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Have you been thinking of trying glow-in-the-dark paints to impress your neighbors? They are a fantastic choice during Halloween, Christmas Eve, and other special nighttime parties and events.
Glow-In-The-Dark paints bring festive vibes to an otherwise dull and dark space. You can splash it on the decor in your garden or backyard to keep it beautifully lit from evening throughout the night.
Plus, you don’t even need to wait for a party for glow-in-the-dark paints to be a great help. Their luminescence offers guidance by highlighting signposts, stepping stones, and even driveways at night.
So, what are the best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints? The best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints will not only give off a bright and long-lasting glow but are also waterproof, weather-resistant, and chargeable in sunlight. You will also want to consider whether the type of paint is compatible with your canvas.
If this has been your biggest concern, then you couldn’t have found this article at a better time. We’ll guide you through the 7 best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints, the selection criteria, and best practices of use. Let’s get glowing.
Choosing Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
You’ll stumble upon a variety of products, some designed for fabrics, others for the face and body. It is important to discern which glow-in-the-dark paint is explicitly formulated for outdoor use.
In addition to that, you have to consider the qualities most suitable for your particular needs. The following factors should help guide your shopping.
1. Weatherproof Properties
This is perhaps the most vital aspect to look out for if you expect permanence. As with any paint that will go on exterior surfaces, outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint should be waterproof or weather-resistant.
That’s because of the susceptibility to moisture from rain or snow, which could disintegrate a coat of paint, washing it away. Powder paints, for example, are so vulnerable to wetness.
Acrylic and oil-based paints when fully cured are water-resistant. You could apply a clear coat on top to further enhance protection.
Just check with the manufacturer first and make sure the clear coat is not UV resistant; otherwise, it could interfere with the charging of the glow in the dark paint.
2. Material Compatibility
Next, you want to check that the outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint is ideal for the intended painting surface. Your target object may be concrete, rock, metallic, wooden, ceramic, etc.
Some paints are all-purpose; others will not adhere to metal, plastic, glass, or concrete. Therefore, it would help if you check what materials your chosen paint is specifically designed for to find the right one.
3. Charging Light Requirements
Glow-in-the-dark paint must be exposed to a certain type of light to charge in order to glow later. There are four common types: blacklight, UV light, ordinary light bulb, or sunlight.
Outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint chargeable by sunlight would be most ideal and convenient, especially for vast areas outside. And well, since the paint coat will be outside anyway.
However, these paints may require a couple of hours of direct sunlight, which may be impossible on those cloudy or dull dark days.
The advantage of UV and blacklight for recharging glow-in-the-dark paints is that they yield a stronger glow in less recharge time. Also, the paint maintains a long-lasting glow.
You’ll be required to have these types of light bulbs or lamps that produce either of these lights to illuminate the spot each time you need to charge them. This might be inconvenient and impractical in some cases.
Some brands include the light lamp with the paint, and others have to be bought separately. You have to weigh the options and decide what you think works for you to best recharge your paints.
4. Stability Of The Glow
Discovering the stability of the paint is crucial in determining whether it meets your expectations. This is in regards to how powerful the glow is and also how long it can last.
Outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints vary from subtle to intense glows. Some stay lit overnight while others only last a moment. Maybe two hours, one, or even less.
If you want something for a short-term purpose, then a short glow time won’t matter. But if you are after every day, all night glow, you need superior, long-lasting glow-in-the-dark paints.
5. Daytime Look
In addition to the nighttime glow, you should also think about how the paint looks during the day. Some outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints appear fluorescent or neon during daylight hours. Others are clear and some translucent with just a hint of color.
Therefore, choose the paint accordingly depending on whether you are aiming for a vivid brilliance even during the daylight, or to have a soft, barely-there hue.
6. Type Of Paint
Outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints come in many forms. There’s creamy or fluid paint, gel paint, powder paint, brush-on, spray paint, and even paint markers. They could also be acrylic-based or oil-based.
Here, it is a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is that it has some permanence to hold up to outdoor environments and works with the material you plan to paint.
The 7 Best Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paints
There are plenty of glow-in-the-dark paint brands in the market. Some work wonderfully, and others just don’t hit the mark.
