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Though glow-in-the-dark paint is nothing new, this funky art medium continues to be popular for a variety of craft projects. It’s available in varying amounts, colors, and types, which makes it difficult to choose the right paint for your job. To help you with you choose the right product, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best glow-in-the-dark paints on Amazon. Learn more about our top five recommendations below.
Compare Top Glow-in-the-Dark Paints
| Product | Paint Type | Colors | Quantity | Bottle Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon Nights UV Body Paint Set | Body paint | Eight different colors | 20 milliliters of each color | Screw-top container |
| Individuall Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set | Acrylic paint | Eight different colors | 20 milliliters of each color | Screw-top container |
| FolkArt Neutral Glow-in-the-Dark Paint | Acrylic paint | White | 8 ounces | Squeeze bottle |
| TULIP Metallic Fabric Paint | Fabric paint | Six metallic colors | 1.25 ounces of eachcolor | Squeeze bottle |
| HXDZFX Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment | Paint powder | 12 different colors | 20 grams of each color | Screw-top container |
| Product | Paint Type | Colors | Quantity | Bottle Type |
Best Body Paint: Neon Nights UV Body Paint Set
Neon Nights UV Body Paint Set
- $12.63
- $18.08
- 31% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Painting yourself or others can be a fun activity, with glow-in-the-dark only adding to the experience. This set comes with eight bottles that all feature a different glowing color to achieve the exact vibe you’re looking for. You can apply the paint using a paintbrush or fingertip.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can remove from skin and fabric with soap and water
✔ Comes with eight bottles of varying colors
✔ Is meant for Halloween, music festivals, and more
✘ Not suitable for fabric
✘ Is not made in the United States
What Customers Are Saying
Positively, customers liked the bright, long-lasting glow that this UV body paint provided when it was applied correctly. However, some users were confused by the directions, as they didn’t understand that they needed a UV light to charge and activate the glowing effect of the paint.
Best Outdoor Paint: Individuall Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set
Individuall Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set
- $15.59
- $22.99
- 33% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
For maximum versatility, this set of glow in the dark acrylic paint comes with eight 20mL bottles of uniquely colored paints that are safe for a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces. The neon effect is designed to appear as vibrant colors during the daytime and then glow bright at night.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can apply multiple layers for more color and glow intensity
✔ Comes with 5.4 total ounces of paint across eight bottles
✔ Has screw-on caps to keep the paint from spilling
✘ Requires a primer and top coat if you’re painting an outdoor surface
✘ Is not safe for skin
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers valued the consistency of this glow-in-the-dark paint, adding that it didn’t feel too thin or too thick. The brightness of the glow was also in line with many customers’ expectations. However, some unsatisfied customers thought that the paint didn’t apply smoothly. Others were upset that the containers didn’t hold more paint.
Best Neutral Paint: FolkArt Neutral Glow-in-the-Dark Paint
FolkArt Neutral Glow-in-the-Dark Paint
- $5.87
- $8.29
- 30% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
If you want to add a touch of glow to a DIY project, this high-quality neutral glow-in-the-dark paint dries clear so that it won’t change the item’s appearance. Painting multiple layers will create a stronger effect. You can use it on paper, canvas, wood, foam, and other materials.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in an eight-ounce bottle to cover a large surface
✔ Has a neutral color that complements any project
✔ Is made in the United States
✘ Comes in few color choices
✘ Needs to charge under a light to glow
What Customers Are Saying
Although many users had to apply more than one coat of this glow-in-the-dark paint to achieve the level of glow that they desired, they thought that the result was worth the effort. Conversely, some users struggled to get their project to glow despite applying multiple coats and charging the paint in the sun.
Best Fabric Paint: TULIP Fabric Paint
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in squeeze bottles with fine tips for easy application
✔ Gives fabric a 3D design
✔ Comes in other colors
✘ Needs to dry for 72 hours before you can wash the fabric
✘ Can’t wash the fabric with fabric softener
What Customers Are Saying
Many positive customer reviews highlighted the bright glow and fast drying time of this glow-in-the-dark fabric paint. While the glowing effect didn’t last as long as some users wished, the brightness of the initial glow was satisfactory. Some users also thought that the paint bottles were too small.
