What is the difference between fluorescent paint and luminescent paint? Glow-in-the-dark paints: DIY paint Glow-in-the-dark paint

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Researchers at China's Chung Hsing National University announced the creation of a technology that allows the reflective properties of glass microspheres or microprisms to be retained in reflective materials when a dye is added. While working on this technology, experts started from the structure of the insect's eye, reports the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Polymer azobenzene, currently used in research as a potential future component of paints and varnishes, can be transformed in an environmentally friendly process from a solid to a liquid state using light and at room temperature.

The future of epoxy curing agents in the paint industry looks promising, according to a new market report published by Lucintel. The following agents are especially promising: polyamide, aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, phenalkamine, amidoamine, dicyandiamide, and phenol. For the epoxy curing agent market in the paints and varnishes industry, it will reach $ 1.644 million by 2021 with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2016 to 2021. The main drivers of market growth are the growth of end-user industries and the increased use of high performance epoxy coatings.

Scientific and technical thought is moving forward with leaps and bounds, and modern life is very rapid, and we do not notice how certain achievements firmly enter our life and become habitual.

Likewise, glowing paint, which few people heard of a couple of decades ago, today has a wide range of applications. It is used not only for household needs, but also in various design projects, to create a festive atmosphere at parties.

Peculiarities

However, to get maximum result and do not harm yourself or the objects to be painted, you should be aware of some features.

The main feature of these paints is their ability to glow in the dark. Depending on the composition, they are intended for different surfaces.

Some of them, due to their high toxicity, can only cover objects outdoors, while others, safe ones, can paint objects indoors and even apply drawings to the body.

Paints can be reflective and reflective... How the glow occurs depends on the type of active ingredient. Reflective paint is paint that glows when exposed to rays of light.

Glowing paint based on acrylic varnish will glow only when exposed to ultraviolet light... She may have a pigment different colors, but the most spectacular will look red, yellow, green and pink shades.

Since black does not reflect light, but, on the contrary, is light-absorbing, black pigment is not used in luminous compositions. However, regular black paint is used in combination with luminous paint to create images.

Fluorescent ink can be colorless, it does not contain any color pigment, and no images will be visible in daylight.

If the base is a phosphor, then in the dark the paint will glow due to the energy that it has accumulated under the sun. To "recharge", she will need to stay for a quarter of an hour under a bright daylight or artificial lighting ... Such paint will "work" for a very long time, accumulating light energy during the day, and giving it back at night.

Its service life is calculated in years. Its active pigment phosphor tolerates high and low temperatures, does not interact with the environment, is chemically stable, and therefore paint with a phosphor can be used not only for external finishes, but also for internal ones.

Phosphorus-based paints, as a rule, are not used for interior decoration, as phosphorus is harmful to health.

Glowing paints have their own characteristics when using them:

  • They should be applied on a clean, dry surface.
  • Thorough stirring is imperative before use, as the phosphor is a powder, and it can precipitate.
  • The paint should be applied in 2 coats. The second layer is applied to the completely dried first one.

  • It is better to apply the glowing composition on a white surface. If the base is dark, it will absorb light energy. For this reason, it is recommended to apply a white primer on the surface of many products.
  • Working with phosphoric paint is a must special means to protect the eyes and skin. Also, do not inhale vapors containing phosphorus - you must use a respirator.

Kinds

Since there is no official classification, the type of paint can be determined not only by the active pigment, but also by the surface on which it is applied. Different formulations can be used for the same surface.

Suitable for covering various materials phosphoric paint. It can be used to apply drawings to metals, fabrics, glass, wood, concrete, plastic... It quickly accumulates light energy, and then releases it over long hours, providing a beautiful phosphorescent glow.

Because prolonged exposure to phosphorus can cause nausea and more severe poisoning, modern paints replace phosphorus with a phosphor that acts in a similar way.

When buying phosphorescent paint, carefully read its composition on the package - it depends on whether it can be used indoors.

The phosphor is a phosphorescent powder, therefore the paint with it is called phosphorescent.

Also, paints in which the pigment can accumulate both sunlight and electric light, and then give it away, are called luminescent. The night color may differ from the color that the paint has during the day.

A definite plus luminescent paints is their harmlessness... And since they are made on the basis of varnish, they have another remarkable property: by creating a film on the painted surface, they protect the object from moisture and other adverse influences environment.

For some people, floristic glowing paints are of particular interest. They are designed to create a glowing effect on vibrant colors.

