Are you looking to spice up your home decor? Glow-in-the-dark fabric is a fun way to spice things up and add a touch of glam to your surroundings. Depending on how you use glow-in-the-dark fabrics, they can also be an inexpensive way to create a statement in your room.
So, what are the best fabrics that glow in the dark? The best glow-in-the-dark fabrics are made of durable and high-quality materials, produce a bright glow at night, are easy to work with, and feature a design that fits with your aesthetic preferences.
This article will tell you all about glow-in-the-dark fabric and introduce you to a few of our favorite ones available to buy online.
What Makes Fabrics Glow In The Dark?
Products that are marketed as glow-in-the-dark actually contain a chemical substance called phosphor, which emits light when it is energized. Because of this characteristic, it’s commonly used in TV screens and computer monitors. In a standard incandescent light, ultraviolet light activates the phosphor, which then produces a light that appears white to us.
When it comes to making glow-in-the-dark things, the key is a phosphor that has a long-term persistence and is energized by normal light. Zinc Sulfide and Strontium Aluminate both meet these requirements.
Why does this matter anyway? Well, glow-in-the-dark stuff doesn’t glow in the dark by itself; it’s actually coated with phosphor in order to glow in the dark.
When you buy fabric that glows in the dark, you should pay attention to how many wash cycles it can handle. After a certain amount of washes, the phosphor will wash away completely, and the fabric will no longer glow.
Usually, this number is about 100 washes, so if you want the fabric to glow in the dark for longer, you will need to limit how often you wash the fabric to keep its glow-in-the-dark properties for longer.
When it comes to using glow-in-the-dark fabrics, it’s best to use them for things that will be washed infrequently, like wall hangings, tents, bags, clutches, or decorative pillows.
Don’t use glow-in-the-dark fabrics for sheets or other garments that need to be laundered frequently, or you’ll lose the glow-in-the-dark properties faster!
Phosphor-Coated Fabric Vs. Printed Vs. Embellished Fabrics
If you want to purchase glow-in-the-dark fabrics, you’ll find that there are two common variations. Phosphor-coated fabrics are usually plain pieces of fabrics that have been coated with phosphor all the way across their surface, so the entire piece of fabric will glow in the dark.
While this is great if you want to create glow-in-the-dark designs on your own, they’re not great if you want to wash the fabric. The phosphor won’t come off evenly after each wash, and after a few washes, you’ll find that the glow-in-the-dark effect will no longer be even.
Then, we have the printed fabrics. This type of fabric is basically printed with phosphoric ink on a plain background, so while the background fabric won’t glow in the dark, the design will.
This is quite a treat if you want to make wall hangings and table runners that glow in the dark at parties, and you won’t have to worry about the phosphor looking uneven after a few washes.
Finally, we have embellished fabrics, which have glitter or other design elements that have been treated with phosphor. The embellishments are basically laying on top of the fabric, so you’ll only see the embellished patterns glow in the dark.
We suggest not washing this type of fabric because the embellishments may come off and ruin your washing machine. This type of fabric is best suited for making handbags and hats that perhaps don’t need to be laundered very often.
Uses For Glow-In-The-Dark Fabrics
The main function of the glow-in-the-dark fabric is to emit light in the dark, and there are plenty of applications for this.
An obvious use for glow-in-the-dark fabric is for Halloween decorations such as tablecloths and napkins, and also costumes that need an extra touch of supernatural-looking light. You can create your own creepy-crawly designs with the glow-in-the-dark fabric and use them to decorate your home for Halloween for an extra spooky touch.
Glow-in-the-dark fabric is also perfect for making visibility clothing, especially when you’re working outside in poor light conditions. If you’re working a job that requires you to be outside after dark, then why not make yourself a vest or some other piece of clothing with glow-in-the-dark fabric? It’s the perfect way to keep yourself safe while you work.
If you’re a bartender or club owner, then glow-in-the-dark fabrics would make amazing upholstery and decor items. From simple bunting to more elaborate handmade designs, there are all kinds of exciting things you can make if you’ve got some imagination.
It’s also a great alternative to expensive decors if you want to change the mood or atmosphere of your bar or club. If you just want to make some fun quilts or sheets for your child’s bedroom, there are also tons of designs available for glow-in-the-dark fabrics.