You either have to buy and test several products, browse through thousands of reviews, or just take a wild guess hoping to land on exactly what you want. Luckily, we’ve saved you from all this hassle. Take a look at some of the best glow-in-the-dark paints available to buy online!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | SpaceBeams Aurora Glow in The Dark Paint | Non-toxic, water-based, UV-charged |
| 2. | TechnoGlow Glow-In-The-Dark Paint - Bright Blue | Acrylic, permanent, UV-charged, non-toxic |
| 3. | Art N Glow Premium Glow-In-The-Dark Acrylic Paint | 14 colors, UV-charged, clear in daylight |
| 4. | FolkArt Best Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint | UV-charged, short-term glow, smooth |
| 5. | Rust-Oleum Glow-In-The-Dark Spray Paint | Spray-on, clear in daylight |
| 6. | DecoArt Glow-In-The-Dark Paint | Non-toxic, UV-charged, short-term glow |
| 7. | Neon Nights Glow-In-The-Dark Paint | 8 colors, water-based acrylic |
1. SpaceBeams Glow-In-The-Dark Paint Aurora Bright Green
The Aurora glow-in-the-dark paint by ScapeBeams is a non-toxic, water-based, and also non-flammable paint. Safety is guaranteed regardless of the application or where you want to paint.
The formula is made tough for outdoor use, and it is okay to put varnish over it for enhanced longevity. This paint is rechargeable by direct sunlight, though it is UV or blacklight that gives amazing results.
Its daylight color is cream or off-white and it glows bright fluorescent green once all lights are out. There is also a bright blue version.
Aurora paint literally outshines the rest when it comes to glowing intensity. It holds the most potent charge that produces the most brilliant glow that can last for hours on end.
It has a thick but smooth consistency that is easy to apply.
2. TechnoGlow Glow-In-The-Dark Paint – Bright Blue
TechnoGlow’s acrylic-based luminescent paint is permanent. It stays fixated for the longest time, making it ideal for an outdoor glow. There are also light blue and green versions.
Consequently, it is the best paint for permanent surfaces like concrete, though it will adhere to wood, metal, stone, and other surfaces too. For the brightest glow, layer up several coats against a white primer as a background.
With good quality light, whether artificial or natural, the paints recharge in less than two hours, and a couple of minutes for a blacklight.
It yields a blue glow that lasts all night long. Not only does it glow in total darkness, but the brightness intensifies when a blacklight is introduced.
This is a nice and reliable paint that is non-toxic and safe for you and the environment as well, especially since you’ll want to use them outside. You may use a varnish over it to safeguard it from environmental elements. It will hold up for years.
3. Art N Glow Premium Glow-In-The-Dark Acrylic Paint
Art N Glow acrylic-based glow in the dark paint is just like your ordinary acrylic paints except that it is made with premium-grade strontium aluminate powder.
You’ll be delighted to pick from a variety of 14 fluorescent colors, including red, green, sky blue, aqua, orange, yellow, purple, and more.
It contains both blacklight-reactive pigments as well as a phosphorescent pigment in its composition. It produces a brilliant glow in the dark and shines even brighter with a blacklight.
This paint charges perfectly with regular artificial or natural sunlight, but for outstanding results, it is better to give it a charge boost with some blacklight. You must also apply it on a white backdrop in multiple layers for the glow to really pop.
Art n’ glow paint will appear clear barely there during the day but emerge into a white luminance in total darkness. Some specific colors like green seem to produce a higher quality glow when fully charged and applied as per instructions than others. So you can expect glow brightness variation between colors.
The paint can glow for anything from 6 to 12 hours.
4. FolkArt Best Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint For Wood
Looking to get some outdoor wooden items lit? This version of Folkart paints is the best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint for wood.
It goes on neutral during the day with only a hint of yellow but glows into a luminous yellow when engulfed in darkness. It is perfect not only for wood but terracotta and a variety of other hard porous surfaces.
The formula is smooth and creamy like FolkArt’s many other acrylic paints and is very easy to brush on. It is necessary to apply a minimum of three coats or more coats for optimal results.
The FolkArt glow in the dark paints work with any type of light for activation but bright direct UV light will produce the most intense glow.
You must charge it for very long hours. Even still, you shouldn’t expect sheer brilliance. Just a decent glow in a very dark setting or with a blacklight.