The paint can be applied to flowers of any type, it will not affect the vitality of the flower - phosphor paint is harmless to plants.

It can be used to process any parts of plants: petals, leaves, buds. And for cut flowers, it will even prolong the life.

You can apply it in any way. In the daytime, it will look like a light white bloom. Any light source will "charge" it.

A slightly different look is fluorescent paints. They can be of any color and look like ordinary paint. They do not differ from conventional coatings either day or night. A source of ultraviolet light is required for their glow. They can be used on wood, concrete, paper, metal or plastic. In order for their effect to manifest itself, one layer is quite enough.

The base for fluorescent compositions can be of any color, they can even be applied to other designs made by conventional means. Fluorescent paints are not harmful to health, so they can be used in homes and places of concentration a large number people.

Some modern manufacturers mastering the release of compounds, in which the glow effect is manifested as a luminescent with a gradual attenuation and as a permanent one when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

Manufacturers produce phosphorescent paints in different containers: in cans and cans.

Spray paint is more popular due to the following properties:

In order not to paint over the excess surface, it should be covered with construction film.

How to choose?

When purchasing a luminous paint, you need to take into account some details:

  • Although luminous formulations can be used for different materials, it is still important that the paint is intended for the material of the surface you intend to paint.
  • It is necessary to take into account whether the environmental conditions where the object to be painted is located (high humidity, temperature extremes, mechanical stress and other factors) will affect the preservation of the composition. Formulations for external use must be resistant to weather conditions (rain, snow, strong solar radiation).
  • One of the key points is the absence in the composition of substances harmful to human health, which makes it possible to use the paint for decorating interiors and living quarters.

  • You should be especially careful when choosing body paint - an indication of such use must be present on the packaging.
  • Choose a quality, albeit more expensive, product from reliable manufacturers that have been on the market for a long time and have proven themselves well.
  • It is useful to inquire whether this paint is charged from artificial or natural light sources, or if you have to purchase a special UV installation for fluorescent paint.

  • You should find out how intense and long the effect will be, especially if you choose paint for country houses.
  • Also, ask what base you can apply the composition to and whether you need to buy a primer.
  • Be sure to keep in mind that the color of the purchased paint does not always coincide with the color that it will show when glowing, so as not to be disappointed with the effect obtained.

Application area

Glowing paints are widely used in various spheres of human life. They are actively used to decorate buildings, giving a fabulous look to streets and squares. Colorless formulations are often used for this purpose.

Unnoticeable during the day, they will miraculously take us to another reality at night.

Street paint is most often used for painting concrete and metal. She can decorate facades, gazebos, fences and fences. For a brighter glow, she will need a white base.

Reflective fluorescent paint is often used for interior decoration. Nightclubs, restaurants, discos transform their premises by placing stained glass paintings on the walls. In theaters and circuses, it is used for decorations, costumes and make-up.

The cosmetics industry has adopted this interesting stuff and today some firms offer glowing nail polish and facial cosmetics.

For many performances and shows, artists apply glowing designs to the skin of the face and body. Such a direction in art as body art is also not complete without body paints. The effect of the body compositions lasts 7 hours, they are easily washed off the skin with warm water.

Transparent glowing paint is widely used for souvenir and decorative products. It is used to decorate clothes and fabrics, facing materials, glassware, and children's toys. Tuning cars and painting motorcycle helmets is a common area of ​​application..

Fishing enthusiasts know that there are luminous devices that can be used for deep and night fishing: lures, jigs, spinners and much more.

A common area of ​​application for reflective paints is industrial enterprises and the road, as they contribute to an increase in the level of safety.

They designate fire exits and escape routes, dangerous turns and obstacles on roads and in tunnels.

They are applied on road signs and warning plates, on clothing details for many categories of workers, as they begin to glow brightly whenever the headlights strike them.

Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of glowing paints on the market today, and many of them produce quality products.

One of the most worthy brands - Revell... This brand was created in America in 1943. At first, his products were plastic toys, doll furniture... The company expanded, merged with others, including European companies, and the company's product range grew. Revell began to produce prefabricated models of cars, ships and airplanes. The products were a huge success. In addition to the kits of the models, the company has established the production of all the necessary accessories for assembly. Among them were paints, brushes, sprayers.

Revell is constantly developing, studying world experience, modernizing and expanding production. Taking care of clients, she develops interesting programs with bonus points and promotions. You can use bonus points to pay for some purchases. The company's consultants are always in touch and help customers choose the goods that will be delivered to any corner of Russia.

