Luminescence is the ability of a coating to emit light in the dark. To get such an effect, it is enough to treat any object with a luminous paint and varnish composition. It can be phosphor, photoluminescent or electroluminescent paint. The latter is the most modern material that glows when exposed to an electric current. But first, let's look at the principle of operation of the usual fluorescent paint, which you can do with your own hands.
Luminescent paint accentuates some interior details Composition and principle of action
The principle of operation of luminous enamel is that it contributes to the accumulation of light energy, which it then gives off in the dark. As a rule, the duration of light emission from such paint is from 8 to 12 hours. The accumulation of light and its return is a continuous cycle that will allow the use of fluorescent paints for a long time. The coating is available both in liquid form and in the form of an aerosol in cans. In addition, you can make it yourself.
The main component of the luminescent coating is the phosphor, which is a special pigment that provides glow in the dark. The quality of the glow of luminescent painting directly depends on the quality of the pigment. Phosphor is a luminous powder that easily adapts to conditions environment and also has stable physical and chemical characteristics. Luminescent pigment has a long service life, which is about 30 years.
Any luminous paint and varnish material consists of a transparent varnish and a phosphor. Acrylic lacquer, as well as a polyurethane or alkyd base can be used as a transparent carrier. As a rule, the standard ratio of phosphor to varnish is 1:3. The type of transparent carrier does not have any effect on the quality of the glow, however, the durability and scope of the material depend on it. In modern conditions, you can make luminescent paint with your own hands.
Scope of application of paints on a luminescent basis
Paint can be used for interior and exterior decoration Modern fluorescent paints can be used both in outdoor works and in the interior. Scope of luminescent coating:
- the creation of luminous elements in the interior, in particular, luminescent paint is used for decorative design walls, ceiling, as well as for applying original artistic drawings;
- decoration of furniture and objects in the interior;
- creation of luminous manicure and make-up for body art;
- decorative decoration of wooden arbors, frames and fences;
- decoration of living or artificial floral elements;
- dyeing of textile fabrics, backpacks, bags, promotional clothing or suits;
- photoluminescent ink is used for silk-screen printing in the form of coloring posters, notebooks and advertising stands;
- the use of paint in spray cans in car and bicycle tuning for decoration with luminous elements of caps, protective helmets, rims, bicycle spokes, bodywork.
Modern electroluminescent paint LumiLor for car tuning
LumiLor electroluminescent coating is used to emit light by supplying electricity. The developers managed to create a coating based on the process of electroluminescence. The mechanism of action is based on the fact that radiative recombination occurs at the subatomic level, due to which phosphorescent substances emit photons of light under the influence of an electric current. Thanks to these processes, when electricity is applied, the paint begins to glow with a predetermined color.
Painted car with fluorescent paint glows at night Primary LumiLor paint colors:
- Red;
- blue;
- green;
- White;
- yellow.
All other shades are obtained by mixing these primary colors with a color toner.
Features of electroluminescent paint
Interestingly, in the absence of power supply, the painted surface looks absolutely normal. However, under the influence of an electric current, the coating begins to glow. All this creates huge opportunities for creativity, since now the body of a car can actually be turned into a canvas. On it you can depict various original drawings made by yourself.
LumiLor is mains powered alternating current with a frequency of 500 to 1000 Hz. To connect, you need to use a 12V inverter. It is enough to connect any source of energy to this inverter, starting from batteries and ending with a 220 V network.
Application rules
LumiLor can be applied to any kind of surface such as plastic, metal, wood or fiberglass. Metal should be primed and sealed prior to application. Electroluminescent paint should be coated with a transparent varnish, the thickness and type of which is selected taking into account the operating conditions. The material can be applied to any surface that is in the car, both in the exterior and interior. For example, such paint can be used to paint metal, plastic, glass, wooden elements and even carbon fiber. Thanks to this, you can make an individual and original drawing in the car with your own hands, which will glow in any situation. According to the developers, the electroluminescent coating is sealed and waterproof.
Do-it-yourself technique for applying LumiLor electroluminescent paint requires the use of certain equipment and professional skills. However, despite this, the use of electroluminescent coating in the field of car tuning is becoming increasingly popular.
Glowing paint in the dark looks simply incredible, giving a huge scope for imagination when using it. Consider in this article the principle of operation of such paint, its characteristics and give advice on choosing. We will voice the technology for making luminous paint at home.
