If you are planning on adding a unique touch to your home or creating a wicked mural, then glow-in-the-dark paint can be a great way to do so. Paint is surprisingly easy to apply and can add a nice touch of style that you might not have considered before.
Both fluorescent and phosphorescent paints are capable of emitting light, but you will have to choose the right one for your material and application.
What are the best glow-in-the-dark white paints? The best glow-in-the-dark white paints glow brightly at night or under UV light, last long or are washable depending on your needs, and have the right base (either water or oil) according to your desired application.
In this guide, we’ll be going over all of the different types of glow-in-the-dark paint and how they can be used for various purposes.
White Paint That Glows In The Dark
The term glow-in-the-dark paint refers to the type of paint that glows when exposed to UV light or black light. Despite its modern appearance, this type of paint has been around for hundreds of years.
The first glow-in-the-dark paint colors were blue, green, and yellow since these were naturally occurring colors of pigments that contain phosphors, the substance responsible for the glow-in-the-dark properties.
Today, there is a wide range of glow-in-the-paint colors that can be used for various materials, including walls, fabrics, plastics, and other surfaces. White is a popular choice since the pigment can shine without affecting the glow-in-the-dark quality of the paint.
The versatility of glow-in-the-dark paint makes it an ideal choice for various projects. It can be used on different surfaces such as walls, floors, and even furniture. Certain types of glow-in-the-dark paint are even suitable for the skin.
Types Of Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
There are two types of glow-in-the-dark paints: phosphorescent and fluorescent.
Fluorescent Paints
Fluorescent paint only glows in the dark when it is met with UV light or blacklight, which means additional lighting setups are needed to allow the paint to glow. However, you will be able to see a little bit of the fluorescent detail during the day.
These are great for both indoors and outdoors and can be used to create vibrant and glow-in-the-dark effects.
To achieve the best results, apply the glow-in-the-dark paint over a white or light-colored background. When the paint is dry, apply a coat of topcoat to provide additional protection.
Phosphorescent Paints
Phosphorescent paint is made from various types of phosphors, which are silver-activated compounds. It can glow in a pale green or greenish-blue color.
Phosphorescent paints can be completely invisible during the day. It absorbs the UV light during the day and will shine in the dark after being ‘charged.’ This type of paint is also ideal for people who want to keep their glow-in-the-dark details hidden.
Unlike fluorescent paint, phosphorescent paints can still emit visible light even in the dark, as long as the phosphors have been ‘charged’ with light. They can last for up to 12 hours after being exposed to light.
This type of paint has been used to create various effects, namely to mark escape paths in airplanes and create safety clothing. In 1968, a non-toxic glow-in-the-dark paint was marketed to children. The product, which was called the Lightning Bug-Juice, was a hit among kids.
Buyer’s Guide
Before buying glow-in-the-dark paint, it’s important to consider the following factors before choosing the most suitable option for your needs:
What You Are Painting
Before you start using glow-in-the-dark paint, it’s important that you consider the type of project that you’re planning on creating.
If you’re planning on creating an outdoor mural, for example, then you’ll have to purchase a paint that’s capable of handling harsh environmental conditions. For indoor decor touches, the paint doesn’t have to be very durable.
Similarly, you won’t be able to use wall paints on fabric or on the skin. If you want to purchase glow-in-the-dark paints for fabrics, you will need to get a type of paint that won’t be washed away in the laundry.
For cosmetic glow-in-the-dark paints, you will need to get a non-toxic option that won’t irritate your skin.
Fluorescent Vs. Phosphorescent
As we’ve mentioned above, there are two types of glow-in-the-dark paints: fluorescent and phosphorescent. Fluorescent paints will need the additional help of a blacklight or UV light in order to keep their glow-in-the-dark.
On the other hand, phosphorescent paints can still emit a glow even after the source of the light has been switched off. This type of paint can also produce an afterglow with a duration of several hours.