Best Pigment Powder: HXDZFX Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment Powder
HXDZFX Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment Powder
- $16.99
- $22.95
- 26% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Ideal for dedicated artists who want to add a lot of glow to their projects, this set comes with 12 concentrated, colored powders. You can add a few teaspoons of one or more powders to your water-based paint or nail polish to create your ideal glow and color.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can control the potency of the glow by using more or less powder
✔ Can also add to slime, epoxy, or nail polish
✔ Has a non-toxic formula that’s safe for the environment and you
✘ Requires mixing
✘ Can spill the powder easily
What Customers Are Saying
Due to the color options and powerful glow of these powders, many customers thought that this set was a good value. However, some dissatisfied customers mentioned that they had to frequently shine a black light over the powder to maintain a strong glow.
Buyer’s Guide
Manufacturers offer similar glow-in-the-dark paints. As long as you choose a paint that has your desired color and works on your surface, you can’t go wrong for your next paint project. However, for the best results, here are a few additional factors you can keep in mind during your search.
Type
Glow-in-the-dark paint is sold as a liquid—similar to traditional paint—or as a powder. Powder is useful if you want to control how much the object glows or add a luminous effect to regular paint. For convenience, many people choose pre-mixed glow-in-the-dark paint.
Intended Material
Acrylic paint sets usually works on a variety of materials that you may use for art projects, such as wood, glass, and metal. You can also find paint that’s specifically designed for fabric or skin. Read the description of the paint you’re considering to make sure that it works on the material you’re decorating.
Size
Most glow-in-the-dark paints are sold in sets with several 20- or 40-milliliter bottles of varying colors. If you only need one color, you can find larger singular bottles. If you have a lot of material to paint or need to apply multiple coats to your project, consider purchasing more than one set or bottle.
Color
Most glow-in-the-dark paint is sold in a set with multiple colors. You can use these colors as is or mix them with each other to create a custom hue. Lime green, highlighter yellow, and other neon colors are common, but you can find some neutral liquids and powders if you want your surface to look normal until nighttime.
Lasting Effect
After activating the glowing effect using a light source like sunlight or artificial light, glow-in-the-dark paint can glow for several minutes or hours. This timeframe usually depends on the concentration of the phosphorus in the paint, which provides the glow. A sign of a concentrated paint is a high price tag. Some manufacturers even tell you how much phosphorus is in their paint, measuring it in microns. There is a trade-off with more phosphorus, though, as it gives the paint a grainy texture.
Ease of Use
Some glow-in-the-dark paints come in a squeeze bottle that’s similar to a traditional bottle of glue. Using the fine tip, you can direct the paint to where you want it. Other glow-in-the-dark paints come in containers with a screw top. After removing the cap, you can dip a small paintbrush inside.
Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Tips
If you’re an experienced painter, you won’t have an issue using glow-in-the-dark paint. However, those who are using glow-in-the-dark paint for the first time may benefit from the below tips to ensure an evenly applied, long-lasting glow.
- Expect the paint to go on completely or nearly invisible, especially for the first coat or two. Working in a dark room with a bright light may make it easier to see exactly where you’re applying the glow-in-the-dark paint.
- Apply a thin, smooth layer of paint with each coat. If you don’t mind wasting some of your glow-in-the-dark paint, use some on an inconspicuous area first to practice.
- Use a toothbrush or toothpick to manipulate the glow-in-the-dark paint into a 3D-like design. There are several glow-in-the-dark painting tutorials online that demonstrate this technique.
- If you’re using a particular paint for the first time, try it on a smaller project or an inconspicuous area of a project. That way, you don’t ruin the artwork that you have been working on for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glow-in-the-dark paint toxic?
Since most glow-in-the-dark paint uses non-toxic phosphorus, it’s considered safe. However, like with any type of paint, you shouldn’t ingest it.
Will glow-in-the-dark paint stain my clothes?