The composition and principle of action of luminous paint
Luminescence - the ability of materials to glow with the onset of darkness or when an artificial light source is turned off. This effect can be given to any object by treating it with a special luminous paint, which is also called phosphor, luminescent, fluorescent or self-luminous.
Enamel accumulates light energy during the day, and then continuously releases it in the dark. The duration of the "work" of such paint without extraneous illumination is about 8-12 hours. The accumulative glow process is a continuous cycle, and it can be used for several years.
The glow of the paint occurs due to the presence of a special component - a phosphor (luminescent pigment). Luminous powder adapts well to the environment, frost and heat resistant, has stable chemical, physical properties and long service life - more than 30 years. It is applied both to external, and to internal works.
The phosphor is combined with a transparent carrier, usually an acrylic, alkyd or polyurethane based varnish. The standard proportion of components is 1:3. The type of varnish does not affect the brightness of the glow, but this criterion largely determines the scope of the paint and the durability of the coating.
Scope of reflective paints
Luminous paints have a wide range of applications.
1. The material is in demand when creating a glowing effect in the interior, for decorative finishes ceilings, walls, artistic painting, in the design of interiors of cafes and nightclubs.
2. original design furniture, paintings, interior items.
3. For body art and creating luminous makeup and manicure.
4. Decoration of artificial or live flower arrangements.
6. For wooden fences, arbors and window frames.
7. Application in silk screen printing - advertising stickers, posters, notepads, etc.
8. Bicycle and auto tuning: luminous wheels, caps, calipers, bicycle spokes and frames, protective helmets, spectacular drawings on the car body.
9. Creation of warning signs and overalls.
Varieties of luminous paints and features of their application
Luminous paints can be conditionally classified according to the main parameters.
Type of active ingredient (luminescent pigment)
Fluorescent paint, glowing in ultraviolet rays: this paint will not glow on its own, the fluorescent effect disappears after the UV lamp is turned off. Paint of this type is very often used in the design of exteriors, club rooms and car tuning.
Acrylic varnish is most often used as a base, which makes the coating safe for health. The pigment can have different colors, red, green, pink and yellow look most impressive.
Glowing (luminescent) paint based on phosphor: the painted product glows in the dark, giving off the accumulated energy of the sun. To “recharge” such paint, 10-15 minutes of bright daylight or artificial lighting is enough.
Reflective paint starts to glow when light hits it. It is mainly used in the designation of the territory, road markings, reflective elements and signs. Such enamel significantly increases the level of safety at industrial enterprises and roads.
Phosphorescent paint contains an active pigment - phosphorus, dangerous to human health. Phosphor paint is used to decorate cars and interiors. They try not to use it in the interior, and replace it with phosphor paint.
Degree of transparency
Colorless (translucent) under normal light, they are almost invisible, have a slight whitish tint. In the dark, the paint glows blue or yellow-green.
colored paints visible in daylight and emit light in the dark. Often, colored enamel contains a phosphor and a fluorescent pigment, which allows it to show its properties under UV rays and in complete darkness.
The composition of paints and the presence of special components is determined by the intended purpose of the enamel:
- paint for PVC surfaces and plastics - contains polyurethane-mineral resins that improve the adhesion of materials;
- paints for flowers are made on the basis of a water-acrylic dispersion that does not harm plants;
- heat-resistant paint for processing metal and glass surfaces - contains polyphenyl resins (maximum allowable temperature effect +500 ° C);
- paints for the aquatic environment - resistant water-repellent polyurethane varnish is used.
