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Glow in the Dark Paint: Product Review

6/11/2012

64 Comments

 
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There has always been a fascination with glow in the dark phosphors, and the market for consumer products is quite large. The applications are very much varied from decoration to safety. And, manufactures have made a number of materials phosphorescent, from glow in the dark safety tape, to paint that can be used at home.
First, what is a phosphor and how does it work? Let's look at at a familiar concept to answer the question. A phosphor is a chemical that absorbs light in one frequency, or wavelength,and stores it as energy. It then releases that energy over time at another wavelength, or color. A good example is a fluorescent light familiar as a tube. It is a gas discharge tube that electrically excites mercury vapor to produce ultraviolet energy. The inside of the tube is coated with a phosphor that is quick acting, and converts the UV to a blue-white color. This is how the light is generated. But, there are slower release chemicals that store energy for a longer time. Zinc sulfide is one of the oldest materials that exhibits phosphorescence. It absorbs light in mostly the blue end or ultraviolet area of the spectrum, and releases its energy over time as a yellowish-greenish color. The problem with zinc sulfide is that it has a fairly weak color saturation, and a relatively short glow time. But, there are several newer materials that are available that have brighter color, and glow for ten times as long. Of particular interest is strontium aluminate. It is also greenish in color, and can glow for 8 to 10 hours after being exposed to light.

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When I saw both the water-based latex glow paint from Rust-oleum, and the acrylic-based spray from Krylon, I was hoping that the phosphor being used was the strontium aluminate. But, neither container had the phosphor listed on the label, so I took a chance and purchased both for about $8 each.
I then followed the manufacturers instructions to the letter and expected at least reasonable results. The latex was coated on white foam board with six coats, and the spray with six light coats over a prepared piece of aluminum painted white as the instructions stated. Despite the carefully followed directions, the results were terrible. The two test pieces failed to glow after 8 hours in sunlight, or 10 hours under a fluorescent bulb. There was simply too little glow to even photograph the results. The only way to get any glow was to illuminate the samples with blacklight. And, as the photo will show, the glow is irregular, and looked like it was poorly mixed. The phosphor used is clearly zinc sulfide and had not lived up to the package claims. My recommendation is  to look for a glow paint that has the strontium aluminate, even if it costs more. Both packages advised that if I was dissatisfied, let them know. I am working on two emails right now! In the photo below, the latex is on the left.

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64 Comments
Will
2/21/2013 01:05:28 am

Thank you so much. I was about to buy some Rust-oleum glow paint also with no ingredient listing and no measured brightness rating in mcd/m2. I'm really surprised they still use zinc sulphide these days. I'll keep searching and thanks again

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Jeannette link
10/23/2015 11:04:57 pm

I would like to paint my mailbox with glow in the dark. That is aluminum I would also like to paint the pole that is wood . What kind of paint would I use

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Daisy link
12/5/2016 11:14:18 pm

Dear Jeannette,

ADS Glow Paint is a United Arab Emirates Made Glow in the dark paint. We are producing wide range of products and we have the glow paint for metal and wood as well. If you can check our website (www.adscreativeideas.com) you can see the different products we are manufacturing.

We Require you to get the Type 12 Glow in the dark paint for outdoor used.

sherie
4/16/2013 10:37:32 pm

Thanx!! Was about to buy the rustoleum glow in the dark to spruce up the yard and walkways for outdoor entertaining. You just saved me a ton of time and money on something that wouldn't have worked.

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Lee
4/17/2013 09:59:18 am

Thanks so much, as I too was about to buy some Rust-oleum, but will now search for a product with strontium aluminate as the clearly superior choice!

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Rita
5/6/2013 09:40:24 am

Can I use rist-oleum paint on my plastic containers ( planters )

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Ken
5/7/2013 01:56:11 am

Thanks for the question Rita,
My initial thought is that plastic is a tricky material to paint with latex but it can be successful if it is primed with a good plastic paint primer. In this case the under color should be white as suggested by the manufacturer, Rust-oleum. But, they also say that it will only glow for two hours after being in the sun all day. I would suggest that a paint with strontium aluminate would be a better choice. Ken.

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Dana
5/15/2013 12:47:30 pm

do you know a paint that has the strontium aluminate in It

Jamie A. Tronolone
3/22/2015 01:31:40 am

Thank you for some very valid information Ken! I want to try this paint and I feel as though you saved me a lot of grief from the start of my new project in mind!

