We get lots of questions about our Glow in The Dark products (inks + pigments). So we've had a chat with Oliver, our Material Scientist to get all the answers you've been searching for:
How they work...
What they can be used for...
Whether they are safe to use...and more!
WHAT IS GLOW IN THE DARK? HOW DOES IT WORK?
Anything that glows in the dark is known as phosphorescent or photoluminescent.
Phosphors are chemicals that collect energy from light and store the light energy for some time making them glow for hours afterwards, even when the light source is turned off.
Charge these pigments in light first to make them glow in the dark. The longer they are charged, the longer they will hold glow. Our pigments can glow up to 10 hours!
All our phosphorescent products are made using a high grade phosphor called strontium aluminate. This high strength strontium aluminate releases energy more slowly than some other phosphors, making some of the brightest and longest lasting glow-in-the-dark smart materials on the market.
WHAT CAN I MAKE GLOW IN THE DARK?
You can use SFXC glow in the dark powders and pigments in lots of different ways. Our solvent based glow powder can be added to any non-water based medium to create hundreds of different products and projects. Some glowing examples that our products are used in are:
- Photo luminescent signs; road signage and emergency exits
- Glow in the dark arts and craft projects
- Materials, clothing and fashion
- Halloween products
- Glowing Toys, stickers and bouncy balls
- Glow in the dark clock hands and watches
- Health and safety products
WHAT CAN I MIX WITH GLOW IN THE DARK POWDER?
Our glow powders can be mixed with non-water based mediums. e.g. clear resins, solvents, sealers, varnish, lacquer and inks.
It is always recommended to add your chosen medium to the glow pigment rather than the pigment to the medium.
Try to avoid making large batches. Make the product as and when you need it to prevent the particles settling. Always remix the coating before reusing.
If possible, please use a viscous (thick) medium. The glow particles are heavy for their size, and they tend to settle rather quickly. Please avoid using coloured mediums when producing a glow in the dark coating. A transparent medium is needed to increase the brightness of the glow.
The medium must also have low acidity. High acidity will damage the glow. You can check this with the manufacturer of the medium you are using.
When mixing the glow pigment in with your chosen medium, please avoid grinding or sheer force as this can damage the crystals and destroy the glow.
HOW MUCH GLOW POWDER SHOULD I USE?
Mixing ratios can be adjusted depending on the application. Please check what is recommended by the manufacturer of the medium you are using.
For example: If you are mixing the glow in the dark powder with clear resin you can ask the resin supplier how much of the pigment can be added. You can use 6% pigment load, but 10% pigment to 90% medium is usually sufficient.
HOW SHOULD I APPLY THE POWDER?
See image gallery for a resin application using glow in the dark powder.
If you have made glow in the dark paint or varnish, apply this using a brush or a paint roller to a dry surface.
A thin layer of glow coating will not perform as well as a thick layer. A heavier build (coating thickness) is required to increase the glow time and brightness.
2-3 coats may be needed to increase the glow.
Once the coating is dry, use a clear protective top coat for extra durability.
WHAT CAN I USE TO MIX MY PIGMENTS AND POWDERS?
We recommend using plastic spatulas and mixing bowls. Please avoid using metal mixing equipment as this could react with the glow pigments.
CAN I MAKE GLOW IN THE DARK PAINT?
Yes! Our solvent based glow powders can be mixed with any solvent based paint for art, decorating and more.
WHAT SURFACES CAN GLOW IN THE DARK COATINGS BE APPLIED TO?
Apply the finished coating to a light or white background or basecoat. A dark background or basecoat will deplete the glow.
Avoid using coloured mediums when creating glow in the dark coatings. A transparent medium with low acidity is needed to increase the brightness of the glow.
ARE GLOW IN THE DARK PRODUCTS SAFE?
If handled with the appropriate equipment, our glow in the dark products are safe to use in creative applications. However, they not cosmetically certified so should not be used for makeup, applied to the skin or put in the mouth. Dispose of waste or used powder via methods outlined in the safety data sheet linked at the bottom of each product page.