How to Make Glow in the Dark Art Glow
There’s something cool about art that comes to life after dark right? Kids are drawn to glow in the dark pretty much anything like little moths to a flame. Glow in the dark paintings add a whole new dimension to a bedroom wall, but getting the perfect glow sometimes takes more than just turning off the lights. Here's how to make your glow in the dark art glow.
How Does the Glow Work?
Glow in the dark materials work through a process called phosphorescence. During the day (or under light), the glowing pigment absorbs energy. Then, in the dark, that energy is slowly released as visible light.
The pigments I use can glow for around 10 hours after being charged. But the strength and duration of that glow also depend on how well they’re charged and the place they’re in.
What's the Best Way to Charge Glow in the Dark Art?
The glow you see at night depends on how much light the pigments absorbed beforehand. Not all light sources are equal, though. Here’s what works best:
Best Light Sources to Charge With:
UV or Black Light
UV light gives the pigments a high-energy charge in a short time. You can use a party light or UV strip mounted close to the painting. Flood type UV lights around 395nm are also good.Direct Sunlight
Natural sunlight is strong and effective. Just a few minutes of sun exposurfully. Take care not to keep the painting in constant sunlight through, my paintings are sealed but constant sunlight can fade colours eventually. Depending on the time between sundown and the you see the night though you may need to top up the glow before bedtime with bright room lights...-
LED or Fluorescent Room Lights
These work well. White LED bulbs (cool white/blue-toned light) are better than warm yellow ones, the difference is not much though.A bright 2000 - 3000 lumen torch is also great for a fast charge as well.
Tip: Avoid incandescent bulbs - they emit too little UV to do much charging.
Where’s the Best Place to Hang It?
Location matters if you want your glow art to charge and shine properly.
During the Day:
Hang it in a bright room, preferably one with natural sunlight.
If daylight isn’t an option, install a nearby UV or bright LED light to ensure consistent charging.
At Night:
Make sure it’s displayed in a completely dark room for best effect.
Make sure no other light source is interfering - even dim ambient light can overpower the glow details.
🌌 How to View Glow Art at Night
To experience your glow in the dark art:
Charge it before dark using by using one of the listed lighting options.
Turn off all lights and let your eyes adjust to the darkness, this can take a few minutes.
Use no flashlights or phones when viewing.
Optional: Use dark curtains or blinds if you're setting up a room specifically for viewing glow art - especially needed in cities with strong streetlights.