Revell paints are extremely popular due to their excellent quality and wide colors... They are suitable for coloring different surfaces and are resistant to aggressive environmental influences.

The line of luminescent paints is represented by water-based acrylic compounds. Environmentally friendly materials are used for their manufacture. They are suitable for decorating children's toys.... When applied, a thin, even layer is obtained, which dries quickly and makes it possible to apply the next layer.

Luminous fluorescent paints- these are paints that contain a phosphor. A phosphor is a powder of aluminum oxide with rare earth elements. Glows due to artificial defects in the structure of the crystal lattice. Under the influence of light, the "extra" electrons are split into several energy levels, and when the illumination is removed, they return to their original state. Passing through "alien" energy levels, they release heat, and upon returning to their own level, a quantum of light. The return to the initial position of all excited electrons takes up to a day, which explains the duration of the glow. Different rare earth additives produce a different spectrum of light.

The brightest and longest luminous is the yellow-green color of the phosphor. It is followed by green and blue colors. The reds and oranges are less bright and shine less in time. The "weakest" phosphor is violet in color, the duration of its glow is up to two hours.

How do fluorescent paints work?


Any light energy is needed to recharge the paints. Direct sunlight is the fastest and most powerful source, just a few fractions of a second to fully charge. The second type in terms of power and rate of light accumulation are ultraviolet lamps with a black flask. The wavelength of light rays is the main determining factor for the strength and speed of charging of luminescent paints. The optimum length is 364 nm, which UV lamps with black bulbs have. Electric lighting will work too, but it will take longer to recharge and the recoil power will be weaker.

After the accumulation of light, with a sharp transition to complete darkness, a bright glow of the painted surfaces is observed. The general glow lasts up to 12 hours, depending on the color of the paint. Bright - does not last long 1-2 hours, after which it gradually begins to fade.

Where are fluorescent paints used?

Luminescent paints have a wide range of applications: design, printing, children's creativity, decorative arts, textile industry, landscape design... Despite the short glow period, luminescent paints are quite popular due to their environmental safety and non-toxicity. They are produced on the basis of water-dispersible or acrylic paints and phosphor powder. All of these components are harmless and safe.

Mode of application

In order for the glow of the painted materials to be brighter and longer, the surface must be white... To obtain it, an acrylic snow-white soil is used, which will not only give whiteness, but also even out all irregularities. Before priming, clean the dry surface from dirt and dust, in the presence of small cracks and chips, putty and sand, if necessary, degrease. Cover with primer in 1-2 layers. After it dries, it can be painted in several layers, each of which dries for at least 1 hour at a temperature of ± 20 ° C. Protect from mechanical stress and moisture for 1 day after staining. The cycles of accumulation and emission of light of the luminescent pigment are endless, the duration of the paints depends primarily on the quality of the acrylic composition itself.

Buy luminescent glowing paints in our online store is easy. It is enough to decide on their purpose, select the desired day / night color, quantity and add to the basket.

What you just can not find in the modern construction market. Diversity finishing materials allows you to bring to life all kinds of interior ideas. One of the interesting and in Lately luminescent paint is a very popular element - it can be used both for the facade of the house and for interior decoration inside the house. The peculiarity of this element is that the paint glows in the dark and that is why the cost of the material is quite high. I was very interested in the use of luminescent paint and, having learned the cost of all the components for preparing the mixture with my own hands, I realized that it would be more profitable to make the paint myself. Armed with the help of a friend, I began to study the properties, characteristics of the material and options for making luminescent paint with my own hands.

Classifications of luminescent paints

The essence of the luminescent material is that a pigment is added to the coloring composition, which is based on a phosphor. Due to this, in the dark, objects painted with such compounds can glow for a long time.

Luminescent paint in the bedroom

Important! A phosphor is a substance that absorbs light and releases it in the dark, creating light radiation.

Since progress does not stand still and sometimes it seems that chemists are able to invent materials to cover absolutely any surfaces, we can talk about several types of luminescent material:

  • For metal surfaces - maybe you once looked at racing cars that emit light at night
  • For fabric - very much in demand in the textile industry
  • For a glossy surface and glass - the use of glass panels, which are also highlighted, this is already completely on the verge of exclusivity, and the use of such ceramic tiles so generally
  • Water-based glowing paint
  • Wood paint - can be used for painting fences, facades and fences
  • There are even emulsions for concrete - well, absolutely fantastic, I thought when I learned about such possibilities
  • For plastic

Important! For a phosphor, just a fifteen-minute hit of light is enough and it will give it off for 8 hours. Agree, a good advantage for the powder.

