What is glow spray?
Glow spray is an effect paint in an aerosol can that stores light and releases it again in the dark – without electricity and as often as you like. Each can contains 400 ml and covers approx. 3 m², depending on the surface and the number of coats. An additional spray nozzle for finer application is included.
The glow comes from phosphorescent pigments in the paint. They charge with daylight or lamplight, fastest with UV light. In the dark they gradually release the stored light.
What is glow spray suitable for?
Glow spray is suitable for surfaces and objects that should be visible in the dark as an effect or for orientation. It adheres to wood, metal, stone, plastic and many other surfaces. You need neither a brush nor a carrier of your own to mix it into.
The surface matters: on white or light surfaces the spray glows much more strongly than on dark ones. Prime dark parts in a light colour first.
Which glow spray colour should you choose?
For the strongest and longest glow, choose a natural shade: Natural Green, Natural Blue-Green or Natural Blue. These shades are whitish by day and barely noticeable on light surfaces. Tinted shades show a strong colour by day but glow for a shorter time and more weakly. The daylight colour and the glow colour often differ – the table shows both.
| Glow spray | Daylight colour | Glow in the dark | Glow strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Green | whitish, slight green tint | green | strong |
| Natural Blue-Green | whitish, slight green tint | blue-green | strong |
| Natural Blue | whitish | blue | slightly weaker than Natural Green |
| Yellow-Green | yellow | yellow-green | slightly shorter than the natural shades |
| Green-Green | green | green | slightly shorter than the natural shades |
| Gold-Green | gold | green | shorter and weaker |
| Silver-Green | silver | green | shorter and weaker |
| Terracotta-Green | warm terracotta shade | green | shorter and weaker |
| Orange-Yellow | bold orange | greenish | shorter and weaker |
| Blue-Blue | bold blue | blue | weaker and shorter |
| Purple-Blue | bold purple | blue | weaker, best charged with UV light |
| Pink | bold pink | warm orange | much weaker |
| Light Red | bold light red | greenish | much weaker |
| White | whitish, very light | white | short and weak |
A true red afterglow is not technically possible. Choose Light Red and Pink mainly for their daylight colour. White stays very light and discreet by day but shows only a brief effect in the dark.
Sorted by group, you will find the sprays under natural shades (whitish by day, strongest glow), coloured shades (boldly coloured by day) and gold & silver (gold or silver by day, green glow).
How to apply glow spray correctly
An even, strong glow comes from good preparation and several thin coats.
- Clean, degrease and dry the surface. Lightly sand smooth surfaces and mask off adjacent areas.
- Prime dark surfaces in white or a light colour first.
- Shake the can vigorously for one minute until you can hear the balls rattle. Ideally work at 20 °C or above.
- Spray from a distance of about 30 cm, parallel to the surface, and keep the can moving evenly. Shake briefly again from time to time.
- Apply two to three thin coats rather than one thick one, and let each coat dry briefly before the next.
- Finally, turn the can upside down and spray for 3 seconds to keep the nozzle clear.
The coat is touch-dry after 15–20 minutes and dry after 25–35 minutes.
How long does glow spray glow?
After a full charge, in complete darkness, glow spray glows for several hours – the more coats and material, the longer. Tinted shades glow for a shorter time than the natural shades. The glow is at its strongest in the first few minutes and then gradually fades.
Purple-Blue is strongly tinted: room lighting excites it only slightly, depending on the lamp. Charge it with UV light or sunlight. The page Afterglow explained shows how charging and fading work.
Can you use glow spray outdoors?
Yes – outdoors, cover the dry glow coat with a transparent acrylic or exterior varnish. The glow is only visible where it is truly dark at night. Near streetlights or lit windows it is barely noticeable.
Good to know
- An effect, not a light source: the glow is visible in real darkness and does not replace a lamp.
- Safety: protect the pressurised container from sunlight and temperatures above 50 °C, and do not spray towards a flame. Not for children under 14.
- Safety data sheet: the safety instructions are printed on the can. You will find the safety data sheet (SDS) under safety data sheets and on every product page.
- Origin: all glow sprays are Made in Germany.
Alternatives to glow spray
Prefer working with a brush? Then glow in the dark paint is the right choice. For a coloured, almost transparent finish there is glow in the dark varnish. If you want to work the glow into your own varnish, resin or glue, use glow powder and work out the quantity with the mixing calculator. You will find more answers in the FAQ.