Ken
5/16/2013 01:53:11 am

Dana there are several companies that sell glow in the dark paint with strontium aluminate but I have not used them. Here is one: http://glowinc.com/. This is Glow Inc and another is Glo nation. Just read carefully and you will find that the price is higher but the glow lasts for 24 hours. Good luck, Ken.

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debra
5/19/2013 01:00:51 am

tx ken good info!

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Laurie
6/9/2013 12:11:59 am

I tried the popular pin from Pinterest ... painted two terracotta planters, hoping that I'd have the glow by our pool. Neither pot glow. I used the Rustoleum product. Wish I had done some research prior! Back to the drawing board. I'm going to lightly sand and respray with white paint. Beyond that I haven't decided.

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Ken
6/9/2013 09:41:19 am

Laurie, it occurs to me that you could buy some glow in the dark tape, which is designed to glow to indicate emergency exits. and make designs and adhere them to the terracotta planters. There are several sources including U-line and Duck brand. Just check the glow time and as I have seen, they are quite long. Just search "glow in the dark tape".. Good luck, Ken.

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JANA
4/17/2016 03:40:41 pm

I AGREE. i HAVE NOW TRIED 2 DIFFERENT TEXTURES AND NEITHER HAVE HAD ANY GLOW.

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Rita
6/9/2013 02:21:40 am

Thanyou for the feed back I guess that idea is out the window. But if there ever is a safer product and a longer lasting one could you let me know? Thanks I never said what I was talking about so it is on the GLOW IN THE DARK PAINT.

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Ken
6/9/2013 09:44:09 am

Rita please check the comment replies to Dana and Laurie and perhaps that may give you some ideas. Ken.

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Julie Long link
6/17/2013 01:34:05 pm

I used Krylon's Glows after seeing a pinterest post. I sprayed 8 stepping stones...didn't work. Said several light coats. Purchased a second can. DOES NOT WORK! Love the idea. What product should or can be used?

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Ken
6/18/2013 02:50:09 am

Hi Julie,
If you have a lot of surface area it will cost significantly more to use the better strontium aluminate based paint. It may be easier and cheaper to use the glow in the dark tape. Check the comments above from Dana and Laurie for some thoughts about sources. Ken.

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Bobbie
6/27/2013 10:07:31 am

Glow in the dark duck tape is available at Michael's Arts and Crafts

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Ken
6/27/2013 10:19:55 am

Hi Bobbie,
Do you happen to know the approximate glow time? I have not been able to find any to test. Thanks for the information. Ken.

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CharlotteSMehmke
7/16/2013 01:52:17 am

thank you....I will look for the strontium aluminate

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zel
4/11/2014 02:21:43 pm

Has anyone found a product that works? I have read and seen on TV designers who say to use it on flower pots..it is a year later than the past posts.

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Danielle
5/3/2014 02:18:15 pm

Just prepped stepping stones with white paint. Then fluorescent based flat paint the used the GOOD paint. NO LUCK. Horribly disapppinted. I am currently searching an alternative.

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Ken
5/4/2014 01:53:00 am

Hi Danielle,
After reading your comment I have some questions. First, you mentioned "fluorescent" but did you mean to say phosphorescent? Fluorescence is a short-lived light emission. Second, you mentioned the "GOOD" paint. Did you mean that it contains strontium aluminate? The other thought that I had is that it may take several coats of the paint to adequately store the daytime light. Perhaps you can be more specific so that we can help. Thanks, Ken.

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Heather
6/1/2014 06:10:43 am

I just want to say I am thankful for this site. I am on a huge budget and this saved me from wasting money on something that wouldn't work. I will be following. And in the meantime, I am going to get some glow in the dark tape.

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Heather
6/1/2014 06:16:16 am

.....and I just realized that most of the "pins" about glow in the dark plant pots actually show a picture of an LED lighted pot. I kind of figured that was too good to be true.

http://certified-lighting.com/garden-lighting.php


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Ken
6/1/2014 09:16:19 am

Hi Heather,
This is a really good example of "truth in advertising" and blatant disregard for honest advertising. I found that this image has been used 53 times with TinEye on Firefox. I tried to locate the source but it is not available suggesting that it is a commercial image for sale. The interesting aspect is that you saw the illuminated grass and questioned the likelihood that it could be possible. Good catch and thanks for the comment. Ken.