The biggest downside with this paint is that the glow fades quickly, in a few minutes to an hour to be precise. You have to recharge it frequently. It could be ideal for occasional decorations.
5. Rust-Oleum Glow-In-The-Dark Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum is a brand to reckon with when it comes to paints. Among its specialty paints is this glow-in-the-dark max.
It is the best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint for those who prefer the quick, easy, fast-drying application alternative to brushes.
The paint glows wonderfully when applied on a variety of surfaces correctly. This includes shaking the can well before spraying, starting with a bright white undercoat, applying multiple coats, and giving it a good charge.
You might use sunlight, but this will take very many hours to activate the paint. For excellent effects, you’ll need UV light and either complete darkness or black light. It will not glow even with the dimmest light visible or nearby. It must be all black.
For outdoor use, you’ll have to refresh the paint occasionally with a new coat.
6. DecoArt Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
This glow-in-the-dark paint from the DecoArt range of paints will add luminosity to a variety of objects, including ceramic planters, pumpkins, and even highlighting murals on your walls.
It is non-toxic as per the US standards of safety. The paint is mixable with transparent acrylic paints in a one-to-one ratio, but it is best used on its own.
You can use any light to recharge this paint. It doesn’t require any special lights. However, you will achieve the best results with UV lights or blacklights at close range and for a couple of hours.
It is recommended that you paint it on a white background for the glow to really shine.During daylight, this paint appears milky with greenish-yellow tints and a light lemon glow in pitch darkness.
This is a decorative glow and will therefore not last for more than two hours before needing to be recharged again.
7. Neon Nights Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
If you are an enthusiastic artist who wants to mix up colors, then you’ll love the neon nights glow-in-the-dark paints.
You get 8 different flamboyant tones including, red, blue, white, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple.
They are fantastic for detail highlighting on outdoor walls or objects but impractical for extensive coverage.
The paints are acrylic water-based luminous glow paints and versatile enough to adhere to wood, metal, plastic, etc.
The application is very straightforward; you just need to apply it on a white primer for the optimal glow. Direct bright lights are the best for activating these paints. You can charge it in sunlight or using UV lights but for a mind-blowing glow, go with blacklights.
And those are the 7 best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints to add flair to your outdoor space. Remember your glow will last as long as you apply and charge the paint correctly.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the quality of light and the duration needed. The proximity of the object to the light also matters.
Blacklight is known to provide good quality light for glow-in-the-dark paints to charge and produce the ultimate glow that you desire, followed by a UV light and lastly natural light or ordinary light bulbs.
A common reason why your glow in the dark paint might not be working is if you are painting on a dark backdrop. Ensure you always use a white or light-colored primer.
Lastly, glow-in-the-dark paints are made differently from blacklight reactive paints and will never achieve their kind of light intensity. It is always good to adjust your expectations accordingly to have fun with this type of paint.
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FAQs
How long does FolkArt glow in the dark paint last? ›
Glow lasts 3-4 hours after dark depending on how much sun there is. I'm pleased with the results but you have to go into it knowing it will take mass layers. Paint layers each take 3 hours to dry.
What is the brightest longest lasting glow in the dark paint? ›Longest Glows
Aurora's glow lasts the longest – One quick charge will last all night long! In our tests Aurora can glow for up to 24 hours if used properly (3+mm thickness) and charged well under UV light (direct sunlight or a UV flashlight).
The brighter the neon color the greater the chance that the item will glow. Fluorescent green, pink, yellow, and orange are the safest bets. You can get lucky with some purple, red and blue colors though these colors tend to be a little more hit and miss.
How many years does glow in the dark paint last? ›If it's stored properly and left unopened, glow-in-the-dark paint can last between three and five years. Once it's applied, it can glow for about 10 years. It may last a little longer if you use a primer and top coat with it and apply it to an indoor surface as opposed to an outdoor one.
What's the best glow in the dark material? ›Europium and dysprosium doped strontium aluminate is the latest generation of glow powders, It glow longer and brighter than previous types of glow powder such as the zinc sulfide. The most widely used glow powder today.
Why won t my glow in the dark paint glow? ›You need to use a bright light not a dim one! Charging is more about light quality and less about the length of time you charge it for. The paint is constantly discharging light even during the day, when you can't see the glow. For this reason charging it up all day isn't going to make it brighter at night.
