How to Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Art
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/
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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
Steps
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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.
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Step 1
Pick your design
Pick your design. Using a pencil, lightly trace an outline of the picture onto your wall.
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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.
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Be sure the detergent contains a "whitener" or "brightener." This is what makes it glow when exposed to UV rays.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Step 6
Revel in your artistry
Invite a few friends over, flip on the black lights, and revel in your awesome artistry.
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Other items that glow when exposed to UV light include petroleum jelly, tonic water, milk, and cat urine.