Pigment
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a flow-in-the-dark white paint is the strength of its pigment. This will determine how vibrant and bright the paint will be.
Type & Application
You can also choose whether the paint is water-based paint or oil-based paint. Water-based paints are usually non-toxic and easy to use, but oil-based paints are more durable, although they can have a strong chemical scent.
In addition, the application is also important. Glow-in-the-dark paints usually come as a brush-on paint or a spray-on paint.
A spray application is suitable for beginners, but it is also more difficult to control and won’t allow you to create fine details. A brush-on application is more prone to mistakes and textures, but if you’re confident, it can allow you to create fine details in your application.
Best Glow-In-The-Dark White Paints
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rust-Oleum Glow in The Dark MAX Spray Paint | Phosphorescent, spray paint |
| 2. | FolkArt Acrylic Dark Paint, Neutral Glow | Phosphorescent, liquid paint |
| 3. | Art ‘N Glow Glow In The Dark Paint | Phosphorescent, liquid paint |
| 4. | Glomania Glow-In-The-Dark Paint | Phosphorescent, pigment powder |
| 5. | Blikable Glow In The Dark Acrylic Paint | Fluorescent, liquid paint |
| 6. | Naturalis Paint Color UV Clear Glow | Fluorescent, liquid paint |
| 7. | Krylon Spray Paint | Phosphorescent, spray paint |
1. Rust-Oleum Glow-In-The-Dark MAX Spray Paint
This versatile, oil-based spray paint creates a glowing effect on various materials, including ceramic, wood, metal, drywall, plastic, and more.
The spray paint becomes fully dry in 24 hours to provide a bright and durable glowing effect. The unique formula charges in just seconds when exposed to light and will last 4-8 hours under optimal conditions.
This is a durable, easy-to-apply type of paint that is highly suitable for various projects, especially if you need a dependable glow-in-the-dark effect with just a few coats of paint.
2. FolkArt Acrylic Dark Paint, Neutral Glow
If you love painting with acrylics, then you need to try FolkArt glow-in-the-dark acrylic paints!
These paints need no special light source to charge them up – just expose them to regular indoor light for about 15 minutes. Then turn off the lights, turn out all of your lights, and see how bright they glow-in-the-dark!
You can use these glow-in-the-dark acrylic paints on almost any surface: wood, paper, canvas, paper, and more!
They’re also great for kids’ projects because they’re easy to clean up after painting; just wipe them off with a wet rag, and your workspace will become spotless.
3. Art’ N Glow Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
Art’ N Glow glow-in-the-dark paint is a premium acrylic paint made with strontium aluminate glow powder, which has a beautiful glow-in-the-dark effect.
This type of paint is best used on smooth surfaces such as plaster, wallpaper, glass, plastic, and ceramic. The glow can be charged with sunlight exposure and will illuminate for hours after the light goes out.
The first few coats of the paint will dry clear and will emit a warm, neutral glow, but you can also build up the coverage to achieve certain effects.
Art’ N Glow paint is made from naturally occurring elements and is non-toxic and non-radioactive, which is safe for kids and the environment as well.
4. Glomania Glow-in-The-Dark Pigments
Unlike other types of glow-in-the-dark paints on this list, this option from Glomania just comes with the pigment powder rather than the paint itself. You can mix the powder with the white paint that you have to give them glow-in-the-dark powers.
Thanks to this mechanism, this glow-in-the-dark ‘paint’ gives you more control over how much pigment you want to pack into your paint. You also won’t have to worry about your paint coverage since the type of paint you mix the pigments with will help you with the color coverage.
This is the easiest way to achieve a glowing paint job without having to use any special paints or paints that require UV light. After painting, you only need to charge the paint for a few minutes to see the illuminating effects when the light is out.
5. Blikable Glow-in-The-Dark Acrylic Paint
Blikable glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint is a non-toxic, safe way for kids to paint and create crafts that glow under black lights and UV lights.