How do you make glow in the dark paint last longer? ›For best results, charge with an ultraviolet flashlight, black light, or the sun. Household lights will not charge the glow paint to its full potential so please charge your painting with one of our ultraviolet lights or the sun for the brightest, longest lasting glow!
Does glow in the dark paint need sunlight? ›The object should be charged under direct sunlight or artificial light for 2-3 hours for maximum glow. For optimal glow, charge in direct light. Keep in mind, leaving an object outside will not provide consistent direct light for charging.
What is the difference between neon and glow-in-the-dark paint? ›Fluorescent colors appear intense in daylight but will not be visible in the dark unless exposed to a black light. Phosphorescent pigments will glow in the dark but only after being exposed to a light source, including sunlight or by placing under a light bulb.
What's the difference between UV and glow in the dark? ›Glow emits light after being charged with an external light source, while UV treatments reflect existing ultraviolet light from the sun.
What color shines the brightest in the dark? ›
Structures in the eye called rods help us to see during low-light situations and yellow is the most visible color from a distance in darkness. This is one reason why taxi cabs are often yellow.
How long does Rust Oleum glow-in-the-dark paint last? ›Rust-Oleum® Specialty Glow In The Dark Max is a superior luminous paint that creates a glowing effect in the dark after being charged by natural or artificial light. Glow In The Dark Max glows 2 times stronger than the leading glow in the dark paint*. Glowing effect can last up to 4-8 hours under optimal conditions.
Does Sherwin Williams make glow-in-the-dark paint? ›Parker Paint Flex Glow Interior/Exterior 100% Acrylic Enamel | SherwinWilliams.
How do you make glow-in-the-dark paint thicker? ›So, one part of powder to two parts of paint. Remember that the more powder you use the thicker the paint will get!
Does glow paint wash off? ›Non-toxic water based paint that dries quick. Washes off easily with soap and water. Do not use on fabric as it might stain.
Is 14 year old paint still good? ›In particular, an unopened can of latex or acrylic paint lasts up to 10 years. For unopened paints that are oil-based or alkyd-based, the shelf life could be up to 15 years. Additionally, chalk paint has a shorter lifespan from 1-3 years, and milk paint only lasts 1-2 weeks after its mixed.
Will the sun charge glow-in-the-dark paint? ›The easy answer to this question is that yes the sun will absolutely charge any glow in the dark material very well. That being said, there is more to consider when planning to use phosphorescent materials outdoors.
What is the longest lasting glow in the dark material? ›Strontium Aluminates are now the longest lasting and brightest phosphorescent material commercially available. For many phosphorescence-based purposes, strontium aluminate is a superior phosphor to its predecessor, copper-activated zinc sulfide, being about 10 times brighter and 10 times longer glowing.
How do you make homemade glow-in-the-dark paint? ›To make the DIY fluorescent paint, just create a mixture in each mason jar of 1:2, with one part powder to two parts paint. The more powder you use, the thicker the paint will be. Next, “charge” the paint by placing it in a sunny window or by using a flashlight. The more light you expose it to, the longer it will glow!
What glow-in-the-dark paint doesn't need to be charged? ›neon nights Black Light Acrylic Paint Set
Unlike glow in the dark paints, these paints do not need to be charged, nor will they fade.
Can I put glow in the dark on all colors? ›
The most common colors to use are fluorescent orange, green, yellow and pink. White glows in a blueish looking color underneath black lights. There are some blue and purple colors that will glow but not always. Keep in mind that even though objects are neon colored not all materials will glow in the dark.
Can you mix regular paint with glow in the dark paint? ›I recommended you apply the glow paint over the acrylic paint and not mix the two together. What is this? Also, the glow paint works best when the acrylic paint under layer is a lighter color, like white.
What chemical makes paint glow in the dark? ›luminous paint, paint that glows in the dark because it contains a phosphor, a substance that emits light for a certain length of time after exposure to an energy source, such as ultraviolet radiation. Zinc sulfide and calcium sulfide are such phosphors.
What ingredient makes paint glow in the dark? ›Phosphorescent paint is commonly called "glow-in-the-dark" paint. It is made from phosphors such as silver-activated zinc sulfide or doped strontium aluminate, and typically glows a pale green to greenish-blue color.
