What is Glow in the Dark Powder?
We have taken the following information from WIKIPEDIA
Strontium aluminate (SRA, SrAl,3) is a solid odorless nonflammable pale yellow powder, heavier than water. It is chemically and biologically inert. When activated with a suitable dopant (eg. europium , then it is labeled SrAlO3:Eu), it acts as a photo luminescent phosphor with long persistence of phosphorescence . Its CAS number is [12004-37-4]
Strontium aluminate is vastly superior phosphor than its predecessor, copper -activated zinc sulfide ; it is about 10 times brighter, 10 times longer glowing, and 10 times more expensive than ZnS:Cu. It is frequently used in glow in the dark toys, where it displaces the cheaper but less efficient ZnS:Cu. However, the material has high hardness, causing abrasion to the machinery handling it; coating the particles with a suitable lubricant is usually used when strontium aluminate is added to plastics
Strontium aluminate phosphors produce green and aqua hues, where green gives the highest brightness and aqua the longest glow time. The excitation wavelengths for strontium aluminate range from 200 to 450 nm. The wavelength for its green formulation is 520nm, its blue-green version emits at 505nm, and the blue one emits at 490nm. Colors with longer wavelengths can be obtained from the strontium aluminate as well, though for the price of some loss of brightness.
The wavelengths produced depend on the internal crystal structure of the material. Slight modifications in the manufacturing process (the type of reducing atmosphere, small variations of stoichiometry of the reagents, addition of carbon
or rare-earth halaides ) can significantly influence the emission wavelengths.
Strontium aluminate phosphor is fired at about 1250 °C. Subjecting it to temperatures above 1100 °C is likely to cause loss of its phosphorescent properties.
The glow intensity depends on the particle size; generally, the bigger the particles, the better the glow.
What do you mean by INVISIBLE DAYLIGHT PAINT?
When we say Invisible Daylight Glow in the Dark Paint we mean "almost clear". Therefore when it is painted onto a white surface it is barely noticeable. Glow in the Dark powder unlike regular pigment powders do not dye its medium. The particles are not soluble. They are microscopic particles suspended in the medium. The light emissions from these particles illuminate the medium causing the paint to GLOW. If the light is greater than the particle emissions they almost disappear.
Some of the powders we supply ie the GREEN and AQUA have a slight Whitish Yellow tint. When you increase the number of sprayed or painted layers, it increases the amount of Powder per cm2. This has a 2 fold effect.
1 It increases the Glow brightness
2 Becomes more visible in Daylight conditions.
Are your Glow in the Dark Powders Toxic or Radioactive ?
The Powders we use are Non-Toxic and Non-Radioactive. It is safe for general use; however we do recommend wearing protective Glasses and Face Masks if spraying.
Please note if the paint should come in contact with your eyes Wash Immediately with fresh water. Should it be swallowed consult your Doctor. Do not attempt to paint on your skin, these products have not been tested, although they are inert they may cause irritation of the skin..
Can the Glow in the Dark powder be mixed with water?
Yes it can be mixed, however we do not recommend this as it will degrade over a period of time . Also when mixing with water , as water will not bind the particles and adhere them to a surface, particles will fall from a ceiling creating a microscopic dust. The powder is heavier than water and will sink to the bottom. It needs to be stirred regularly. Remember that the more water you add to the mix the longer it will take o dry, also the Glow in the Dark Paint will have a leaching effect from the emulsion already on the ceiling causing the paint to loose some of its Glow properties.
What charge is required to activate the Powder?
Most light sources will charge the Strontium Aluminate particles, for your information we have put together a table of various light sources and approximate charge times. However these figures vary depending on the particle size .
Direct Sunlight 15 mins
Ambient Light 25 mins
UV Black light 00 mins
Fluorescent Light
30 mins
mcd/m2
Luminance Test on our Powders
The 2 x 400mm daylight flourescent tubes (D65) were positioned 50mm above an opal diffuser which was 180mm from the test samples. The samples were irradiated to 1000 lux then the source was extinguished and the luminance of each sample was measured at intervals using calibrated luminance meters with no other light source operating. The samples were irradiated for 5 minutes.
The lower level of light emission that can be perceived by the human eye
( darkness adjusted ) is 0.3
mcd/m2
Glow in the Dark Paints & Powders
How to use GloMania Black Light UV Re Active Paint.
These products can be used on just about any surface. The closer the surface is to white, the brighter the black light colours. Black and darker colours tend to absorb the light changing the effect. However, painting on dark and black surfaces is done all the time. It is always best to paint under your display conditions. Prepare the surface as you would with any other type of paint. Colours can be mixed to create other tones. Keep in mind that when mixing paints, mix under black light to see the resulting colours. GloMania's Black Light UV R ( Re Active) Paint is easy to use. You can mix colours and other GloMania Products to create amazing effects. This page helps you work with our paints, but testing in your own environment is the best way to see for yourself. The light emitting from the paint is hard to describe and is best seen. Use Black Lights to view your painted project.
UV Re Active Black Light Paints are only for use with UV Black Light and do not glow in the dark.
Basic Guidelines.
1. Use a white, or light colour as a background for brightest results. Any colour other than white might diminish the brightness but still produces amazing luminous results.
2. Use just enough thinner to produce a smooth consistency for desired usage. We recommend using GloMania's thinners.
3. You can brush, screen print, roll or spray paint our Black Light UV Re Active Paints.
4. The luminous layer should be at least 100-150um. Or you can simply add more paint until the desired effect is achieved all the while you are working under black light.
5. Using varnish on the surface of luminous layer can improve its brightness and weather ability. Please note that it should not have any additives that will ruin the paint ie. UV inhibitors. We recommend the use of our GloMania varnishes.
6. Adjust the viscosity of the luminous paints before usage and stir until well dispersed.
7. One ltr should cover approximately 300 square feet.
8. Light fastness of the fluorescent paint should be one to five years depending on numerous factors.
Bright Black Light fluorescent paints are rated for four to six months when used externally. All paints should last years when applied inside.
9. Always work under black light, especially when working with GloMania's Clear and Invisible Black Light Paints.
Black Light Usage.
To illuminate use about one to two watt of black light per square foot of area to be covered. Mounting distance should be about equal to the width of the area to be covered. More wattage must be used if competing against white light. GloMania carries numerous types of black lights to suit any need including industrial, theatrical, art gallery, nightclub, and your home.
To Thin.
GloMania Water Based Acrylic - Use water or our range of Acrylic thinners.
Technical Information.
Film Type: Acrylic
Film Thickness: Produces a 2 mil. Dry Film.
Coverage: Approximately 300 sq. ft. per ltr
Drying Time: At 75°F (24°C), it dries to the touch in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Can be re coated in 1-4 hours.
Cleaning Up: Use soap and warm water.
Shelf Life: Minimum 24 months.
Storage: Keep from freezing.
Creating Effects.
To create an invisible image over an existing picture is really easy. Using GloMania UV Black Lights, you can shift the picture from the regular image to the hidden UV image by using our Clear UV Reactive paints.
Use our Clear Black Light UV Re Active Paint, Opaque UV Re Active Paint, and Fluorescent UV Re Active Paint along with our Glow in the Dark Paints to really make your idea continuously change colors.
By mixing GloMania Black Light UV Re Active Paints with regular paints, you can create different levels of brightness allowing you to create depth and perception to your artwork. It is important to always paint under Black light or the lighting conditions you want your artwork displayed.
DO NOT paint directly on to the skin, only use recommended UV Body Paints. GloMania will soon be launching its own range of paints.
UV Re Active & Fluorescent Paints & Powders
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