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Glow-in-the-dark paint has been around for a while, but it remains a popular choice for all kinds of craft projects. With so many colors, types, and sizes available, it can be tricky to find the right one for your needs. To make the selection easier, the This Old House Team researched the best glow-in-the-dark paints on Amazon. Check out our top five recommendations below.
Compare Top Glow-in-the-Dark Paints
| Product | Paint Type | Colors | Quantity | Bottle Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon Nights UV Body Paint Set | Body paint | Eight different colors | 20 milliliters of each color | Screw-top container |
| Individuall Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set | Acrylic paint | Eight different colors | 20 milliliters of each color | Screw-top container |
| FolkArt Neutral Glow-in-the-Dark Paint | Acrylic paint | White | 8 ounces | Squeeze bottle |
| TULIP Metallic Fabric Paint | Fabric paint | Six metallic colors | 1.25 ounces of eachcolor | Squeeze bottle |
| HXDZFX Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment | Paint powder | 12 different colors | 20 grams of each color | Screw-top container |
| Product | Paint Type | Colors | Quantity | Bottle Type |
Best Body Paint: Neon Nights UV Body Paint Set
Neon Nights UV Body Paint Set
- $10.56
- $18.25
- 42% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can remove from skin and fabric with soap and water
✔ Comes with eight bottles of varying colors
✔ Is meant for Halloween, music festivals, and more
✘ Not suitable for fabric
✘ Is not made in the United States
What Customers Are Saying
Positively, customers liked the bright, long-lasting glow that this UV body paint provided when it was applied correctly. However, some users were confused by the directions, as they didn’t understand that they needed a UV light to charge and activate the glowing effect of the paint.
Best Outdoor Paint: Individuall Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set
Individuall Glow-in-the-Dark Paint Set
- $11.25
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can apply multiple layers for more color and glow intensity
✔ Comes with 5.4 total ounces of paint across eight bottles
✔ Has screw-on caps to keep the paint from spilling
✘ Requires a primer and top coat if you’re painting an outdoor surface
✘ Is not safe for skin
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers valued the consistency of this glow-in-the-dark paint, adding that it didn’t feel too thin or too thick. The brightness of the glow was also in line with many customers’ expectations. However, some unsatisfied customers thought that the paint didn’t apply smoothly. Others were upset that the containers didn’t hold more paint.
Best Neutral Paint: FolkArt Neutral Glow-in-the-Dark Paint
FolkArt Neutral Glow-in-the-Dark Paint
- $6.17
- $8.29
- 26% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in an eight-ounce bottle to cover a large surface
✔ Has a neutral color that complements any project
✔ Is made in the United States
✘ Comes in few color choices
✘ Needs to charge under a light to glow
What Customers Are Saying
Although many users had to apply more than one coat of this glow-in-the-dark paint to achieve the level of glow that they desired, they thought that the result was worth the effort. Conversely, some users struggled to get their project to glow despite applying multiple coats and charging the paint in the sun.
Best Fabric Paint: TULIP Fabric Paint
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in squeeze bottles with fine tips for easy application
✔ Gives fabric a 3D design
✔ Comes in other colors
✘ Needs to dry for 72 hours before you can wash the fabric
✘ Can’t wash the fabric with fabric softener
What Customers Are Saying
Many positive customer reviews highlighted the bright glow and fast drying time of this glow-in-the-dark fabric paint. While the glowing effect didn’t last as long as some users wished, the brightness of the initial glow was satisfactory. Some users also thought that the paint bottles were too small.
Best Pigment Powder: HXDZFX Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment Powder
HXDZFX Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment Powder
- $16.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can control the potency of the glow by using more or less powder
✔ Can also add to slime, epoxy, or nail polish
✔ Has a non-toxic formula that’s safe for the environment and you
✘ Requires mixing
✘ Can spill the powder easily
What Customers Are Saying
Due to the color options and powerful glow of these powders, many customers thought that this set was a good value. However, some dissatisfied customers mentioned that they had to frequently shine a black light over the powder to maintain a strong glow.