For interest, I studied the market and made a table of the approximate cost of the phosphor:

By the way, luminescent paints can be bought in cans, the spraying of which is very quick and convenient. Therefore, if you want to arrange a small area of ​​the surface with your own hands, then feel free to purchase the material in spray cans. But do not forget that the cost of such a luminescent paint will be higher.

Features of the material and common misconceptions

Luminescent paint in the nursery

Since the paint contains not only our luminous pigment, but also a varnish, it should be noted that these varnishes are used for the basis of such materials:

  1. Alkyd
  2. Acrylic
  3. Polyurethane

It is from this basis that the pricing policy for luminescent paint is built. The service life of the coloring composition also depends on it. In the vastness of the Internet, there is an opinion that such mixtures are quite harmful and can harm human health. But in fact, this is a big mistake, since the phosphor powder itself is completely harmless. Do not confuse phosphor with phosphorus, because it is the second one that is really harmful. Remember, the harmfulness of the coating used depends only on the varnish, which is used as a base for luminescent paint.

The photoluminescent mixture is charged from ambient light, but there are also electroluminescent solutions that work on the principle of charging from an electric alternating current. This material was invented specifically for cars, or rather their bodies. Thanks to the principle of operation, such paint can glow at any time of the day and in any light.

Let's take a look at the areas in which a photoluminescent mixture can be used:

  • Using the material, you can create unique patterns, decorate walls and ceilings with them, highlight certain areas in the overall design of a room
  • Using luminescent, they paint furniture and interior items
  • Added to nail polishes and body art
  • Decorate wooden fences and gazebos
  • Color artificial flowers
  • Can be dyed fabrics, clothes, backpack
  • Silk screen printing for posters, calendars and notebooks
  • Aerosol cans are used for cars and bicycles, as well as for accessories to them.

We make luminescent paint ourselves

Luminescent paint on the walls

As I already said, it will be more expensive to purchase a dye than to create it with your own hands. If this business is not to your taste, then you should not worry. At the moment, there are a huge number of manufacturers who produce their products, both in liquid state, and in aerosol cans.

But if you are going to make a luminescent mixture with your own hands, then first you should decide on the choice of a base - varnish. You can buy a completely transparent material, or you can choose the desired shade. Then you get a luminescent pigment and stock up on containers made of enamel or ceramics.

The cooking technology is as follows:

  1. I poured the base into the already prepared dishes - varnish
  2. Then I filled in the pigment and mixed everything well. On average, you need to adhere to the proportions of 15-50% of the pigment from the total mass of the mixture. I added about 40%, but I read somewhere that the optimal amount is 30% of the pigment. By the way, the result of saturation depends on this.
  3. In order for the pigment to be distributed as evenly as possible, I added a solvent to the mixture and adhered to the proportion of 1% of the total mass. When choosing a solvent, pay attention to the varnish you are using
  4. Stir the entire solution and speed up the process little by little. Wait for a homogeneous mass
  5. That's basically it. Do-it-yourself paint is ready and can be applied to the required areas. The main thing in the process is to adhere to the correct proportions and do not overdo it with the solvent.

If you chose a transparent varnish, but want to give the mixture a shade, then add a little color to the resulting luminescent paint.

Apply luminescent material

Luminescent paint in the interior

After I prepared the luminescent paint with my own hands, it remains to choose the area of ​​its application and apply it to the surface. As in any other process, the surface to be painted must first be prepared.

Clean the area where the luminescent material is applied from dirt and dust. If necessary, degrease the staining area. If white paint is applied to the wall under our mixture, then the luminescent glow will be much brighter and better. Therefore, I did not neglect this advice and applied a white mortar to the section of the wall. By the way, the white coating serves as a primer, and after applying it with our own hands, we wait for the luminescent paint to dry completely.

Stir the luminescent composition thoroughly before application - this is necessary because the pigment itself has the property of precipitation. When the solution is ready, apply it in a thin layer. You can use rollers or brushes - I had a spray for this case. After the first layer applied, you need to apply the next one, but do not forget to wait for the initial layer to dry completely.

Important! For a durable design with luminescent paints, cover them with a top coat of varnish. Thus, all your design will be reliably protected from external adverse factors and mechanical stress.

Creating such a design yourself, you can use pre-prepared stencils or draw some patterns by hand with a brush. If a luminescent material is used in a children's room, then be sure that a painted starry sky on the ceiling or the outlined outline of animals on the walls of the room will surely delight your child. The magic of images that are created with the help of luminescent paints can delight not only children's eyes, but also surprise even adults.