Cerise Rowan
7/16/2014 04:32:21 pm

I've used Glow powders in acrylic craft projects (Ready Set Glow (best reds but not all colors available in all sizes), Glo-nation and GLO inc, all powders worked well. But... I was disappointed in the glow water based paints (Glo-nation and Glo inc). They looked great in the jar, as most glow paints are shown (not painted out), but I could not apply enough coats to get an even (I know, the big grain that makes a good glow makes a difficult paint) coat and with several coats (and the paint was goopy, difficult to work with), still nothing like the glow shown (in the jar ;-) ).. I wonder if solvent based paints glow better? I'm still shopping for a good glow paint... needed for another craft project..... thanks for the heads up on this one, was thinking of trying it

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Sharad Paliwal
7/26/2014 03:12:35 am

I am in look out for night glow paints to be used for in art work (paintings). I had seen such paintings but the artist were secrative in revealing the source. Can anyone suggest about manufacturer .

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Nigel Stuart link
11/26/2014 08:35:49 pm

I am not sure that you will achieve the effect that you want outside.
Glow in the dark paint should be painted over a white background (primer) as without this you could loose as much as 60% of the glow brightness.
Glow in the dark paints need to charge with strong light, UV blacklight and sunlight work best.
Once well charged glow in the dark items will glow at their strongest for around 5 to 20 minutes depending on the colour (green and aqua work best).
After this initial bright period they then settle to a duller glow that can last many hours, again depending on the colour.
This glow needs to be seen in total darkness. You would not notice the glow for example in normal ambient light such as street lighting, vehicle lights, external house lights or even strong moonlight.
Glow in the dark items do not glow as strong as torches, light bulbs or LED lighting after the initial bright period.
They do however create great effects in the right conditions, that last for many years as they can be charged over and over again.
For more information on different colours, charging and glow times please have a look at my webpage:
http://www.glowinthedarkshop.co.uk/glow-information/
I hope you find the above to be of assistance.

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Bea
3/18/2015 08:08:50 am

saved me a lot of money . I wanted to paint benches by my fire pit. painting on wood. If you know of any Glo in the Dark that will work let me know please

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Ken
3/19/2015 05:03:32 am

Hi Bea,
I did run across another approach that you might consider and investigate. There is a powder that is strontium aluminate for long glow that is designed to be mixed with a non- water based medium like a casting resin for outside use. I have no data or use knowledge but the reviews seem pretty good. No guarantees but maybe worth a look.You will have to copy and paste as I could not provide a quick link. Ken.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNEXD7E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BNEXD7E&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwmichaelsau-20&linkId=4GGRYER5R64PTPG7

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Nigel Stuart link
4/23/2015 04:19:11 am

Tape or paint (or any other form of glow in dark such as resin) will all be the same as my previous comments. They need to be charged well and viewed in total darkness. They will not perform well where other ambient light is about such as street lighting, moon light, camp fires etc. They will be glowing but your brain and eyes will be registering the other light and not the lower light glow in the dark.
I sell many types of glow in the dark paints, the strontium aluminate powders and other items.
I supplied the paint that was used in the Guinness world record largest glow in the dark painting in the world in 2014. That was inside in a room so that when the lights went out it was total darkness, other than the painting was bright glowing.
You really do need to have the items charged well and view in an environment with no other lighting. But then the effects can be stunning and beautiful.

Heather
6/23/2015 01:46:01 am

I want everyone to note that strontium is a radionuclide with health effects. Please do you research and be careful

Charlene Rubush link
4/20/2015 02:43:27 pm

I'm so glad to have found your site and saved myself a lot of money.Really appreciate all the good information here.

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kathy Swafford
4/23/2015 04:02:44 am

Sure glad I came across this site. Saved me a big hassel. Think I'll have a go with the tape idea for the craft plans. Thank you.

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JERRY PTACNIK
6/9/2015 02:31:33 pm

I cannot get the glow ;paint to glow. I have tried 2 kinds. Is this a big big joke

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NIgel STuart link
6/9/2015 08:57:08 pm

Have a look at this page on my website for useful information

http://www.glowinthedarkshop.co.uk/glow-information/

Basically the paint should be painted over a white background. Charged well with light. Viewed in total darkness and viewed before the glow has faded.

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pam o link
6/13/2015 09:15:45 pm

I tried the paint,did everything I suppose to do.Two coats,it never did glow.A lot of sun.