Comparative characteristics of luminous paints from different manufacturers
The manufacturing technology of luminous paints is quite simple and does not require expensive equipment. Therefore, today a large number of large and small enterprises are engaged in the production of luminescent and fluorescent enamels. Let's compare the products of some of them:
| Noxton | LUMINOVATOR | Luminofor | |||
| fluorescent paint | fluorescent paint | fluorescent paint | fluorescent paint | fluorescent paint | |
| Scope of application | painting of metal, wood, glass, plastic, flowers, textiles, for body art | decorative work on paper, fabric, plaster, natural stone and primed metal | painting of metal, wood, textiles, PVC | ||
| Basic colors | green, blue, yellow, red, blue, orange, pink | white, yellow, red, blue, orange, green, pink | blue, green, yellow, red, white | light green, red, yellow, blue, purple | |
| The foundation | depends on the purpose of the paint | water soluble acrylic base | waterproof base | acrylic | |
| Packing | 0.5/1/3.5/10 l | 50/100 ml | 100 ml | 250 ml | |
| Consumption | 12-14 l/m2 (one layer) | 100 g per 1-1.5 m 2 | 250 g/m2 | 10 l/m2 | |
| Storage conditions | paint for metal: -30 °С...+40 °С; for glass: -10 °С...+40 °С; | from +5 °С to +30 °С | in a place protected from sunlight | no more than 30 °C | |
How to make DIY glow paint
You can prepare the coloring mixture yourself. To work, you will need the following components and tools:
- phosphor;
- varnish suitable for the type of coating;
- solvent for varnish;
- glass or ceramic containers.
The sequence of preparation of luminous paint:
- Pour the varnish into the prepared container.
- Add luminescent pigment. The amount of phosphor will determine the brightness of the paint and the saturation of the glow, the indicator ranges from 15-50%. The optimal proportion of pigment is 30%.
- In order for the phosphor to be better distributed, it is necessary to add a little solvent to the composition. The amount of solvent should not exceed 1% of the total mass.
- Stir the paint to a uniform consistency.
Using this technology, transparent enamel is obtained. If desired, color can be added to the composition, which will give the desired shade to the surface.
To obtain a uniform and saturated glow of objects during painting, you must adhere to the following rules:
- The surface of the product must be clean and dry.
- The paint must be thoroughly mixed before use, as the phosphor particles precipitate over time.
- The second coat of paint should be applied after the first has dried. The interval between painting should be at least 1-1.5 hours.
- The brightest glow will be on a plain white surface, the dark base absorbs the radiated energy more, therefore, when painting some products, it is recommended to pre-treat the surface with white primer.
- When working with phosphor paints, you need to take care of personal protective equipment: glasses with side screens, gloves and a respirator. Painting should be done in a well ventilated area.
Thanks to their unique properties, luminous paints have found application in a variety of fields, and you can prepare the coloring composition yourself - just follow the given proportions and simple technology.
Not everyone knows the name of the paint that glows in the dark. Fluorescent paint is a substance that can absorb and accumulate sunlight in the meantime, and emit it in complete darkness without any auxiliary materials, sources of electricity. In simple words- paint that glows in the dark.
It can accumulate light energy with the help of light: daylight, artificial (room bulbs). During the day, the coating has the usual white color, even a little transparent, almost invisible. And at night it acquires a palette of green or blue. Depending on how bright and how long the absorbing light was, it depends on how long the material glows at night. The production of such substances is good business. Now you can understand that the fluorescent paint glows in the dark or not.
Scope of luminous paints
There are many branches of creativity where luminous materials are used. Let's consider a few of them.
- Machine numbers. In order to embellish your car, you can use this material. The process of applying to the surface is very fast. The finished coating will glow for two hours after the end of work. There are no guarantees for the operation of the material, since it cannot physically deteriorate. In daylight, license plates will be of a normal color, but only when entering a dark room will they acquire a beautiful green-blue color. The contents of the number (numbers, letters) stand out well.
- Machine disks. This is the second way to make your car special. The work of coating caps consists of a couple of stages. First of all, the surface is cleaned of dirt or dust, covered with a primer, luminous paint is applied to the dried soil. To protect the surface, you need to open it with a special varnish. After the end of the work, it takes a day to get the result.
- Glass decor. One of the popular uses is the use of paint for glass, porcelain, ceramics. Specifically, it can be vases, glasses, glasses or ashtrays. These items make great gifts or unusual interior nightclub.
- Luminous paint for flowers, plants. Fluorescent paint is a safe material, both for people and for the environment. To surprise a girl, or a woman, cut flowers are amenable to coating. During the day they will look like ordinary ones, and at night they will pleasantly surprise you with their unusual color.
- Used in factories of textiles or fabrics, silk-screen printing.
- Design of a room, building, premises. You can unusually transform an old building or room. Can be applied to ceramic tiles, wallpaper, painted walls with ordinary paint, plastic or wooden skirting boards. For example, you can draw a starry sky on the ceiling, or Christmas trees on the walls before the New Year. There are popular art paintings, LED materials, watches, leather belts.