Many glow-in-the-dark paints dry on your clothing and come off in small flakes. However, it can take a considerable amount of effort to get it to flake off, so we recommend wearing clothes that you don’t mind soiling.
How long 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 applying it for outdoor use.
How many coats of glow-in-the-dark paint do I need to apply?
Most manufacturers recommend applying three coats of glow-in-the-dark paint to achieve the maximum glowing effect. Let the paint dry for at least 10-15 minutes before applying another coat.
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FAQs
The 5 Best Glow-in-the-Dark Paints (2023 Review)? ›
WHICH COLORS GLOW UNDER BLACK LIGHTS? When selecting what to wear for a black light party you want to find glow party outfits and materials that are either white or fluorescent. The brighter the neon color the greater the chance that the item will glow. Fluorescent green, pink, yellow, and orange are the safest bets.
What are the best glow in the dark colors? ›WHICH COLORS GLOW UNDER BLACK LIGHTS? When selecting what to wear for a black light party you want to find glow party outfits and materials that are either white or fluorescent. The brighter the neon color the greater the chance that the item will glow. Fluorescent green, pink, yellow, and orange are the safest bets.
What paint glows in the dark the longest? ›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).
What is the best glow in the dark material? ›Strontium Aluminate
The most widely used glow powder today.
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 applying it for outdoor use.
What is the brightest glow in the dark? ›Green is the most popular glow in the dark paint we make. This is due largely to the fact that it has the longest and brightest glow of all phosphorescent paint colors.
What color glows the brightest? ›Green and Yellow Glow the Brightest
These colours are the purest and therefore the brightest as they contain less fluorescent dye than other colours.
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!
How long does Rustoleum glow in the dark paint last? ›Glowing effect can last up to 4-8 hours under optimal conditions. It can be applied to wood, metal, dry wall, ceramic, plastic and more. For use on indoor and outdoor objects. Periodic re-application may be needed for outdoor use.
Does glow in the dark paint need sunlight? ›Glow in the dark materials DO need a charge
3-4 mins of ultra violet (black) light. 7-8 mins of direct sunlight.
Is there a permanent glow in the dark? ›
There is no such thing as permanent glow in the dark paint. All glow in the dark paints will eventually fade over time.
What glow in the dark paint doesn t need light? ›GLO Effex Super Phosphorescent glow in the dark pigment is a rechargeable luminous product made out of alkaline earth strontium aluminate activated by rare earth ions. These charge by light and emit an afterglow for hours without the need of any UV lighting.
What are the different types of glow in the dark? ›Luminescence comes in several different forms, including chemiluminescence, radioluminescence, phosphorescence, and bioluminescence. Each type of luminescence is created in a different way. Phosphorescence is the kind of luminescence that uses phosphors to make something glow in the dark.
How many layers of glow in the dark paint? ›Glow can be achieved in as little as one or 2 coats, but for the ultimate glow, you can apply up to 5 layers of Super Glow paint. Make sure to allow approximately one hour dry-time between each coat.
Does glow in the dark paint really work? ›In fact, the charging of your glow-in-the-dark paint is done by other types of light. The invisible UV light with lots of energy can charge the special phosphors in your paint and make it glow in your bedroom at night. There are different types of glow-in-the-dark paint.
What paint illuminates at night? ›PHOSPHORESCENT paints: also called Photoluminescent, are those that after absorbing the light, will glow-in-the-dark when the lights go out. FLUORESCENT paints: also called Neon paints are made in very bright colors.
What is the green stuff that glows in the dark? ›Manufacturers choose phosphors that emit green to get the brightest apparent glow. The other reason green is a common color is because the most common affordable and non-toxic phosphor glows green. The green phosphor also glows the longest. It's simple safety and economics!
Can you paint a car with glow in the dark paint? ›Yes! You can make your car glow at night with the help of glow-in-the-dark paints. It is not new and has been available for some time. One of the most common applications is the glow-paint for cars.
What color is brightest to humans? ›This, combined with the neuronal nirvana resulting from the overlapping sensitivity of the red and green cones, is why yellow appears to be the brightest color in the spectrum, making it a unique and useful color.
