When most people think of epoxy resin, they think of a hard, clear material that is used in a lot of different applications, ranging from arts and crafts to industrial work. However, with glow-in-the-dark powder, you can add some excitement to your projects by making them light up in the dark!
What are the best glow-in-the-dark epoxy resins? While glow-in-the dark epoxy resin doesn’t exist on its own to purchase, you can easily make your clear epoxy resin glow-in-the-dark using readily available phosphorescent powdered pigments.
In this article, we will go over what glow-in-the-dark powder is and how you can use it to create illuminated projects. If you’d like some recommendations, we’ve got those for you as well!
What Is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a popular material for crafts, jewelry, and even industrial applications. It is made of two components: a resin and a hardener. When mixed, a chemical reaction will happen that allows the resin to harden to clear, hard plastic.
Epoxy resin is a material that has numerous applications due to its unique properties. It is extremely strong and durable, making it ideal for use in construction and other industrial applications.
It is also resistant to abrasion, impact, and UV radiation, making it a good choice for outdoor uses. In addition, epoxy resin is an excellent adhesive, bonding together materials that would otherwise be difficult to attach (like wood).
In addition, the resin can also be heat resistant and chemical resistant, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications as well. As a result of its versatility, epoxy resin is a super popular material used in a wide range of industries.
Depending on the epoxy resin that you use, the mixing ratio, setting time, and curing time may be different. Mixing and preparing the epoxy resin is the most difficult part because if it’s not done correctly, the epoxy may not harden properly or may turn out cloudy.
Once cured, the epoxy resin will turn clear. That’s why a lot of artists and crafters love experimenting with this material because you can suspend pigments, glitter, and even different types of embellishments inside this plastic ‘case.’
What Makes Epoxy Resin Glow-In-The-Dark?
There are so many things that you can add to epoxy resin to make it more interesting, but adding glow-in-the-dark powder pigments is a great way to make your piece really shine.
Let’s take a look at some characteristics that you’ll need to consider when buying glow-in-the-dark powder for epoxy resin.
Fluorescent Vs. Phosphorescent
There are two different types of glow-in-the-dark: fluorescent and phosphorescent.
Fluorescent pigments can be seen under UV light and black light. This is because fluorescent materials contain pigments that emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. That’s why you can also see it during the day since sunlight also has UV rays.
Phosphorescent pigments are coated with phosphorus, an element that can be charged with light. When it is exposed to light, it will emit a glow that is invisible to the naked eye. However, when it is placed in a dark room, it will begin to glow brightly.
This property of phosphorus makes it an ideal material for use in night-time safety products such as glow-in-the-dark Exit signs and safety markers.
When buying glow-in-the-dark pigments for epoxy, you’ll most likely be buying phosphorous pigments that are made from either zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate. The phosphorous pigments may be colorless or may have been dyed a certain color, but after charging with sunlight, they will emit a beautiful glow-in-the-dark.
Glow Time
The duration of the glow depends on the type of pigment used, and the amount of time it is exposed to sunlight.
For example, zinc sulfide pigments will only glow for a few minutes after being exposed to UV light, whereas strontium aluminate pigments can continue to glow for up to 12 hours.
Glow Intensity
The intensity of a glow depends on the pigment being used. Zinc sulfide has a very dim glow, whereas strontium aluminate is about ten times brighter and ten times longer glowing.
This is because strontium aluminate is more efficient at converting energy into light. The pigment is also more resistant to fading and discoloration. As a result, strontium aluminate is the preferred choice for applications where a long-lasting, bright glow is desired.
Particle Size
The size of the particles in the pigment powder can also affect the glow time and intensity. Big particles do a better job of reflecting light, but they may look more obvious when mixed in with the clear epoxy resin.
You should also know that if the particles are too big, you cannot grind them down to make them smaller. Doing so would damage the structure of the powder, affecting the glow-in-the-dark properties.
Mixing Ratio
The ratio between the pigment powder and the epoxy resin also depends on what the manufacturers recommend.
While this ratio may not affect the glow time and intensity, it may make a difference in how the final result will look, like a solid glow-in-the-dark block or a clear block with suspended glow-in-the-dark pigments in it.
For a solid appearance, you can use a 1:4 to 1:2 ratio, depending on the manufacturer. When mixing, make sure to add the mixed epoxy to the powder rather than the other way around to preserve the structure of the chemicals.
Charging Time
The intensity of the glow will be influenced by the strength of the light source used to charge the powder and the amount of time that the powder is exposed to that light source.
For example, a phosphorescent powder charged with sunlight will emit a brighter glow than one charged with artificial light. Similarly, a phosphorescent powder that has been exposed to a light source for a longer period of time will emit a brighter glow than one that has only been exposed for a brief period of time.
Normally, the phosphorescent powder is considered fully charged after about 15 minutes under sunlight or half an hour under artificial light.
Lifespan
Depending on the brand, phosphorescent powders can be effective for up to 15-20 years. If you are making epoxy resin products to sell, you definitely don’t have to worry about the lifespan of the powder’s glow-in-the-dark properties.
How To Maximize The Glow
In order to maximize the glow of these powders, it is important to apply them over a white or light-colored surface. The contrast between the color of the surface and the phosphorescent powder will make the glow more visible.
In addition, it is important to mix the powder well with the epoxy resin for the best effects so that every particle can be exposed to light. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your phosphorescent powders will provide the maximum glow.