Buyer’s Guide
Manufacturers offer similar glow-in-the-dark paints. As long as you choose a paint that has your desired color and works on your surface, you can’t go wrong for your next paint project. However, for the best results, here are a few additional factors you can keep in mind during your search.
Type
Glow-in-the-dark paint is sold as a liquid—similar to traditional paint—or as a powder. Powder is useful if you want to control how much the object glows or add a luminous effect to regular paint. For convenience, many people choose pre-mixed glow-in-the-dark paint.
Intended Material
Acrylic paint sets usually works on a variety of materials that you may use for art projects, such as wood, glass, and metal. You can also find paint that’s specifically designed for fabric or skin. Read the description of the paint you’re considering to make sure that it works on the material you’re decorating.
Size
Most glow-in-the-dark paints are sold in sets with several 20- or 40-milliliter bottles of varying colors. If you only need one color, you can find larger singular bottles. If you have a lot of material to paint or need to apply multiple coats to your project, consider purchasing more than one set or bottle.
Color
Most glow-in-the-dark paint is sold in a set with multiple colors. You can use these colors as is or mix them with each other to create a custom hue. Lime green, highlighter yellow, and other neon colors are common, but you can find some neutral liquids and powders if you want your surface to look normal until nighttime.
Lasting Effect
After activating the glowing effect using a light source like sunlight or artificial light, glow-in-the-dark paint can glow for several minutes or hours. This timeframe usually depends on the concentration of the phosphorus in the paint, which provides the glow. A sign of a concentrated paint is a high price tag. Some manufacturers even tell you how much phosphorus is in their paint, measuring it in microns. There is a trade-off with more phosphorus, though, as it gives the paint a grainy texture.
Ease of Use
Some glow-in-the-dark paints come in a squeeze bottle that’s similar to a traditional bottle of glue. Using the fine tip, you can direct the paint to where you want it. Other glow-in-the-dark paints come in containers with a screw top. After removing the cap, you can dip a small paintbrush inside.
Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Tips
If you’re an experienced painter, you won’t have an issue using glow-in-the-dark paint. However, those who are using glow-in-the-dark paint for the first time may benefit from the below tips to ensure an evenly applied, long-lasting glow.
- Expect the paint to go on completely or nearly invisible, especially for the first coat or two. Working in a dark room with a bright light may make it easier to see exactly where you’re applying the glow-in-the-dark paint.
- Apply a thin, smooth layer of paint with each coat. If you don’t mind wasting some of your glow-in-the-dark paint, use some on an inconspicuous area first to practice.
- Use a toothbrush or toothpick to manipulate the glow-in-the-dark paint into a 3D-like design. There are several glow-in-the-dark painting tutorials online that demonstrate this technique.
- If you’re using a particular paint for the first time, try it on a smaller project or an inconspicuous area of a project. That way, you don’t ruin the artwork that you have been working on for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glow-in-the-dark paint toxic?
Since most glow-in-the-dark paint uses non-toxic phosphorus, it’s considered safe. However, like with any type of paint, you shouldn’t ingest it.
Will glow-in-the-dark paint stain my clothes?
Many glow-in-the-dark paints dry on your clothing and come off in small flakes. However, it can take a considerable amount of effort to get it to flake off, so we recommend wearing clothes that you don’t mind soiling.
How long does glow-in-the-dark paint last?
If it’s stored properly and left unopened, glow-in-the-dark paint can last between three and five years. Once it’s applied, it can glow for about 10 years. It may last a little longer if you use a primer and top coat with it and apply it to an indoor surface as opposed to applying it for outdoor use.
How many coats of glow-in-the-dark paint do I need to apply?
Most manufacturers recommend applying three coats of glow-in-the-dark paint to achieve the maximum glowing effect. Let the paint dry for at least 10-15 minutes before applying another coat.
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