Phosphorescence at the service of decoration and the creative arts

Did you know that during the Second World War, phosphorescent paint was used in German bunkers to find their way around in the dark ? Today, almost 80 years later, this phosphorescent paint painted on the concrete walls still glows when you "wake it up" with a lamp! Still used in safety, phosphorescent decorative paints are now used in the world of "deco", design and creative hobbies.

The properties of these products are due to the micro crystals (2% of a millimeter in size) which enter into the composition of the binder or the varnish. Modern paints are still just as durable (decades at least!!), even brighter, and perfectly safe, so water-based versions can be used by children.

Which phosphorescent paint for decoration and creative hobbies ?

In this field of consumer or semi-professional paints, only water-based acrylic paints are used. They are nice and easy to paint, and can work just as well! The products reserved for the Pro have particular properties of grip on certain materials, and especially of high resistance, but they do not shine any more. Acrylics take a little longer to evaporate water and dry.

There are two types of phosphorescent paint for decoration :
Classic acrylic paints, with a texture suitable for painting with a brush. It is possible to make a thick phosphorescent layer and everyone can use them.
Liquid acrylic paints which have a low viscosity : in the decorative world, interior decoration, this type of phosphorescent paint is used more decorative, because they can be applied with a spray gun or airbrush.

How to properly apply a water-based acrylic phosphorescent paint ?

If you apply with a roller, or even a brush, you have to take care to cross the layers, and to be as even as possible. You also need to paint a second coat of water-based acrylic phosphorescent paint once the bottom layer has dried!
The best way to obtain a homogeneous phosphorescent surface in the dark is to spray paint and spray as many layers as possible, so as not to have dark traces.

How to make phosphorescent paint yourself ?

It's quite simple, provided you have the right pigments and the right "medium" :
The phosphorescent pigments must first of all be compatible with water (waterproof) and they must not not be too coarse, otherwise the paint will be rough when dry.
As for the base of the paint, you can use a binder or a varnish. The important thing is that it is transparent, to let the light “in and out”. The binder must be thick enough to support the pigments. As for the dosage of pigments, add about 20% of the weight of the paint, then stir.

Phosphorescent airbrush paint

Due to the extreme fineness of the nozzle (between 150 and 500 microns) and airbrush ducts, the phosphorescent airbrush paint must be exceptionally fine and fluid. A paint that is too thick, and pigments that are not finely ground enough, will clog the airbrush immediately. And it's not enough to add water and dilute to create a special airbrush paint !

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Phosphorescent for safety

All you need to know about phosphorescent paint