You don't have to spend a lot of money to get glow in the dark paint, and it can be used in all kinds of fun crafts and projects.You can make your own glow in the dark at home with a few simple supplies.
Step 1: The powder has a glow in it.
At some craft and art supply stores you can find glow in the dark or phosphorescent powders.There are different colors and particle sizes of the powders.Larger particles make a rougher paint which can create a speckled look.Smaller particles don't glow as brightly.
Step 2: There is a paint medium that you can choose from.
This is the actual paint that you mix into the phosphorescent powder.If you want your paint to be invisible in the light, choose a clear paint.If you want to see the paint in the light, choose a color you like.Make sure your paint medium works with phosphorescent powder.If you are going to use a water-based medium, you will need a coated glow powder.Standard or uncollated glow powder can be used for solvent or oil-based mediums.
Step 3: Put the phosphorescent powder in the bowl.
You'll want to place 1 part powder to 5 part paint, or 20% by volume of glow powder.
Step 4: Paint should be poured into the bowl.
Paint medium should be poured over the powder in your bowl.Carefully stir the mixture.A thinner consistency can be achieved by adding more paint.If you want the powder to remain in the paint, just stir until the mixture is combined.
Step 5: Use your paints.
The glow in the dark paints should be used immediately.Depending on your mix, it may or may not have shelf life.You should mix what you can use within an hour.If you want to store your paint, pour it into a sealable container and make sure to stir it well before using it again.
Step 6: Remove the felt by opening a highlighter.
Break open the end of a non-toxic highlighter with a pair of pliers.Remove the felt strip from the center.Under black lights, make sure that your highlighter glows.You can test this by writing something on a piece of paper.Hold the black light over it and turn off the lights.You should see the test results.
Step 7: Run the water through it.
You can put a cup or jar in the sink.Run water through the felt strip to get the yellow liquid into your cup.When the felt is white, turn off the water.It is possible that you need to do this for several highlighters.
Step 8: In the bowl, put cornstarch.
You can use 1/2 cup of white cornstarch.Your homemade glow in the dark will be based on this.The mixture will be very thin.The ratio should be the same for both water and cornstarch.
Step 9: Add water to make it look better.
Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of water and stir.
Step 10: Add food coloring.
If you want to change the color of your paint, add a few drops of food coloring and stir.If you want to achieve the desired color, add more food coloring.You might want to put your paint in a few smaller containers.You can use different food colors to create different colors.
Step 11: Let your paint dry before using it.
If you want to paint on several layers, you should let this paint dry.Extra layers make the paint glow.
Step 12: Watch it light up.
Make sure to close the blinds or shades when the lights are turned off.If you want to see your paint glow, turn on your UV-A blacklight.