Phosphorescent Green

PHOSPHORESCENT GREEN

GOLDEN Phosphorescent Green is a non-hazardous, waterborne acrylic polymer-based paint formulated to emit a yellow-green glow after being properly charged with a light source.  This paint is also known as "glow in the dark" paint because it is intended to be viewed in low-light environments, continually glowing until its stored light energy is spent.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

GOLDEN Phosphorescent Green is a water-based acrylic paint that can be applied onto any surface prepared to accept acrylic paints. Its unique pigment is characterized by the ability to absorb and store natural and artificial light. When the light source is removed (i.e.: when the lights are turned off or the painted object is taken into a dark area), a bright, greenish glow is emitted for up to 15 minutes. The glow steadily diminishes as the stored light energy is released.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

GOLDEN Phosphorescent Green can be brush-applied in the same manner as other acrylic paints. However, there are certain guidelines the artist must follow to maximize the intensity and duration of the glow. The glow time is directly related to the thickness of the product, as well as the intensity, quality, and exposure duration of the light source.

Film Thickness

Thin coats of Phosphorescent Medium will not produce a long-lasting, glowing effect. In order to maximize the effect, apply several layers of the medium until maximum opacity¹ is achieved.

To test the effectiveness of each coating, and to later test which available light source works best, make a test panel where layers of the medium are built up.

1. Begin by applying an even coating to a piece of illustration board or another suitable substrate and allow the layers to properly dry before applying the next layer.
2. Apply the next layer, intentionally leaving a section uncoated with the second application of the product.
3. Repeat this process until several coats of at least 5 different thicknesses are built up to produce an opaque coating. Allow each layer to fully dry before proceeding. The end result should look like "steps" being built up as each layer is applied.
4. After all of the layers have been applied, allow the panel at least 24 hours to cure and expose the panel to the desired light source for at least 60 seconds.  More exposure time will increase the glow intensity and duration, however, 30 minutes should be sufficient for a full charge.
5. The light source and proximity to the Phosphorescent Green is critical to achieving the longest glow time.
6. Turn off or cover up all light sources in the room and observe the glowing effect.  Keep track of how long it takes to charge the application.

Light Source

Both natural and artificial light sources can be used to "charge" GOLDEN Phosphorescent Green. Light sources rich in Ultraviolet (UV) are most effective. Tungsten and Fluorescent lights will work, but some sources can take longer than others depending on their intensity (wattage). The fastest charge can result from a good Ultraviolet Light, commonly referred to as a "black light". The black light will also allow a bright glow to remain constant if left on during viewing. Infrared lights will not charge this product.

Use the test board with the different layers of medium to check which source will work the best for each use. Experiment with different types of light and their distance to the Phosphorescent Green.

Blending with Other Acrylic Paints

GOLDEN Phosphorescent Green does not serve as a true "painting medium" blending medium like GOLDEN Gloss Medium. Mixing with acrylic paints will substantially diminish the glowing capability of the product. If color is absolutely essential, the Fluorescent Paints diminish the glow the least. They must still be added very sparingly.

Any paints applied over the medium will also inhibit the glow. Even a transparent glaze will interrupt the charging capability of the medium.

Phosphorescent Green can be blended with any of the GOLDEN Gloss Gels or Mediums. Experimenting with different ratios of gel and Phosphorescent Green will produce different appearances. Blending the medium with GOLDEN Gels that are thick, such as Heavy Gel or High Solid Gel, will allow a much thicker, one-coat application.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

• GOLDEN Phosphorescent Green is not lightfast, meaning that it is fugitive in regards to lightfastness and will change over time, especially if used outdoors.
• If an outdoor project's glow time noticeably lessens, additional coats may be applied to refresh the glow intensity and appearance.
• Black lights put near the object can keep the glow appearance more constant. Experiment with the intensity of light and distance of UV light to the object.
• An opaque, even coating can be used as a glowing "chalkboard" with the aid of a flashlight. Messages can be "drawn" and the duration depends on how fast or slow the flashlight is moved across the film.
• To hide the Phosphorescent Green during normal viewing, apply the medium over a base color that is similar in hue and value. This will allow even heavy coatings to be undetectable during normal lighting. Using this technique will allow for "hidden" messages or graphics to be put into an artwork

 

Disclaimer

The above information is based on research and testing done by Golden Artist Colors, Inc., and is provided as a basis for understanding the potential uses of the products mentioned. Due to the numerous variables in methods, materials and conditions of producing art, Golden Artist Colors, Inc. cannot be sure the product will be right for you. Therefore, we urge product users to test each application to ensure all individual project requirements are met. While we believe the above information is accurate, WE MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, and we shall in no event be liable for any damages (indirect, consequential, or otherwise) that may occur as a result of a product application.