How to Make Glow in the Dark Paint
Learn the secrets to making glow-in-the-dark paint. It's so easy and you can save a lot of money.
[edit] Steps
- Obtain glow-in-the-dark powder.
- Glow powder comes in different grades ranging from Grade 0 on the high end to Grade 7 on the low end. The main difference between grades is brightness compared to cost. Within each grade, there are various particle sizes available ranging from 8 micron to 60,000 micron. Larger particles are brighter, but also make a rougher paint which can looked speckled.
- If you are planning to use a water-based medium, then you will need "coated glow powder" also known as "coated phosphorescent pigment". For solvent or oil-based mediums, you can use standard or uncoated glow powder. A good source for the powder is www.glonation.com. Excellent range of sizes and colors to choose from.
- Obtain a paint medium
- When choosing a paint medium, look for a paint that is clear, thick, and has no UV filters added. Solvent Based mediums have harmful fumes and are not safe for children and can catch fire. A water based medium is recommended for use indoors, or in children's rooms or with children's crafts. Consider buying a medium that is specifically designed to suspend phosphorescent pigment.
- Add 20% by volume of glow powder to paint medium.
- Note that while powder is usually sold by the Ounce (weight measure), paint is usually sold by the Fluid Ounce (volume measure). The two measurements do not correlate.
- Stir and you're finished.
- Depending on your powder/medium combination, your new mix may or may not have shelf life. Therefore only mix what you can use within an hour. MUST BE EXACT!
[edit] Warnings
- While glow powders are mostly safe, they can pose inhalation hazards. Also, many mediums have other hazards. Therefore, working with glow paints is not appropriate for projects involving children.
[edit] Sources and Citations
- Glow In The Dark Forum - to discuss phosphorescent projects
- Glow in the Dark Gallery - pictures of home-made phosphorescent projects
- Phosphorescent Pigment
- How to use glow in the dark products. http://www.glonation.com/InstructionsPages/InstructionsMenu/InstructionsMenu.html