What color is the most powerful light? ›When it comes to visible light, the highest frequency color, which is violet, also has the most energy. The lowest frequency of visible light, which is red, has the least energy.
Can you wash off glow in the dark paint? ›
The glow paint can easily be removed with soap and water. You can easily wipe off the glow paint with a damp cloth as well. It does not leave any stain on the body or the surface where it is used.
Can you seal glow in the dark paint? ›Using a clear sealer or top coat can indeed add an extra layer of protection and gloss to your painted rocks. Techno Glow's glow paint is formulated to endure for years in outdoor conditions, but applying a weather-resistant and non-yellowing sealer can help to increase its lifespan.
Does glow in the dark spray paint glow under black light? ›If it says fluorescent, it will glow under black light. There are Fluorescent choices in Versatex Printing Ink, Setacolor Transparent, and Jacquard Textile Colors. Any of our Glow-in-the Dark paints will also brightly fluoresce under black light.
What color charges glow in the dark best? ›Glow in the dark materials DO need a charge
Remember, the phosphors need to absorb light to re-emit light and some light is better absorbed than others. Ultra violet light works best and charges in the fastest time.
- Lavender. Lavender has warmer tones, which makes it great for adding some brightness to a dark room. ...
- Sunny Yellow. When you don't have much natural light, yellow is a great way to recreate that feeling with artificial light. ...
- Powder Blue. ...
- Bright Orange. ...
- Soft Gray. ...
- Pink.
While there are potentially many colors that might be used to make phosphorescent (or glow-in-the-dark) items, yellow-green is by far the most popular and most common color .
Which colors make you glow? ›Orange and Gold
Any shade you choose will give you a healthy glow. If you're lucky enough to have a natural tan, this is a great color for you because orange will bring out the brown and red tint in your skin.
Place the object close to the charge source for the brightest and longest glow. This will help to ensure that the object is fully charged and will glow for a more extended period.
What is the best way to activate glow in the dark? ›The best way to charge glow in the dark objects is with ultraviolet light (Blacklight). Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light so it can penetrate the phosphor more deeply. This means that more of the phosphor's atoms are excited and emitting photons, resulting in a brighter glow.
Does glow in the dark wear out? ›When the chemicals wear out (usually around 15 years later), the light dies off. Another glow material that glows by chemical reaction is light sticks. The ones that you bend and shake to produce light. This lasts only a few hours.
What colors make a room look bigger and brighter? ›
Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
What color paint makes a room look brighter? ›Go for pale shades of grey and blue for maximum lightening effect. If it's warmth you're after, don't be afraid to use light terracotta or yellow paint colours – a sunny hue can brighten and warm a dark, dingy space. Just be careful not to clutter the room with brown furniture so the scheme doesn't become overpowering.
What color stands out the most 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.
Does glow in the dark paint glow without blacklight? ›Does glow in the dark paint work without a blacklight? Yes. All you need is to use phosphorescent paint! Phosphorescent paint is a type of paint that contains phosphors, which are materials that absorb and store energy from an external light source.
Does purple glow in the dark? ›Purple: As mentioned earlier, purple is the most common color to glow under black light. It's often associated with mystery and magic, making it perfect for spooky parties or haunted houses.
What is the green substance that glows in the dark? ›Phosphorus. Phosphorus, like plutonium, glows because it is reacting with oxygen in the air. Phosphors and phosphorus glow an eerie green.
What is the most attractive color? ›When it comes to the most preferred colors, blue is mentioned in all 15 studies, red in 10 of them, and green in 5. As for the least preferred colors, yellow is mentioned in eight studies, while orange and green-yellow are mentioned in five studies each.
What color makes people feel the best? ›Happy colors are usually thought to be bright, warm shades, like yellow, orange, pink and red, or pastels, like peach, light pink and lilac. The brighter and lighter the color, the happier and more optimistic it can make you feel.
What color makes you look the prettiest? ›Scientists have revealed that wearing the colour red will make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Studies reveal that red is the most attractive colour to both men and women but, curiously, the two genders are attracted to the same colour for different reasons.