Glow in the Dark paint, is paint that glows in the dark, after exposure to light. It has the ability to absorb and store surrounding light. It then releases the stored light in the form of a glow, which is clearly visible in the dark.
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Benefits of the Glow in the Dark Effect
- Safety – Works extremely well as an Emergency light source. When there is sudden darkness, the glow will kick in.
- Entertainment – Great for glow in the dark themed parties
- Comfort – As a night light in children’s’ bedroom
How the Best Glow in the Dark Paint is made
Glow in the Dark Paint is made by mixing Glow in the Dark powder, with clear (transparent) paint mediums and other additives. There are different types of glow paints suited for different applications. Key difference in all these paints is the type of paint used in the mixture. We have been experimenting with different mixtures and found that the best mixtures to make glow in the dark paints.
Different types of Glow in the Dark Paint
Glow in the Dark Acrylic Paint
Glow in the Dark Acrylic Paint (Water based)
- A smooth but viscous paint
- Suitable for use on most surfaces including metal
- Has a matt finish.
- Dilute with water
- Suitable for Indoor use
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Water and Weather resistant
- Has UV Protection
- An environmentally friendly product
Glow in the Dark Acrylic Paint (Solvent based)
- Has a bright glossy finish
- Needs thinner to dilute or wash off
- Not suitable for use on plastics or leather
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Water and weather resistant
- Has UV Protection
- Drying time between coats 15 minutes
- Fully dried in 8 hours
Epoxy paint comes in 2 components. One is the Epoxy RESIN and the other IS the Hardener. Stored separately, the storage life is about 12 months. Once both components are mixed together, it must be used within 30 minutes.
Glow in the Dark Epoxy Paint (2 parts)
Glow in the Dark Epoxy Resin and Hardener
- Smooth glossy finish
- Drying time – 2 hours
- Curing time – 3 days
- Cures to a very tough finish
- Suitable for indoor use
- May discolour after many years outdoors
- Drying time between coats 3 hours
- Hardens within 5 hours
- Curing time is 24 hours
Application Table
Water based acrylic glow paint is suitable for glow in the dark paint for walls, rocks and pools.
Oil based acrylic glow paint is suitable for application on metal surfaces.
Epoxy resin is good for producing a painted surface that can withstand heavy duty use.
How to apply Glow in the Dark Paint
This gets a little tricky because the best way to apply glow in the dark paint, is in the dark and under a UV Black Light. Reason is because the painting is going to be seen in the dark. If the painting is going to be seen under light, then you paint it under light.
For example, if you are painting a fence green in colour – to be seen in daylight, you should paint it during daylight. If you paint it in the dark, it would look uneven and patchy in daylight.
Likewise, Glow in the Dark effects are going to be seen in the dark. If you paint them under normal light or in daylight, they may look fine. But it would be patchy and uneven in the dark.
Learn more info on how to apply glow paint in the dark.
How to protect the painted surface
Lifespan of Glow in the Dark Painted surfaces always depends on the carrier used. Acrylic based paints usually can last about 12 months, while epoxy based paints can last more than 3 years. Only issue is that Epoxy may turn yellowish over the years, when used outdoors. Acrylics do not have this problem as they have UV protection.
Additional protection can be achieved by applying a clear coat over the painted surface. Clear coat can be either acrylic or epoxy. Just bear in mind that epoxy finishes are much more durable but also require a longer curing time.
Make your own Glow in the Dark Paint
Glow in the Dark Paints mentioned above come premixed with Glow Powder, Clear/Transparent Paint, together with other additives. The key ingredient is still the Glow in the Dark Powder.
You can order the Glow Powder separately and mix it with your own clear paints. In order to extend the storage life of our paints, we add in other additives. If these additives are not added in the mix, storage life will be reduced drastically. We recommend using the mixed paints within a day.
It would be a good idea to order a sample of the glow powder to see if it works with your clear paint or mixture. There are different types of powders for water based and oil based solutions. Order the correct glow powder type suitable for your clear paint.