Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile types of paint out there. It can can be used on practically any surface, and most acrylic paints are non-toxic. When you get creative, you can even use it in slime, toys, and make your own glow in the dark paint.
So, will acrylic paint glow in blacklight? Yes! You can make your own glow in the dark and blacklight acrylic paint, or you can purchase especially formulated acrylic paint that will glow in blacklight automatically. There’s also the option of neon acrylic paints, which also offer a glow in the dark result.
In this article we go over how to make your acrylic paint glow in blacklight, and much more! Let’s read on.
What Is a Blacklight and How Does it Work?
A blacklight emits light in the ultraviolet (UV) range of the light spectrum. The reason some paint glows is because it has been made fluorescent and absorbs the UV light. Absorbing all of the UV light produces a glowing effect.
Paint that emits visible light is luminescent or fluorescent paint. This special type of paint absorbs the UV light from the blacklight, which is what makes the visible light being emitted by the treated paint appear to glow.
The good news is that you find acrylic paint with neon properties, which will glow in blacklight or even the dark. Some acrylic paints are especially formulated with ingredients that will glow in blacklight. They are usually neon type color paints, or other “glow” marked paints. Below we go over the best acrylic paints that glow in blacklight.
Glow In the Dark Acrylic Paint
When it comes to acrylic paint, you have two options for obtaining a blacklight or glow in there dark finish. You can either make your own or purchase ready-made paint.
I like to use this Sargent Art Fluorescent Acrylic Paint Set. It comes with 6 colors, and it gives you a nice glow in the dark finish.
You can also make your own blacklight paint. I always use Arteza Acrylic Paints for all my acrylic projects because the quality is artist’s grade premium paint, and it mixes well with the ingredients you need to create your own blacklight paint.
Later down this article, we go over all the steps for making your own DIY Blacklight Acrylic Paint.
How Long Does Glow in the Dark Acrylic Paint Last?
Whether you are using a store bought glow in the dark paint, or made your own with acrylic paint, glow in the dark paint can last up to 10 years.
Regular acrylic paint has no expiration date once painted on, so your painting is guaranteed to last a lifetime with the proper care and protection. If you added a glow in the dark medium, the answer is the same. Acrylic paint is a very reliable type of medium, and your work will not fade away, even if you added glow in the dark additives.
Many people paint glow in the dark paintings, and those also have no expiration date. Once painted and properly sealed, your painting can last decades.
For the DIY glow in the dark paint, it also depends on what ingredients you used, the quality of the paint, and how well it was sealed. A painting on the wall can last decades, while painted clothes may fade after a few uses.
I always recommend sealing your acrylic painted project, to ensure the paint is protected and won’t chip or flake off.
Rust-Oleum is a great brand that has a Glow in The Dark Spray, and this will protect your painting as well as give it an extra glow.
Which Colors Are Most Likely to Glow Under a Blacklight?
There are tons of colors to choose from when painting a blacklight painting. Some are most likely to “glow” better than other, so choosing the right color and paint is very important.
Materials that are either bright white or made with neon or fluorescent materials are most likely to glow, however, and the brighter the color, the better.
This Craftsmart Neon Set is one of my top picks for blacklight and glow in the dark paint. The colors are bright and of neon properties, so the paint will be sure to glow!
Acrylic paint will only glow under a blacklight if it has been treated with special fluorescent additives. These compounds combine with the paint to create a reaction with the ultraviolet of the blacklight by reflecting the colors back quickly. That is what makes them seem to emit a glow, and it doesn’t simply depend on the color.
This Blacklight Paint Medium is what I recommend if you plan on adding it to your acrylic paint. It’s a high gloss medium that offer amazing blacklight results.
There are some other colors that seem more likely to glow under a blacklight, including fluorescent pink, yellow, orange and green. However, the key is not the color, but the treatment given the paint.
If standard acrylic paint has not been treated with a specially colored pigment, it won’t glow on its own. This is also a key reason why the outside and inside walls of most homes generally won’t glow under a blacklight, and why the painted stars in your child’s nursery do.
Treated acrylic paint is also commonly used in bowling alleys for cosmic bowling and in arcades. This gives the bowling alley a space-age feel, and makes it easier for visitors to navigate through the dark rooms or lanes.
There is such a thing as transparent fluorescent paint, also sometimes referred to as invisible fluorescent paint. The colors that are displayed by transparent fluorescent paint under a black light depend entirely on the pigment of the blacklight being used.
This Acrylic Glow in the Dark Paint is my recommendation if you are looking to apply a clear coat, but only have to glow in the dark or under a blacklight.
How To Make DIY Blacklight Paint
If you only have standard paint available, you may be able to make fluorescent paint on your own.
First, you must be in a dark room. Then you will want to pour a little bit of laundry detergent in a bowl and aim a blacklight on it, to check if the detergent glows. If it does glow, pour one cup of acrylic paint in a container. Then, add one tablespoon of detergent into the paint and mix it thoroughly into the paint. Aim a blacklight into the mixture again to make sure it works before you start painting.
Blacklight reactive paint has an advantage over standard acrylic paint if you’re looking to make a certain type of impression. Special paints designed to react to UV “black light” promises to provide a special “wow” factor that makes everyone happier and creates a distinct impression.
Here is a Blacklight Paint Kit that is non-toxic and can also be used as face paint. This type of paint will work great for paintings that will glow in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Glow in the dark and blacklight paint is a super fun way to get creative with your artwork. You can use regular acrylic paint and add glow in the dark medium, or you can purchase ready-made blacklight paint like the ones I recommend.
You will want to seal your painting once it’s fully dry to ensure it is well protected from flaking, chipping or fading. An acrylic sealer will do just fine.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your blacklight acrylic painted project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!