We're getting lots of questions about our Glow in The Dark products. We've had a chat with Oliver, our Material Scientist to get all the answers you've been searching for.
Have a look at the FAQs below to find out:
How they work...
What they can be used for...
If they are safe to use...and more!
HOW DOES GLOW IN THE DARK 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.
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 products 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. 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 IS GLOW IN THE DARK POWDER?
Our long lasting ultra glow powder is a phosphorescent product that can be mixed with and added to many mediums to create glow in the dark works of art, toys, clothing, paint etc!
WHAT CAN I MIX GLOW IN THE DARK POWDER WITH?
Our glow powders can be mixed with non-water based mediums. e.g. clear resins, PVA glue, solvent based paint, sealers, clear coat, 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. 10% pigment to 90% medium is usually sufficient.
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 ultra glow powder can be mixed with any solvent based paint to make glow in the dark paint for art, decorating and more.
WHAT SHOULD I USE AS A BACKING COAT?
For the best results, it is always best to apply the finished glow coating to a light or white background or basecoat. A dark background or basecoat will deplete the glow.
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 used must also have low acidity.
ARE GLOW IN THE DARK PRODUCTS SAFE?
Our glow in the dark products are totally safe when used properly, however they not cosmetically certified so should not be used for makeup or any other application that would be applied to the skin or put in the mouth.
HOW SHOULD I APPLY THE POWDER?
If you have made glow in the dark paint or varnish, apply this using a brush or a paint roller.
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.
Always ensure the coating is applied to a dry surface and free from debris.
When you are working with the pigment or coating it can be quite hard to see.
Once the coating is dry, use a clear protective top coat for extra durability.
For example: If you have mixed the glow pigment with a clear solvent based varnish, you can use a pure coat of varnish to protect it.
Please check the manufacturers Technical Data Sheet (TDS) of the medium you are using. If you are using resin, this will give you curing times and further information.
To view the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Material Safety Sheet (MSDS) please click here.
The information supplied in this post is for guidance only.
Please fully test our products before print runs, projects, installations and production.
Colours and packaging may vary.
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