How To Use Glow In The Dark Paint

Recently got a glow in the dark paint? Then knowing how to use it is a great idea. Since you are here, you probably are a smart person. Most people use it as water-based paint and end up wasting it all.

And then they complain that the paints don’t work, yada, yada. Well, just like a car, you have to use them correctly. Umm, the car is a bizarre example; let’s change it.

Just like Crayons and water-based acrylic paints are used differently, a glow in the dark paint has its specific way of being used. So, stop treating them like any other paint you have ever used.

Now, I see you are really excited, so let’s get this party excited. If you know even a bit about how these glow paints work, you know that they have two components, i.e., glow pigments and acrylic paint. Right?

These glow pigments are the heroes that make it glow, while the acrylic paints hold them together on the surface. Since paints are adhesive, they make it easy to stick these pigments on most surfaces.

Till here, it’s alright, but do you remember the concept of density? The thing with high-density sinks and vice-versa. Since these glow pigments are denser than the paint, they sink.

So, if you simply open the bottle and begin using it, well, most of the paint you have applied will have little to no glow pigments. That will result in a small area glowing while the others have a dim glow.

That’s why it’s recommended to stir the paint well before use. Read that again, I said, stirring, not shaking. You can, however, shake it well before stirring. Doing both will mix the glow pigments with acrylic paint and ensure you get a better glow.

Remember, some paints are thicker than the others, so stirring them can be a bit difficult. You can use a toothpick or some wooden stick or anything to mix it well, but never use your fingers or any body part in general unless it’s body paint.

Not because it’s dangerous, as most glow paints today are non-toxic and maybe non-flammable, so they are entirely safe to use. And moreover, we are talking about paints, not acids. But the reason for not involving your skin is because these paints are hard to clean off there.

Yes, I heard you that mine is water-based, but there is a twist. These paints are made such that they can only be cleaned until they are wet. Once dry, they are hard or sometimes next to impossible to remove.

And since every glow paint has its own dry time, I would strongly recommend not using it on the skin. Remember, glow paints can last for years, even decades, on most surfaces once dry. Now, I am not saying it will last for decades or years on your skin as you wash it frequently, but it can take days, weeks, or months.

So, if this paint mistakenly gets on your body, better clean it asap using soap and water. Once stirred properly, you can use it however you want, brush, sponge, cloth, you name it, it works with all.

Before you apply it to the surface, let me tell you one secret – These paints fluoresce better on lighter surfaces, especially white. So, if you want a better glow, either have it on a white surface or do a white primer on your dark surface; both work well.

Now, begin applying the paint like acrylic paint, cover every detail, and take it slow; no need to rush here. Once applied, you can go chill and wait for it to glow. Just joking! The first time you applied it, you made the first layer, and you have to make 4-5 coats to make it glow well.

So, again take the brush and begin painting on the already painted area. Before applying a new layer/coat, wait for the previous one to dry. And yes, applying multiple coats is normal in glow in the dark paint.

When all the layers dry, the only thing left is charging, which is a crucial part that determines how long your glow paint glows. Now, by charging, I don’t mean inserting a battery or something, but getting it under a powerful light.

You can understand how to charge glow paint here.

Conclusion –

In this article, I answered one of the most asked questions, i.e., how to use glow in the dark paint. Believe me, guys, it’s way different than other paints, and I have written it in detail. If you like this article, share it with your friends and family. And if you have any questions or confusion, comment below.