This acrylic paint has a very low viscosity, making it easy to blend and spread onto surfaces. The paint dries quickly to a matte finish, so it is perfect for any craft project.
The fluorescent pigment inside the paint reacts to black light by emitting a bright green glow.
This versatile paint can be used on canvas, paper, and wood, making it suitable for various types of arts and crafts that kids of all ages can enjoy.
6. Naturalis Paint Color UV Clear Glow
Naturalis Paint Color UV Clear Glow is a water-based artist-grade fluorescent paint that glows under a Blacklight or UV light.
Naturalis is the most environmentally friendly, easy-to-use, and permanent glow paint available. It is formulated from all-natural ingredients with no VOCs.
In addition, it is easy to use with a brush or airbrush. This paint requires only one coat for maximum brightness and can be applied to virtually any surface.
Naturalis is non-toxic, non-flammable, and completely safe for use by children and adults of all ages. The product conforms to ASTM D4236 standards.
7. Krylon Spray Paint
Krylon Glow-In-The-Dark White Spray Paint is ideal for high night visibility. This tough, weather-resistant paint dries to touch in 15 minutes and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic.
The paint produces a luminescent glow, especially after being charged with light for a few minutes. It’s also great for making safety markings on things like emergency exit signs or for marking off hazardous areas in your home or workplace.
Krylon Glow-in-the-Dark White Spray Paint comes in an easy-to-spray aerosol, which is highly beginner-friendly. Just a few coats of this paint, and you’ll be ready to head out on the road.
Related Questions
Is Glow-in-The-Dark Paint Safe to Use?
You may be concerned about the safety of glow-in-the-dark paints due to their ‘unnatural’ appearance.
In the past, glow-in-the-dark products were known to contain radioactive elements. Thankfully, due to the safety regulations in place today, there are no radioactive substances in these products.
However, some types of paint are known to cause skin irritations when they get on your skin, so it’s important that you wear the proper equipment when using it. These include goggles and masks, especially while using spray paint.
How Long Does Glow-In-The-Dark Paint Last?
Depending on the type of paint and the environment, the glow-in-the-dark paint can last for a long time. For instance, if you use fluorescent paint, the lighting setup (UV light or blacklight) is just as important as the type of paint.
On the other hand, phosphorescent paints contain natural particles that can make them glow. If left unopened, this type of paint can last up to five years.
Once applied, it can glow for up to ten years. If you use a protective topcoat, then the glow on the paint should last for around twelve years.
Additionally, outdoor applications usually suffer more wear and tear due to exposure to the elements, like sunlight and moisture. If you have applied your paint to an outdoor mural, it will start to wear out after just a few years.
Can You See Glow-In-The-Dark Effects During The Day?
Different types of glow-in-the-dark paint can have varying effects on their visibility during daylight hours.
For instance, if you use a light-emitting material such as a phosphorescent paint, it can appear invisible during the day. When exposed to sunlight, phosphorescent paints absorb the UV rays and glow-in-the-dark even after the light source is gone.
On the other hand, fluorescent paint will still emit a pale glow even during the day, and will shine even brighter when under a blacklight or UV light.
The brightness of glow-in-the-dark paint also depends on the type of background that it’s applied. For instance, if it’s used on a white or light-colored wall, it can produce a stronger glow.
Do You Need A Sealant For Glow-In-The-Dark Paint?
Using a clear sealant is highly recommended for glow-in-the-dark paint. This type of protective coating will help protect the paint’s integrity and appearance while also preventing it from getting damaged and worn out after some time.
The main reason you would want to seal your glow-in-the-dark paint is to protect the surface. The surface being painted will be exposed to the elements, so it makes sense that you would want it to last as long as possible.
Sealing your glow-in-the-dark paint will help extend its life, as well as improve its durability and aesthetic appeal. Sealing your glow-in-the-dark paint provides protection against moisture, dirt, stains, and more, which is useful, especially in outdoor applications.
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