What does glow in the dark paint look like under black light? ›Fluorescent paint appears a bright neon color under normal daylight or other visible light, and glows brilliantly under black light.
Do you need a black light for a glow in the dark party? ›Black Lights are essential to your Glow Party. They will allow neon colors and glow sticks to really stand out, creating bright and colorful scenery. They will also be a source of light at your party. Hang a few black lights around the party space.
Which UV light is the strongest? ›A: UVC radiation is the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum. UVC radiation from the sun does not reach the earth's surface because it is blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Thus, the only way that humans can be exposed to UVC radiation is from an artificial source like a lamp or laser.
Which UV light is most harmful? ›Short-wavelength UVC is the most damaging type of UV radiation. However, it is completely filtered by the atmosphere and does not reach the earth's surface. Medium-wavelength UVB is very biologically active but cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers.
What's the best UV to lay out in? ›So what UV index is best for tanning? It actually depends on each person's skin phototype, but generally, you'll encounter less risks if you tan at under level 7. It's not advisable to go beyond that range because you increase the risk of sun damage, especially if you're on the paler side.
What color is most reflective at night? ›(And, of course, reflective stripes for nighttime visibility.) As mentioned above, fluorescent yellow-green is the best choice during the day—and best all-around choice for a single color. But as dusk sets in and lighting gets dim, orange-red and red start to become more prominent.
What color is most visible from a distance? ›
Most Visible Colors From a Distance
Some wavelengths are easier for the human eye to recognize. And some others are not. In daylight, green is the most visible color from a distance for human eyes.
Green, the mixture of blue and yellow, can be seen everywhere and in countless shades. In fact, the human eye sees green better than any color in the spectrum.
How long does Rust Oleum glow in the dark paint last? ›Rust-Oleum® Specialty Glow In The Dark Max is a superior luminous paint that creates a glowing effect in the dark after being charged by natural or artificial light. Glow In The Dark Max glows 2 times stronger than the leading glow in the dark paint*. Glowing effect can last up to 4-8 hours under optimal conditions.
Does Sherwin Williams make glow in the dark paint? ›Parker Paint Flex Glow Interior/Exterior 100% Acrylic Enamel | SherwinWilliams.
What is the difference between neon and glow in the dark paint? ›Fluorescent colors appear intense in daylight but will not be visible in the dark unless exposed to a black light. Phosphorescent pigments will glow in the dark but only after being exposed to a light source, including sunlight or by placing under a light bulb.
Why doesn't my glow in the dark paint work? ›You need to use a bright light not a dim one! Charging is more about light quality and less about the length of time you charge it for. The paint is constantly discharging light even during the day, when you can't see the glow. For this reason charging it up all day isn't going to make it brighter at night.
How do you make permanent glow in the dark paint? ›- Open a highlighter and remove the felt. Using a pair of pliers, break open the end of a non-toxic highlighter. ...
- Run water through the felt. Place a cup or jar in your sink. ...
- Place cornstarch in a bowl. ...
- Add highlighter water. ...
- Add food coloring. ...
- Use your paint and let dry. ...
- Watch it glow.
There are different types of glow-in-the-dark paint. One type can be charged during the day and can glow for hours in the dark at night. The charging that happens during the day, for example by sunlight, is stored in the paint for some time, just like in the battery of a phone.
Will glow in the dark paint glow without blacklight? ›No UV Lighting needed! Super Phosphorescent Pigment is a rechargeable luminous product made out of alkaline earth aluminate activated by rare earth ions. These charge by light and emit an afterglow for hours without the need of any UV lighting.
Does glow in the dark paint need UV? ›UV Black Light Products need a UV black light source to fluoresce – (glow). Glow in the dark products use UV light to soak up energy, then will glow without the light.
What is the difference between UV paint and glow in the dark paint? ›
UV Black Light Products have a consistent glow, but glow in the dark products start off with a strong glow effect and their glow intensity diminishes over time.
What type of paint glows under a blacklight? ›Black light paint or black light fluorescent paint is luminous paint that glows under a black light. It is based on pigments that respond to light in the ultraviolet segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. The paint may or may not be colorful under ordinary light.