Phosphorescence at the service of cycling

Above all, it is important to clearly understand the operation and effectiveness that phosphorescent paints can really produce, because you can consider the option of phosphorescence at first glance, when you want to revamp your bike, especially hoping be more easily visible at night, and even be able to hurtle down the streets at night, like a luminous UFO, thanks to its phosphorescent bicycle paint! Well, that's what some people imagine, who have probably seen a video of a phosphorescent bicycle (but which is in fact electro-luminescent!)

It should be understood that the phenomenon emits light thanks to its pigments which work like micro batteries excited by the light accumulated during the day or artificially in a few minutes with a white or UV lamp.

The permanently "emitted" light can be difficult to see during the day, because the ambient light is too high. It becomes perceptible and therefore effective in adequate conditions, ie significant darkness, as can be found in the countryside, far from urban light pollution. If we take a city like Paris, the bike painted with this special effect will appear slightly luminous and can clearly stand out from its surroundings.

What phosphorescent paint to paint a bike ?

This is a "three-coat" paint system. Indeed, if you want to do things right, you have to proceed in three steps, three products, applied one after the other.
You can do the job with aerosols or paint" (many painters among our customers have succeeded with it) or with a spray gun.

Important point, the choice of color: do not choose the weak, rare and expensive colors, but make your choice among the classic, economical and effective colors: green and turquoise.

The three-coat process to make a phosphorescent bike paint, starts with the white background (paint or primer), followed by the glow-in-the-dark paint coats (as many coats as possible), then a varnish for protection and shine . Applying 3 phosphorescent coats is the minimum, it is possible to go up to 5 or 6 coats.

Phosphorescent paint

The point here is that the process is quick and convenient. However, the use of a phosphorescent paint spray is not very practical, nor very economical when you know what an aerosol contains (75% gas).

Special effects for bike paint

Important, for those whose goal is less to display superb special effects for bike paint than to make themselves visible and signposted on the traffic lanes in night conditions : phosphorescent paint is not the best solution to react to car headlights (which is actually the opposite of darkness). It is the reflective effect (with paintings or strips) that will allow motorists to see them up to 250 meters away!

How to paint a bike with phosphorescent paint ?

There are a few small peculiarities and some tips and rules to follow to know how to paint a bike with phosphorescent paint ? We will explain to you in a clear and concise summary, what are the steps to follow, with the number of coats and drying times to achieve a beautiful phosphorescent paint.

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