Glow-in-the-dark paint is a great, fun, and versatile thing to add to toys, tools, and rooms, and it can be both useful and entertaining. A lot of people love glow-in-the-dark paint, and it can be used in a whole variety of places. Some people create amazing murals that will glow in the bedroom when the lights are turned off.
Other people will paint tools, or use glow-in-the-dark paint to provide an extra safety feature in the home (e.g. on the edges of wooden stairs). However, it’s important to understand how long glow-in-the-dark is likely to last before it fades. We’re also going to look at how soon you’ll have to refresh the paint with a new coat.
How long does glow in the dark paint last? Glow-in-the-dark paint that has been fully charged can last for as long as 12 hours after dark, but some kinds may not glow for this long. These paints can be useful, but they may not provide a glow for a whole night. Glow-in-the-dark paint should have about a 10-year life expectancy on your wall, and then will stop glowing or at least fade.
How Many Hours Should Glow in the Dark Paint Stay Bright?
Glow-in-the-dark paint needs to be “charged up” by other light, and it will glow for as much as 12 hours after the light source has been removed. Some kinds will only glow for a few hours, but high-quality glow paint that has been fully charged should glow for a good while.
If you are using glow-in-the-dark stars or you have added painted stars to your wall or ceiling, make sure they are being exposed to a sufficient amount of light during the day. This will ensure that they glow for as long as possible.
It’s important to be aware that you shouldn’t assume your glow-in-the-dark paint will last for a full 12 hours if you’re planning to use it for additional safety.
Some people like to add glow-in-the-dark paint close to light switches or on the edges of stairs to try to increase their safety levels in the dark – but this product isn’t super reliable, so you should be careful if you intend to do this.
It’s better to have a reliable source of light and use other safety features if you can. Glow-in-the-dark paint is fun, but its glow period can be quite varied, especially if it is charged by sunlight, so don’t depend on it. This is particularly true if you are in a home with vulnerable people or young children.
How Many Years Will Glow in the Dark Paint Last?
Glow-in-the-dark paint is pretty durable, but it doesn’t last forever, and eventually, you may need to top up your paint or replace your glowy item. Many people find that glow-in-the-dark paint lasts for up to 10 years on the wall, but in some cases, it will retain its glowing properties for even longer.
If you want to maintain your glow-in-the-dark paint, you might need to paint over it with a clear sealer. This won’t affect how well it charges up or how intensely it glows, and it will protect the paint, making it last for longer. It’s well worth doing if you have the time, because it will stop you from having to re-paint the surface for a few extra years.
There are various suitable clear sealers, and you may be able to get one from the same manufacturer as you have purchased your paint from, or from another manufacturer. Wait until your glow-in-the-dark paint is completely dry, and then add a layer of clear sealant to protect it.
If you don’t have any clear sealant, be aware that this isn’t crucial. The glow-in-the-dark paint should still last well, but be aware that it may have a slightly shorter lifespan.
How Long Will Glow in the Dark Paint Last in the Tin?
If you’ve got some glow-in-the-dark paint but no time to apply it, you don’t need to worry too much about rushing to get it on the walls. When stored correctly, this paint should last for around 3 years (provided the tin hasn’t been opened), and may be good for as long as 5 years. However, you shouldn’t keep it for longer than this.
It’s also important to check what storage conditions the manufacturer recommends before you store the paint. Most paints need to be kept in a dry, cool spot, with minimal temperature fluctuations.
You should not put the glow-in-the-dark paint somewhere that gets hot, cold, or damp, as it is very unlikely to last well. Store it according to the directions on its container.
What Other Kinds of Paint Glow?
The kind of paint most commonly referred to as “glow-in-the-dark” is phosphorescent paint, and it contains silver-activated zinc sulfide, which is what makes it glow. You may also want to look into fluorescent paint, which comes in a variety of different forms. This kind of paint will glow brightly in blacklights and UV lights.
It’s not equivalent to glow-in-the-dark paint, because it doesn’t retain its glow after the light has been removed. Glow-in-the-dark paint will stay bright for several hours after the light source has disappeared, while fluorescent paint only stays bright when there is light being applied to it. It’s still bright and glows beautifully, but it’s not the same.
You should therefore use glow-in-the-dark paint if you want it to be able to glow even when there is no other light available. Fluorescent paints are good fun and can make a room look great for a party, but they aren’t the same thing, and they shouldn’t be used as an alternative option.
Final Thoughts
Glow-in-the-dark paint can glow for as much as 12 hours after the light source has been removed, although some kinds will not last for this long. After about 10 years, you will probably find that you need to refresh your glow-in-the-dark paint by adding a fresh coat, as it will not glow for very long, if at all. Simply add a fresh layer of new paint in the desired place.
