How To Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Art

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Take a break from watching your lava lamp, and have some freaky fun with phosphorescence. Inspired by the Instructables project: http://www.instructables.com/id/UV-Fun/
Added January 5, 2009

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You Will Need

A pencil
Laundry detergent with whitener/brightener
A bucket, paintbrush, and water
A damp sponge
Two 18" fluorescent black light tubes with matching fixtures
Surge protector
A blank wall or other surface

Before you paint, apply a small amount of detergent to an inconspicuous part of your wall. Allow it to dry, then make sure you can remove it with a damp sponge. Some materials and paints may absorb detergent, which would make your masterpiece permanent.
Step 1.
Pick your design

Pick your design. Using a pencil, lightly trace an outline of the picture onto your wall.
Step 2.
Prep your detergent

Prep your detergent: If it’s a powder, mix it in the bucket with water until you get a paint-like consistency. If you’re working with a thicker liquid detergent, you may want to thin it with water to make it easier to spread.
Be sure the detergent contains a “whitener” or “brightener.” This is what makes it glow when exposed to UV rays.
Step 3.
Paint

Using your brush, paint the detergent mixture over your pencil marks. After the first coat is completely dry, apply a second coat to fill in any missed spots. Keep a damp sponge on hand to deal with drips and mistakes.
Step 4.
Set up the lights

Assemble your black lights—which are also known as UV lights and can be found online—in their fixtures. Plug them into a surge protector, and set them up on either side of your design.
Don’t use incandescent UV bulbs. They don’t create enough light to produce a good glow, and they give off enough heat to be considered a fire hazard.
Step 5.
Turn off the light

To achieve the most spectacular effect, make the room as dark as possible by drawing the curtains, shutting the door, and turning off the lights.
Step 6.
Revel in your artistry

Invite a few friends over, flip on the black lights, and revel in your awesome artistry.
Other items that glow when exposed to UV light include petroleum jelly, tonic water, milk, and cat urine.