Glow-in-the-dark paint can be used in all kinds of fun crafts and projects, and you won't have to go out and spend a lot of money buying it. You can make it at home with a few simple supplies.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use phosphorescent powder
Step 1. Choose the color you want the powder to be
You can find phosphorescent powder online or at arts and crafts stores.
Powders are in different colors and particle sizes. The larger ones shine more, although they also make it more difficult to apply when painting and can give a smudged or lumpy effect. Smaller ones create a softer paint but not as shiny
Step 2. Choose your base paint
This will be the paint that you will mix with the phosphorescent powder. If you want the paint to be invisible to light, choose a transparent one like acrylic gel. If you want it to be light, choose tempera in the color you want.
Make sure the primer can mix with the phosphorescent powder. For example, if you are using water-based paint, you will need "powder coated", also known as "coated phosphorescent pigment." For oil-based paints, you can use regular powders
Step 3. Put the phosphorescent powder in a bowl
Add one part powder for every five parts of paint (or 20% powder for all paint).
Step 4. Pour the paint into the bowl
Gradually pour the paint over the powder in the bowl. Mix both elements carefully. You can add more paint to achieve a finer consistency.
The powder will not dissolve in the paint, so stir the mixture until there are no lumps
Step 5. Use the paint
Most gloss paints should be used immediately. Depending on the percentage of powder and paint, the new mixture may have a longer or shorter duration. Therefore, mix only the amount that you are going to use for an hour.
If you want to store the paint, pour it into a closed container and be sure to shake it well before using it again
Method 2 of 2: Use Items Found at Home
Step 1. Open a highlighter pen and remove the felt
Using pliers, open the end of a non-toxic highlighter pen. Remove the felt tape from the center and pull the "casing" off the marker.
Make sure the pen glows in the dark under black light. Try writing something on a piece of paper with it. Turn off the light and hold the black light on it. You should be able to see what you have written or drawn
Step 2. Pour water on the felt
Place a glass or pitcher in the sink. Slowly allow the water to drip onto the felt tape so that the yellow liquid drips into the container. Turn off the tap and throw away the felt when it's white.
You may need to use multiple markers to get enough fluorescent water
Step 3. Put cornmeal in a bowl
Put half a cup of white cornmeal. This will be the basis for your homemade gloss paint.
This mixture will be very fine. The radius should be two equal parts cornmeal and fluorescent water
Step 4. Add the fluorescent water
Carefully pour in half a cup of fluorescent water and stir the mixture until the cornmeal is completely dissolved.
Step 5. Add food coloring
If you want to change the color of the paint, add a few drops of food coloring and stir the mixture. Add more food coloring until you get the desired color.
Consider pouring the paint into small containers. Thus, you can create different colors using different food coloring
Step 6. Use the paint and let it dry
This paint is very runny, so you will have to let it dry and apply several coats. Extra coats will make the shine look better and the paint last longer.
Step 7. See how it shines
Turn off the lights and be sure to close the windows and doors so there are no gaps. Turn on the UV-A lamp to see how the paint shines.
Warnings
- If you have children, be sure to keep the painting out of their reach. They could get sick if they swallow it.
- Although sparkling powders are generally safe, they can give off toxic fumes. In addition, many paints contain other toxins. Therefore, it is not safe to work with glossy paints in projects involving children.