10 Tips for Painting With Glow-in-the-Dark Paints

10 Tips for Painting with Glow-in-the-Dark Paints

1. Most glow-in-the-dark paints are invisible after the first few coats. It is best to apply the neutral shade of glow-in-the-dark paint in 2 - 3 coats so it won't show against a colored background. At the same time, however, this layered paint can take on the shade of the background it's applied to. This may sound complicated, but take a look at the image below, where you can see it clearly. In daylight, the painting shows shades of blue, green, and yellow-green. After it dried, a layer of glow-in-the-dark acrylic medium (which has a neutral phosphorescent shade) was applied to the canvas. In the dark, it picked up the shades of the background colors.

2. The rule is: the lighter the background, the brighter the fluorescent paints. Compare the image below: the first row shows 2 coats of fluorescent paint on a white background, and the second row shows the same paint on a black base.

3. Use less paint than usual. Apply the glow-in-the-dark paint in a thin layer, then add more if needed. This method prevents the edges of each brush stroke from showing and helps the paint glow evenly.

4. Use UV light to check that your brushstrokes are even while the paint is still wet. Or step into a darker room as you paint :) To make sure the coating is even, use glow-in-the-dark spray, which is also ideal for larger areas.

5. After applying each layer, let your artwork dry for 10-15 minutes. If you apply a new coat before the previous one is dry, the brushstrokes will stand out in the dark and may be distracting. If you don't want to wait, feel free to use a hair dryer or a hobby heat gun. On the other hand, this way of painting can give your artwork a more dimensional effect, because the brushstrokes will have different shades. The choice is yours :)

6. Many artists are happy with one coat of glow in the dark paints, but if you want a brighter effect, add another coat or two. If you'd like to paint a night sky with fluorescent paints, use a toothbrush and a toothpick to give your artwork a three-dimensional effect. Cover the rest of the painting with paper when splattering to keep it clean. This technique makes the objects stand out more.

7. To make your artwork stand out, you need to “charge” it under UV light, or in the sun. A regular lamp works too, but the effect lasts only a few hours, and the glow gradually fades.

8. Experiment and have fun! Don't be afraid to try new things. In addition to fluorescent acrylic paints, I also recommend using a glow-in-the-dark medium. You can work wonders with it by mixing it into any acrylic paint, transparent, semi-transparent, or light opaque paint.

9. For dark opaque paint, apply this medium on top. There are thousands of other ways to use glow-in-the-dark paints. Use them on ceramics, wood, textiles, and home decorations, pour them into crystal resin, or make your own fishing lures. Have any other ideas? Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram.

10. My final idea is a classic summer inspiration. Try fluorescent liner paint or fluorescent markers to paint, for example, mandalas on rocks or candle holders to brighten up your summer evening get-togethers.

Working with phosphorescent paints is a great way to add a new dimension to your artwork. Give them a try and see how much fun you can have with them.

Wishing you a creative summer, Ingrid