- You can complete the drawing (shapes, flowers) or only the outline through the stencil.
- Also used for safety signs, clothing, decorative stones, children's souvenirs, nail polish, paintings, business cards, body painting, tattoos. They can draw stained glass drawings on paper or style. Used for makeup.
Types of luminescent paint
Distinguished by the presence of an additional component. With the help of these characteristics, you can understand the differences and choose a decent one.
| View | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Luminous (neon) | Composition containsluminolwhich is safe forhumanwhich works, the environment. Not toxic.Tothe cover was glowing, he neededrecharge20 minutes. Priceinexpensive. |
| reflective | When exposed to sunlightraysstartsshine. Oftenapplyon theroadmarkings, uniforms, roadicons. |
| Phosphorescent | Composition containsphosphoruswhich is unsafe for humans. Use forcars, strengthen from abovevarnishto prolong the service life and make it safer. For residentialhousesdo not use. |
| Colorless (invisible) | Virtually colorless in daylightnocturnaltime emits blue or greenlight. Pricemore than neon. |
| color (ultraviolet) | Has a color in daylight, glows in the dark. The composition contains one ofpigments,
phosphoror fluorescent (drypowder). Thanks to him, the coating reflects light in dark room. Various input substances depending on the surface:
ThisUV luminous paint. |
Prices of species differ from one to another.
Features of fluorescent paint
Paint that glows in the dark has several advantages:
- Use for finishing, external works (facade) and internal;
Tip: in order for the material to lay down on the surface qualitatively, you need to work at a temperature above +5 degrees.
- Use under different material: concrete, asphalt, tiles, wallpaper, wood, iron, plastics.
- Acrylic has a diverse composition: filler, fluorescent, binder - acrylic polymer emulsion;
- It has an environmentally friendly composition, not harmful;
- You can make your own at home;
- A beginner, a master will cope with the material;
- Use over matte finishes;
- You can remove it using a special tool;
- Anti-allergenic.
Making glowing paint
For cooking, you do not need to make great efforts and know special formulas, it is enough to follow the rules and instructions of the recipe.
To make your own at home, you will need:
- Lacquer to cover the finished surface;
- Phosphor powder;
- Solvent;
- Glass container.
Cooking steps:
- Fill the container with varnish.
- Mix varnish with phosphor. The more pigment, the brighter the color will emit light. The average quantity is 30%.
- In order for the pigment to mix well, you will need to add a solvent. The amount is 1%.
- Mix the resulting mass until smooth.
It can be applied using a sprayer or special equipment. Companies: color, glow, kids, acmeligh, love2art release luminous hair dye in the form of an aerosol can. You can buy it at a hardware store.
related materials
Research staff of the Chinese national university Chung Hsing reported on the creation of a technology that allows you to keep the reflective properties of glass microspheres or microprisms in reflective materials by mixing dye. While working on this technology, experts started from the structure of the insect eye, reports the American Chemical Society (ACS).
The polymer azobenzene, currently being used in research as a potential future component in paints and varnishes, can be transformed from a solid to a liquid state in an environmentally friendly process with the help of light and at room temperature.
According to a new market report published by Lucintel, the future of epoxy curing agents in the paint industry looks promising. Particularly promising are the following agents: polyamide, aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, phenalkamin, amidoamine, dicyandiamide and phenol. For the epoxy curing agent market in the paint industry will reach $1.644 million by 2021 with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2016 to 2021. The main drivers for the market growth are the growth of end-use industries and the increased use of high performance epoxy coatings.
Luminous paint can be a source of inspiration and material for creating unique decorative effects. It glows in the dark, turning an ordinary room into a fabulous place. But this paint decorates not only the interior. The luminescent pigment will help give unusual view any surface or object. And at the same time, the luminous composition is easy to prepare with your own hands at home.
What is fluorescent paint and how does it work?
Luminescence is the ability of a substance to glow in the dark due to the previously accumulated light energy. Fluorescent paint contains substances such as luminous pigments (phosphors). They "accumulate light" for the day or while the artificial lighting is on. And when darkness falls, the bright glow of the painted surface becomes noticeable.
Important! Do not confuse luminescent (phosphor, self-luminous) compounds with. The latter can only glow under the influence of ultraviolet rays (for them you need to buy special lamps).