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Christine
7/4/2015 07:38:21 am

Wish I read this before. I bought krylon glow in white and sprayed it on some glass pieces to make garden mushrooms. When I went outside to check on them and spray the other side. All the paint was flaking right off. I was so mad. I had sprayed glass items before with paint and it worked out great. Thought I'd try glow paint. I didn't even get to see if it glowed. It wouldn't stick to my items. I even made sure everythi ng was super clean and dry. It just cracked and flaked off in huge and small pieces. Didn't matter if it was applied thickly or thinly. So made. Was wondering if rustle um worked better. Guess not.

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Dennis lister
8/19/2015 06:00:45 pm

I would like to paint 4 large aluminum clad columns in front of my house to glow in the dark at night is this doable?

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Ken
8/20/2015 08:50:30 am

Hi Dennis,
It may be doable but my best thought is that it will be expensive! These products are somewhat of a specialty market and generally sold in small amounts. I did a search using "phosphorescent exterior paint" and came up with some possibilities but none with prices for larger quantities. Shannon was one of the better sites but with no price list. I think that I would consider buying a phosphorescent powder and adding it to a good quality latex exterior paint as long as it was the strontium aluminate. But, that would take some experimentation. Sorry that I can't be of more help but I believe it to be a really big task. Just an opinion, Ken.

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Daisy link
12/5/2016 11:21:39 pm

Dear Dennis,

Try to used our products for your outdoor application. Recommended Type 12 and give you long lasting glowing effects. Just make sure the areas was exposed to sunlight or any source of light for the paint need to charge so it can produce glowing at dark. Also for more effective glowing it is recommended to apply white primer before the glow paint.

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Lori Taylor
9/16/2015 12:38:56 pm

I painted 3 large flower pots with this paint. Did 2 coats. Never did work and it's expensive. Contacted Rustolium to get my money back. They said they would do it burn never did.

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Pixel
6/6/2016 04:18:40 pm

Thank you so much...I was going to get a ton of planters and paint them and try the glow effect on my patio.

I'll stick with the natural look and paint a few tiny ones as a cute project with my daughter and that's it.

Thanks again for all the info.

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Patti link
6/9/2016 05:06:10 pm

Was looking at another post, and she had done 2 coats of Krylon, then coats of Astro Glow that she got from Amazon. I didn't see the finished product, but thought I would share.

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AHmazingGrace
6/11/2016 06:46:03 pm

Fancy the thought that I find this Blog only AFTER trying Rustoleum's 2x glow (Walmart-$15 spray paint). Followed directions. 10 hours of direct sunlight/heat. *NOTHING*. My White Hydrangeas have a better nighttime glow. Have taken pictures. Taking can/receipt back for refund of defective product. After reading the comments/reviews...shame on Rustoleum for continuing to allow its product to be associated with images/imagery that are falsehoods. While I figured the *illuminated pots* were just that *lit from within*...I did expect a murmur of a glow on small concrete orbs. *Silly me*. I guess if disgruntled customers can go after Subway for not actually having a foot of foot long sandwich, or, Starbucks for not filling their cups...Rustoleum (and Krylon?) won't learn a lesson until someone holds them to task. #8hoursofglow #NoGo #FalsePromises #Receipts

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courtney
8/8/2016 08:27:03 am

Hey I was wanting to paint the tops of the stumps that go around my campfire. What would be the best paint to use? I don't really want to use the tape but want something bright and that would last. Thanks!

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Ken
8/9/2016 10:16:21 am

Hi Courtney,
I understand that you want to use a paint but it is just cheaper and more reliable to use a well tested tape. I am adding the comment to Dennis above as the reasoning for my personal choice: It may be doable but my best thought is that it will be expensive! These products are somewhat of a specialty market and generally sold in small amounts. I did a search using "phosphorescent exterior paint" and came up with some possibilities but none with prices for larger quantities. Shannon was one of the better sites but with no price list. I think that I would consider buying a phosphorescent powder and adding it to a good quality latex exterior paint as long as it was the strontium aluminate. But, that would take some experimentation. Sorry that I can't be of more help but I believe it to be a really big task. Just an opinion, Ken.

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xnav
12/10/2016 06:32:03 pm

I have used Rustoleum and it glows just fine. My problem is that sometimes it causes the white paint underlay to craze. I used Krylon white spray paint. Do I just need to let the white cure for several days before spraying on the glow-in-the-dark paint?