For this option, make sure to get 100% cotton fabrics so that when the glow-in-the-dark feature washes off, you will still have perfectly functional sheets that are delightful to have in your child’s bed.
How To Care For Glow-In-The-Dark Fabrics
The glow-in-the-dark fabric has a small amount of phosphorous material added to it, which makes it glow in the dark. If the garment is washed too many times, then the phosphor will wash away and eventually stop glowing in the dark.
If you want to preserve the glow-in-the-dark material for as long as possible, then make sure you follow these instructions:
First, you should wash the fabric very infrequently and only when needed. Washing causes friction against the phosphorous material, which causes it to peel off. So if you are washing your garment frequently, then the garment will stop glowing after 100 washes or so.
To reduce friction against the glow-in-the-dark fabric and to prevent fading, make sure you hand wash your garment or at least use delicate settings in the washing machine to prevent the phosphor from being rubbed off unevenly in the wash.
When washing a glow-in-the-dark fabric, you should wash it separately from other garments. Since the phosphor can come off in the wash, you definitely don’t want it to get on your other garments. The other garments won’t glow in the dark, but the colors may look uneven or discolored.
For fabrics that have been embellished with glow-in-the-dark glitter, you should wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth rather than put it in the wash. Depending on the manufacturing process, the glitter can come off in the wash, which will create a flaky, uneven finish.
Best Fabrics That Glow In The Dark
What are the best fabrics that glow in the dark? It really depends on your project and how long you want the glow-in-the-dark effect to last. Let’s take a look at some popular options on the market below.
1. Bright Creations Faux Leather Sheet For Crafts
Are you looking for something to add some fun and excitement to your crafts? These glow-in-the-dark glitter faux leather sheets are perfect for your next craft projects.
This colorful sheet comes in 10 different colors, which makes it ideal for a wide range of projects. It’s made of soft and durable faux leather with glitter, which makes it very versatile. Each sheet measures 13.25 by 7.8 inches.
Each sheet is embellished with chunky glitter pieces that allow the sheets to light up in the dark, creating a unique and exciting effect. These faux leather sheets are strong, durable yet flexible, and easy to work with, perfect for beginners looking for a fun touch for their projects.
Because of the material, these sheets are quite easy to keep clean. Whether you’re creating earrings, bracelets, keychains, or any other accessories, these glow-in-the-dark leather sheets are a great choice for your project.
2. David Angie Plain Color Glow-In-The-Dark Fine Glitter Faux Leather
These beautiful faux leather sheets are made of PVC with a fine glitter finish.
The glitter is embedded in the faux leather, so it won’t fall off or rub off on your hands and other items. The glitter also glows in the dark, perfect for luxury handmade items.
The leather has a nice embossed finish that looks like it was made from shiny patent leather. In addition, this durable fabric can easily be cut, sewn, and glued into any shape you desire.
This durable faux leather can be used for any craft project. It is strong enough to withstand everyday wear-and-tear as well as regular use. Each sheet measures 7.7″ x 12.9″, enough for a medium-sized project.
3. Fabric Empire Store Vinyl Upholstery Glow-In-The-Dark Faux Leather
Truly unique, this fabric is a glow-in-the-dark faux leather vinyl upholstery fabric.
This is a faux leather fabric that continuously glows at night or in the dark for 8-10 hours after absorbing visible light. All you need to do is charge it by exposing it to visible light (natural or artificial), then turn off the lights and watch it glow.
This is a medium-weight upholstery grade vinyl and features a very smooth surface with a soft hand feel.
This fabric is also waterproof, wear-resistant, tear-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. It has great flexibility, and it’s perfect for upholstery or making accessories.
4. Timeless Treasures Glow-In-The-Dark Constellations Midnight
If you love to sew, then you know that the fabric makes all the difference. You want a fabric that is easy on your eyes and that you can work with. Glow-in-the-dark quilting fabric is a great option for those who are looking for something a little different.
This material is printed with constellation designs that glow in the dark, giving it a unique feel. The design makes it perfect for quilting, curtains, throws, and other projects.
In addition to its glow-in-the-dark feature, this 100% cotton fabric is lightweight and breathable, making for a perfect summer quilt. It can also be used as a blanket if you want something cozy without adding bulkiness.
