinners for clean-up.
- Look for paints that are specifically labeled as “indoor” or “interior” to ensure that they will hold up to the conditions in your home.
Other points to note for selecting the paint base type
- Consider the surface you will be painting on when choosing your paint base. For example, if you’re painting metal, you’ll need to use an oil based paint.
- If you’re looking for a paint that will be resistant to mold and mildew, look for paints that are specifically labeled as “mold-resistant” or “mildew–resistant.”
- Overall, it’s important to choose paints that are appropriate for the specific conditions of your project, whether indoor or outdoor. This will ensure that your project looks great and lasts as long as possible.
The different colours of Glow in the dark paint
Glow in the dark products have two colour states. One is the colour it appears in under light, and the second would be the colour it appears in when it glows in the dark. Under light, glow paint appears white, cream or light yellow in colour.
In the dark, glow in the dark paint is available in a range of colors, which can make your projects more exciting and creative. Some of the most popular glow in the dark paint colors include:
Note that the brightness and intensity of the glow will vary depending on the colour. The brightest is always the Green color. It is the colour of choice when glow in the dark is to be used as a secondary light source. The rest of the colours are often used to create glow in the dark artwork or murals.
Sourcing for the Best glow in the dark paint
There are many brands of glow in the dark paint available, and the best one for your project will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best glow in the dark paint:
- Brightness and longevity of glow: The best glow in the dark paint should have a bright and long-lasting glow, even after just a few minutes of exposure to light. Our Ultra Green Paint has a high-quality phosphorescent pigment for the brightest and longest glow.
- Surface and Environment: Choosing the correct paint also depends on the surface you would be painting (e.g. metal or plastic) and the environment it would be used in (e.g. indoors or outdoors).
- Application method: Glow in the Dark paints can be applied on by brush or roller. If the application method is by spraying, we have to use the Glow pigment with smaller mesh size of between 5 to 15 microns. Consider the application method that works best for your project and select the correct mesh size for it.
- Safety: Look for a glow in the dark paint that is safe for use in the environment it would be used in.
Some popular brands of glow in the dark paint include Darkniteglow, Rust-Oleum and Glominex. Ultimately, the best glow in the dark paint for your project will depend on your specific needs and preferences.