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Ken
12/13/2016 11:20:56 am

xnav,
My best guess is that the binder in the Krylon is incompatible with the solvent in the Rustoleum but allowing the full cure will confirm whether or not this is true. A white paint from Rustoleum may work better. Thanks, Ken,

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valerie hussain
12/15/2016 02:36:07 pm

Hi thanks for the information, I am also researching a glow in the dark product and was looking at the ones you mentioned. I am part of a small community revitalisation group that wants to use glow in the dark paint on a dark and little used laneway in our town. It is a Council footpath so needs to meet bureaucratic requirements and pass the risk management tests. I also want it to be colorful is there such a magic product. I am in Australia on the East Coast so also needs to be ok in a humid climate
many thanks
Valerie

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Ken
12/15/2016 03:58:46 pm

Hi Valerie,
I can make a suggestion but it may be insufficient as I am not sure what the surface is and if it would be a guess on my part. There are several companies that make what is call "glow in the dark traffic paint" and it is used primarily on roads but may work for you as well. If the surface is hard and reasonably stable a good grade of this paint may work. The other problem is your location and how accessible these products may be. Try a search for these where you are an let us know what you discover. Thanks, Ken.

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Raji kista
12/28/2016 02:58:41 am

Please Can I get a glow in the dark paint that is water proof and can stay under direct sunlight for years? Can I apply it on metal or aluminium? I really need your reply on how to go about this and I would like to know how possible it's going to be.

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Reema
8/23/2017 07:27:51 am

Hi Ken,
I'm throwing an outdoor white party and wanted to spray the lawn with glue in the dark stars for an effect at night. Your post was helpful, but I'd like to know if you think if I sprayed white on the grass using my stencils and then the glow in the dark spray paint. Any idea if this Will this kill my grass?

Thanks Reema

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Ken
8/23/2017 10:55:13 am

Hi Reema,
My best guess is that the paint will harm the grass as it will block sunlight. Perhaps a better choice would be to use glow tape and cut out the stars. Sorry but that is my thought, Ken.

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RACHEL GATT
10/11/2017 02:43:37 am

I would like to know if glow Io the dark paint recharges more than once

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Ken
10/11/2017 03:18:09 pm

Rachel,
These can be charged multiple times, Ken.

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Micheal d cannon link
3/15/2018 10:59:19 pm

About rust oleum gowinthedark paint,I bought a french door in clean primer white,my wife was out of town and I was going to finish bedroom remodel while gone,stumbled on white glove paint at store.this will be perfect as a joke on the sweetie,painted three coats on the clean white primer. charged with light and of coarse nuthing,but by accident I was shinning a very powerful led lite on walls for imperfections and made the room darkest as I could shined lite 6 inches from painted surface,turned off lites and walaa,glowing door,and looking GREAT,I charge it in the dark with the most powerful lite ,and works ever time,and it sure looks creepy,so don't give up,dark,dark ,dark,charge with highest power light

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Joe
5/6/2019 09:15:12 pm

I was surprised no one has mentioned Europium ultra glow powders and paints ... they can literally illuminate dark room they are so bright ... amazing stuff

https://unitednuclear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28_73&products_id=384

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Ken
5/8/2019 10:54:22 am

Joe,
Thanks for the info and I will order some for experiments. Interesting site. Ken.

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Reza
10/29/2019 12:11:52 am

Hi
We export and supply phosphorescent pigment (origin JPN).
Recently our manufacturer developed new grade, which has water resistance and not take Hydrolysis.
We assume custmer use it for road amrking paint.
Main conponents is Strontium Alluminate
Particle: 20-45
MOQ: 20 KGS
PKG: 10 KGS NET IN DRM
Origin: JPN
Please contact by SMS ( tonta@softbank.ne.jp ). I will give you my email address as reply for that SMS.

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Bill Hayes
9/17/2020 05:29:43 pm

The easiest way I've found to make something to really "pop" in the dark is to use the tiny glass beads mixed in with a traffic grade paint. Like we use on runways. We did a parking lot with it. We were on an air force base. Had to have it removed though as it turned out to be a huge distraction to our pilots at night. But...God...did it ever glow at night under the lights!!!

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Ken
9/18/2020 08:55:28 am

Bill,
Sounds very interesting for an experiment. Any idea of the size of the glass beads or percentage used in the paint? Thanks, Ken.

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