Fluorescent paints glow in the dark due to the accumulated light energy The process of accumulation and release of light energy by the phosphor is reversible, so the luminous paint will "work" for years. Phosphor is a physically and chemically stable substance that will last at least 30 years even outside the building. At the same time, only 15–20 minutes of “recharging” with bright light is enough for the painted surface to glow for about 8 hours. The brightness of the glow depends on the concentration of the phosphor in the composition of the paint.
According to the principle of operation, luminescent materials are similar to phosphorescent ones. But the latter contain phosphorus dangerous to health. Therefore, they are used very rarely and only for outdoor work. But materials based on the phosphor are completely safe.
Scope of luminous paints
In addition to the phosphor itself, the luminous paint includes a transparent varnish (it acts as the basis of the material). The scope of a particular composition depends on the properties of the varnish. It can be selected for almost any surface - metal and plastic, drywall and wallpaper, concrete and plaster, textiles and wood, glass and ceramics.
On a note! The luminous composition can be applied to fresh flowers and used for body art. But it must be a water-based acrylic dispersion that is safe for health.
Often luminous paints are used when performing body art work.
Luminescent paint is used:
- when applying road markings, painting fences and road signs;
- for decorating interior surfaces (drawing patterns on walls, ceilings, floors);
- for painting furniture and other interior elements;
- in make-up, performing arts, when creating theatrical costumes and scenery;
- in floristry;
- in the manufacture of promotional products (from signs to souvenirs);
- v landscape design(from painting arbors and fences to creating complex drawings on facades);
- in tuning cars, bicycles, motorcycles (for airbrushing, painting discs, hubcaps, bumpers, spoilers);
- for the production of overalls for workers of road and emergency services.
Car tuning - one of the areas of application of luminous paint
All compounds on the market can be divided into two large groups:
- Colorless (or translucent). These are varnishes that are almost invisible in daylight. They can be applied over any "visible" pattern.
- Colored. These enamels, in addition to the phosphor, contain a coloring pigment (color). During the day they look like conventional paints and glow at night.
There is a wide range of fluorescent paint on the market. Also, luminescent paintwork materials differ in the composition of the base and operational properties. Among them are:
- Polyurethane-mineral enamels. They have high adhesion and are suitable for coloring various plastics.
- Water-dispersed (acrylic) emulsions. Safe and dry quickly.
- Heat resistant paints. They create coatings that can withstand heating up to +500 °C. Good for coloring metal structures, glass, ceramics.
- Waterproof compounds. Create a thin waterproof film on the painted surface. They are used for painting pools, drainage systems, bathroom elements.
How to prepare luminous paint from phosphor powder?
You can make paint with a glow effect with your own hands. To do this, you need to buy a phosphor, pick up a transparent varnish and a solvent for it. You will also need ceramic or glassware to mix the ingredients.
The phosphor of the desired color can be found on the Internet or a building materials store. It is quite expensive, but 100 g of this powder is enough for continuous coloring of about 8 square meters. m of surface. The price depends on the color of the glow: pigments of light green, blue and white shades are cheaper, but brighter ones - red, orange, blue, green - are more expensive.
Phosphor - luminous powder for the manufacture of luminescent paint Important! Varnish should be chosen for the surface that will be painted. This is the only way the finished paint will hold well.
How to make glowing paint at home:
- Pour varnish into a bowl.
- Add powdered phosphor (the ratio is considered ideal when the composition consists of 70% varnish and 30% luminous pigment).
- Add a little solvent to the mixture (up to 1% of the total mass).
- Mix thoroughly.
- If you need to get a colored composition, color is also added to the dishes.
Materials and tools necessary for the preparation of luminescent paint The paint thus made is used and stored in the same way as a normal varnish of the same type.
With a strong desire, you can prepare a phosphor with your own hands. True, this will require more effort and special reagents. What do we have to do:
Before you make a phosphor, you should calculate the required amount of luminous paint. It is quite possible that it will be easier and cheaper to buy in a store finished material. In addition, “branded” paint will always be of better quality than handicraft, and the color of the glow can be selected immediately, without lengthy experiments. And having one or several jars of fluorescent paint in your arsenal, it is easy to create an unusual thing, stylish tuning or a unique interior.