Luminescent paint for interior design

If you do not want to paint over a large area of ​​the surface using a luminescent mixture, then prepare a stencil with various abstractions or patterns, and then use it to recreate the drawing on any surface convenient for you.

Using several colors of luminescent paint, you can create paintings and small landscapes right on the surface of walls and ceilings. I have even seen photographs when people, using such paints, left kind messages on the walls, which then drew attention to themselves for many, many years. If you are afraid of the dark, and there are no bulbs on your switches, then the powder will come to the rescue, because by applying such a luminescent mixture to the switch, you will definitely see it at night.

For myself, I realized that the application luminescent mixtures in the interior of your home it is beautiful, unusual and very impressive in the dark.

Electroluminescent mixture from LumiLor

Wall decoration with fluorescent paint

Since the photoluminescent coloring mixture is already familiar to everyone, but electroluminescent paint can be called new for us, I decided to tell a little about it. Such paint is used, in particular, for car tuning, and if an ordinary element glows only in the dark, accumulating its energy from light, then this option begins to glow after the electric current is applied.

The well-known brand LumiLor has such paint colors in its arsenal, but do not forget that to get a new shade, you just need to mix them:

  • Red
  • Green
  • Blue paint color
  • Yellow tint
  • White color

The most interesting thing about this material is that if there is no power supply, then the painted car looks quite normal. This is very relevant for those who like to depict their art. Thanks to this property of paint, when current is applied, everyone will see various drawings and creativity that you have created with your own hands.

LumiLor paints operate at an alternating current frequency of 500 to 1000 Hz. When connected, a 12V inverter is used, and it is already connected to a power source. It can be batteries or a regular 220V socket.

Luminescence is the ability of a coating to emit light in the dark. To get this 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, which glows under the influence of an electric current. But first, let's look at the principle of operation of a conventional luminescent paint that you can do yourself.


Luminescent paint accentuates some interior details

Composition and principle of action

The principle of action of luminous enamel is that it contributes to the accumulation of light energy, which it then gives off in the dark. Typically, the duration of light emission from such a paint is from 8 to 12 hours. The accumulation of light and its output is a continuous cycle that will allow fluorescent paints to be used 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 do it yourself.

The main component of a luminescent coating is a phosphor, which is a special pigment that provides a glow in the dark. The glow quality of a luminescent paint directly depends on the quality of the pigment. Phosphor is a luminous powder that easily adapts to environmental conditions, and also has stable physical and chemical characteristics... The luminescent pigment has a long service life, which is about 30 years.

Any glowing paint and varnish material consists of transparent varnish and phosphor. Acrylic varnish and polyurethane or alkyd base can be used as a transparent carrier. Typically, the standard proportion 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 field of application of the material depends on it. In modern conditions, you can make your own luminescent paint.

Scope of application of luminescent-based paints


The paint can be used for interior and exterior decoration

Modern fluorescent paints can be used both outdoors and indoors. Scope of application of luminescent coating:

  • the creation of luminous elements in the interior, in particular, luminescent paint is used for decorative design walls, ceilings, as well as for applying original art drawings;
  • decoration of furniture and objects in the interior;
  • creation of glowing manicure and make-up for body art;
  • decorative decoration of wooden arbors, frames and fences;
  • decoration of living or artificial floral elements;
  • dyeing textile fabrics, backpacks, bags, promotional clothing or suits;
  • photoluminescent ink is used for silk-screen printing in the form of painting 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, wheel 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 electroluminescence process. The mechanism of action is based on the fact that at the subatomic level, radiative recombination occurs, due to which phosphorescent substances emit photons of light under the influence of an electric current. Thanks to these processes, when power is applied, the paint begins to glow in a predetermined color.


Painted car with luminescent paint glows at night

Basic colors of LumiLor paint:

  • Red;
  • blue;
  • green;
  • White;
  • yellow.

All other shades are obtained by mixing these primary colors using 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 tremendous opportunities for creativity, since now you can actually make a canvas from the body of a car. On it you can depict various original do-it-yourself drawings.

LumiLor operates on AC mains 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 insulated prior to application. The 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 in the car, both exterior and interior. For example, this paint can be used to paint metal, plastic, glass, wooden elements and even carbon. 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 LumiLor electroluminescent paint application method requires the use of certain equipment and professional skills. However, despite this, the use of electroluminescent coating in the field of automotive tuning is becoming more and more popular.

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