Best Glow-In-The-Dark Powder For Epoxy Resin
| Rank | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | WA Portman Luminous White Glow Powder | Strontium Aluminate |
| 2. | HTVRONT Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder | Mica Powder |
| 3. | 12 Colors Glow-In-The-Dark Epoxy Resin Pigment | Phosphorescent crystals |
| 4. | Ceya Fluorescent Blue Glow Powder | Phosphorescent powder |
| 5. | HXDZFX Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder | Phosphorescent powder |
| 6. | Neutral 5 Color Pack Glow In The Dark Pigment Powder | Strontium Aluminate |
| 7. | 10 Color Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder | Phosphorescent powder |
| 8. | Magicfly Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder | Phosphorescent powder |
| 9. | Glow Powder Variety Pack | Strontium Aluminate |
1. WA Portman Luminous White Glow Powder
WA Portman Luminous White Glow Powder is a colorless pigment that glows light blue after charging with natural light for only 10 minutes. The glow can last up to 12 hours, making it a great choice for projects that need a long-lasting glow.
The powder is easy to mix with clear epoxy, and it can be used to create a variety of effects. For example, it can be used to add a subtle glow to jewelry or mixed into larger batches of epoxy to create a luminescent resin.
This glow powder is made from high-quality Strontium Aluminate, which is known for its glow intensity and long-lasting effects. No matter how it’s used, WA Portman Luminous White Glow Powder is sure to add a touch of magic to any project.
2. HTVRONT Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder
This glow-in-the-dark pigment powder is a great way to add a unique touch to your next project. Made of non-toxic phosphorus-coated mica powder, it charges using sunlight to create a glow-in-the-dark effect.
This makes it perfect for mixing with clear epoxy to create a one-of-a-kind look. This set comes with 12 packages of mica powder in 12 different colors, each emitting a different colored light in the dark, so you have a lot of room to experiment with them.
Whether you’re looking to add a bit of fun to your next creation or create a special gift, this mica powder is an easy way to add some pizzazz.
3. 12 Colors Glow-In-The-Dark Epoxy Resin Pigment
This glow-in-the-dark epoxy resin pigment is phosphorescent crystals between 30 and 50 microns. The set comes with 12 glow-in-the-dark colors to mix with epoxy resin.
When mixed into clear epoxy resin, these pigments will emit a greenish-blue light for up to 12 hours after being charged with light for 30 minutes. With so many colors to choose from, you can create unique and eye-catching effects in your resin projects.
These high-quality pigments are non-toxic and safe to use, so you can feel confident using them in your art and crafts projects. These pigments are a great way to add some fun and excitement to your resin creations.
4. Ceya Fluorescent Blue Glow Powder
Ceya Fluorescent Blue Glow Powder is a great way to showcase your creativity in your epoxy resin projects.
The powder charges up quickly with UV light or sunlight for 20-30 minutes. Once fully charged, the powder will glow-in-the-dark for hours on end.
It’s clear during normal lighting, making it perfect for use in sculptures, jewelry, or any other project where a little bit of surprise is needed.
It’s non-toxic and won’t fade over time, so you can enjoy your luminous creations for years to come. So if you’re looking for a way to add some interest and intrigue to your next resin project, this is a great option.
5. HXDZFX Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder
HXDZFX’s Set of Glow-in-The-Dark Pigment Powder has 12 different colors of glow-in-the-dark pigment powder, plus four colors of glitter, to add to epoxy. These pigment powders can be used for a variety of crafts and projects, from sealing to resin casting.
They are safe and non-toxic and can be used by both children and adults. The set comes with a wide range of colors, so you can create whatever look you want.
The pigment powders are also easy to use, as they can be charged with light in just a few minutes to create a bright glow for hours.
Whether you’re looking to add a little bit of sparkle to your art project or you need a bright and bold color for your resin casting, this is a great option.
6. Neutral 5 Color Pack Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder
Art’ N Glow’s 5 pack glow-in-the-dark pigment powder contains five beautiful, vibrant colors that you can mix with resin to create stunning works of art. The pigment powder is easy to use, and it glows brightly in the dark, making your creations truly unique.
The powder is clear under regular light but will glow-in-the-dark when they are charged with sunlight. The five color options are all neutral, so they will go well with any color scheme.
You can use them to create jewelry, sculptures, ornaments, and more. The possibilities are endless!
7. 10 Color Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder
The DecorRom set of ten color glow-in-the-dark pigment powders can add a splash of color to any clear epoxy project. The set comes with ten different colors, all of which will glow-in-the-dark after being charged by light.
The powders are easy to use, and they can be mixed together to create custom colors. Each color comes in a shaking jar that makes mixing with epoxy resin even easier. In addition, they can be used to add glow-in-the-dark accents to any project.
Whether you’re looking to add some extra safety to your steps or deck or just want to add a bit of spark to your latest epoxy project, this comprehensive set can really get the job done.
8. Magicfly Glow-In-The-Dark Pigment Powder
Magicfly’s glow-in-the-dark pigment powder is a set of 12 colors that can be mixed with epoxy resin to create unique and eye-catching effects.
The pigments are made from non-toxic mica powder, which glows brightly when exposed to light.
This makes them ideal to add to resin jewelry, crafts, and other projects. All the colors come in convenient bottles that are pretty easy to pour and mix with your resin.
The set includes a wide variety of colors, which look like normal colors in daylight but will glow after charging. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to create customized designs that are sure to stand out.
9. Glow Powder Variety Pack
This Glow Powder Variety Pack includes 11 colors of Strontium Aluminate powder, a type of powder that can create an intense glow after being charged with light.
The set comes with five colorless packs that will glow with different colored lights in the dark and six pigmented colors that you can see during the day but will also glow in the dark.
Just mix the powder into your epoxy before casting, and you’ll be able to see the results once your project is finished.
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flair to your next project, be sure to give this powder a try.
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