5. Procart Glow-In-The-Dark Fabric
This glow-in-the-dark fabric is a durable and flexible fabric made of polyester fiber coated to glow in the dark. It provides battery-free illumination for enhanced visibility and safety when used in the dark.
Maximum brightness is achieved within 30 minutes of exposure to direct light, and it can continuously glow for 5 hours. This is a minimum-effort way to maintain safety when working in low-light conditions.
This type of material is perfect for costumes or high visibility clothing as it improves visibility at night.
They work very well as safety clothing in the evenings or even as a fun costume element so you can stand out!
6. Timeless Treasures Black Halloween Spider Web Glow-In-The-Dark Cotton Fabric
Create your own Halloween decorations, costumes, and quilts with this high-quality 100% cotton fabric.
Printed with design of spider webs, this material will glow in the dark after being charged by light. This fabric is perfect for Halloween-themed costumes and decorations or just a scary surprise in any room.
Its pre-cut width of 44 inches makes it useful for many projects as well as for covering large areas or making yardage. You can also cut it down to suit smaller project needs. This machine-washable fabric is durable, easy to care for, and would make a wonderful gift for a creative friend.
And when you’ve finished creating the perfect spider web design, you can put out the lights – turn off the lights and watch the spider webs glow in the dark!
7. Henry Glass Glow-In-The-Dark Fabric
This glow-in-the-dark fabric by Henry Glass is a magical treat for the eyes. This 100% cotton fabric is kind to the skin, machine washable, and 44-45 inches wide.
If you’re looking for the perfect fabric for your next Halloween quilt, this is a perfect choice. This glow-in-the-dark fabric is printed with an adorable orange ghost design that glows in the dark, ideal for any number of unique and fun quilting projects.
Once these ghostly figures have been exposed to light, they will glow in the dark. It can be used for apparel costuming crafts, quilting, and home decor accents.
8. Keepsake Quilting Floral Summer Night Soiree Glow-In-The-Dark Fabric
This is beautiful glow-in-the-dark fabric features a gorgeous floral print fabric with a beautiful summer night design.
This lovely fabric is perfect for creating fun and exciting home decorations, or it can be used to craft various accessories.
Use this fun and unique fabric to create quilts, curtains, toss pillows, and more! This psychedelic design can set the mood for any space and totally transform your room when the lights are out.
This fabric is 100% cotton and approximately 43 to 44 inches wide.
9. Timeless Treasures Glow-In-The-Dark Science & Space
This 100% cotton fabric is perfect for quilting and craft projects and can be used as apparel or home decor accents.
This glow-in-the-dark fabric is made from 100% cotton fabric with a science and space printed design. With this quilting cotton, you can make space-inspired crafts and projects for your home.
This fabric is made with quality cotton material that is soft to touch and easy to sew on. It can be washed in your machine without the worry of the prints fading or bleeding.
The glow effect is activated by exposing the fabric to sunlight or an artificial light source like a lamp or flashlight for a few minutes. It can provide a long-lasting glow that gives a unique feel to your garment.
10. Michael Miller Star Magic Glow-In-The-Dark, Quilting Fabric
Get ready for your next quilting adventure with this glow-in-the-dark fabric from Michael Miller Fabrics.
This citron, navy, and white design features stars and a night sky printed design, allowing one to fall asleep under a starry sky any time of day.
This quilting fabric is made of 100% cotton and is perfect for bedding, throws, blankets, and other imaginative projects.
This is a fun fabric with vibrant glow-in-the-dark stars to make you imagine you are out camping under a beautiful shining night sky!
11. Benartex Kanvas Glow-In-The Dark Lift Off Out Of Orbit Fabric
Lift off into a new adventure with this glow-in-the-dark Kanvas studio fabric. It features rockets, spaceships, and UFOs. This design will bring so much excitement when your kids go to bed at night.
The design has been infused with luminescent pigments that glow in the dark! This is 100% cotton fabric that is perfect for quilts, pillowcases, and pajamas to make bedtime quite fun for your child.
The fabric is easy to sew, and since it’s 100% cotton, it’s very kind to a young child’s skin. If you are looking for something to make bedtime less of a chore, then this is definitely a worthy option!
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