With our 20-year experience in the photoluminescence industry, we have developed a general guide to help our clients who are interested in making glow in the dark paint or other coating products. Please know that these guidelines can only be referred to when using Zhejiang Minhui Luminous Technology Co., Ltd (MINHUI)’s photoluminescent pigments, and you might need to adjust certain parameters during actual production. In the following text, glow in the dark paint and photoluminescent paint will be used interchangeably.

A brief introduction of glow in the dark paint

     As a functional paint, photoluminescent paint is formulated with photoluminescent pigments, binders and various additives. After being coated on the object, it can glow in the dark continuously for 12 hours after absorbing light for 10-30 minutes. Its light absorption and light emission ability can be infinitely cycled. It’s great for acting as emergency lighting, indicating signs and decorations.

     To avoid damaging the crystal structure of the photoluminescent pigment and the attenuation of its luminescent properties during the process, do not use processing methods like metal grinding and barreling. Because the pigment will be dispersed in the medium after some time, we recommend using the paint right after making it.

How to make glow in the dark paint

1. Which kind of medium you should choose

     When the photoluminescent paint is used, it will form into a layer of film, the light absorption function is then realized by the particles of the photoluminescent pigment. The color of the varnish has an influence on its luminance brightness. Thus the medium that bonds the pigments together should have good light transmittance ability and no opacity. The basic principle of selecting coating medium is to choose colorless or light-colored resin or varnish.

     Because the photoluminescent pigment is strontium aluminate, which is alkalescent, it’s better to source medium that are neutral or alkalescent.

     Recommended types of resin/varnish for making glow in the dark paint: epoxy resin, polyurethane resin (or varnish), amino varnish, polyester resin (or varnish), acrylic resin (or varnish), hydroxyl acrylic resin, acrylic polyurethane varnish (two-component), light colored alkyd resin varnish, fluorocarbon paint, etc.

2. Which kind and how much of photoluminescent pigment you should use

     The photoluminescent pigments produced by MINHUI are classified into A, B, C, D, E, etc. according to particle size. In a broad scene, all these sizes can be used for making photoluminescent paint. However, due to the characteristics of paint, we recommend using photoluminescent pigments of particle size C or D. For models that is suitable for making glow in the dark paint, please visit Photoluminscent Pigment For Paint.

     If the paint is water-based or the final product may be exposed to water for a long time, we recommend choosing MINHUI's MH-**W series, which is encapsulated waterproof photoluminescent pigments. (Non-waterproof pigments will be slowly hydrolyzed when soaked in water for a long time, and gradually lose their luminescent properties).

     Dosage of photoluminescent pigment: The amount of photoluminescent pigment should be decided according to the required luminous brightness and luminous time. The recommended ratio is 20-50% (weight ratio) and usually 30% is a relatively ideal ratio.

3. Mixing Techniques

     Photoluminescent pigments cannot be grounded; and three-roll mills and grinding mechanisms cannot be used to make photoluminescent paints. To disperse the pigments,use enamel or glass-lined containers with a high-speed mixer, or ball-milling with non-metal-lined equipment. High-speed dispersion machine or mixer is recommended to make glow in the dark paint. The pigments can also be dispersed in paint manually.

     Put the resin or varnish into the container, add the auxiliary agent and start stirring, then add the anti-settling agent and photoluminescent pigment in turn under the stirring state (note that the rotation speed is slow at this time). After adding the photoluminescent pigment, increase the speed until the pigment is evenly dispersed in the medium. Filter the mixture and now you get perfect glow in the dark paint.

     Note: Add diluent to adjust the viscosity of the photoluminescent paint to suit your application. Do not use additives containing heavy metal compounds.

The application of glow in the dark paint

     After necessary treatment of the substrate before construction, use white paint as a primer before using glow in the dark paint to improve the brightness and luminous time. White paint and photoluminescent paint preferably to be the same kind of paint.

     The construction method of the photoluminescent paint is the same as that of ordinary paint, which can be applied by brushing, spraying, rolling and scraping. The viscosity of the paint can be adjusted according to different construction processes.

     When the glow in the dark paint reaches a certain thickness, an ideal photoluminescent paint film can be obtained. When the content of photoluminescent pigment in paint is 30%, the photoluminescent coating is 150-200um, which can achieve a relatively good effect. The thicker the coating, the better the luminous effect.

     A layer of varnish on the surface of the photoluminescent layer can improve the gloss and durability of the coating.

     We recommend make the paint according to your actual need, use the paint right after making it. Stir the photoluminescent paint evenly before each use.

     MINHUI’s photoluminescent pigment can also be used for making ink, resin, glass, ceramics, plastics, sign, watches, fabrics and many more. To get more specific and tailored recommendations, please contact our specialist at sales@mphotoluminescent.com or by clicking CONTACT US.