What are Fluorescent Paints? 

Fluorescent paints are a type of color that contains pigments that emit light when exposed to ultraviolet UV radiation. They are often used in art and craft projects, as well as for industrial and safety marking applications. They can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, and metal. They are available in a wide range of colors, including bright and vibrant shades that are not found in traditional colors.

Fluor paint gets its intense color from a property called fluorescence. When exposed to ultraviolet light, such as black light, their pigments absorb the UV radiation and then re-emit it as visible light. This process makes the colors appear exceptionally vibrant and bright under UV light.

The green stuff world fluorescent acrylic paints are one of the most highly pigmented and vibrant colors on the market. They have a smooth texture and go on evenly, resulting in beautiful and consistent color coverage. When applied over white, they really pop and glow brightly under ultraviolet or black light. This makes them perfect for creating eye-catching miniatures and dioramas. There are an infinite number of creative possibilities when you use them, so let your imagination run wild!

How to use fluorescent acrylic paints?

When painting with them, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start with a white or light-colored surface: They are most vibrant when applied to a white or light-colored surface, as they will appear brighter and more intense.
• Use a UV light source: To fully activate the fluor pigments, it's best to use a black light source, such as a blacklight when working with them. Get your UV torch here.
• Apply thin layers: They can be somewhat transparent, so it may be necessary to apply several thin layers to achieve the desired level of brightness.
• Use a sealant: To protect your work and to make it more durable, especially if the final miniature will be frequently touched.
• Experiment with mixing colors: Fluor paints can be mixed to create new, custom colors, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect shade for your project.

Remember that these types will not glow in natural light, they need UV light to be activated.

The ‘glow’ phenomenon produced by fluorescent paint occurs due to the interaction of pigments with ultraviolet light. When UV light strikes these pigments, they absorb the light and re-emit it at a visible wavelength, resulting in a bright, vibrant glow. It is as if the paints come to life under the black light, making the colours pop impressively.

Where to buy Fluor paint?

It is water-based and it contains a small amount of fluorocarbon resin. You can buy them at the Green Stuff World official site. They can be found in a variety of formats, including dropper bottles that hold 17 ml of product, and in a box of 8 colors. The box of 8 colors is a convenient option for artists, hobbyists, and those who need a variety of colors for a project.

The color intensity of fluor paints

Their pigments are known for their intense, bright colors. However, there can be variations in color intensity among different brands. This can be due to factors such as the quality and purity of the pigments used, as well as the manufacturing process. The most intense colours by their nature would be fluorescent paint yellow, fluor paint green, and fluorescent paint orange.

One factor that can affect the intensity of this super-intense fluor paint is the amount of pigments. Some manufacturers use more pigments than others, which can result in brighter, more intense colors. Additionally, the quality of the pigments used can also affect the intensity of the color. High-quality pigments will typically produce more vibrant, longer-lasting colors. Be sure to work with highly pigmented colours such as the Green Stuff World series of acrylic paint, metallic paint, fluor pigments, or even luminescent paint.

Another factor that can affect the intensity is the amount of light exposure. The fluorescence of these pigments will appear brightest when exposed to UV light or black light. However, over time, the intensity of the color may fade if the surface is not protected from prolonged exposure to light.

Finally, the type of surface that it is applied to can also affect the intensity of the color. These types of neon paint will appear brightest on a white or light-colored surface, while darker surfaces may absorb some of the light and make the color appear less intense.

It's important to keep in mind that these types of acrylics will not look the same in natural light as it does under blacklight.

Do fluorescent paints glow in the dark?

Fluor paints do not glow in the dark by itself. What they do is absorb visible light to emit it as visible colored light, usually brighter than the absorbed light. This process is called fluorescence.

They are not capable of producing light of its own, they can only emit the light they absorb from another source. In the dark, no light is available to absorb, so it is impossible to see it. It is for this reason that it is necessary to expose them to UV light. 

It is a common mistake to confuse fluorescent paints with photoluminescent paint, with photoluminescent one, which glow in the dark thanks to their composition: special pigments that have the ability to absorb and store energy from the light that strikes them. 

These pigments, known as strontium aluminates, are activated when exposed to light, whether natural or artificial. After absorbing light, the electrons in the pigments move to a higher energy state. Once they return to their original state, they release the stored energy in the form of visible light, allowing this type of paint to glow in the dark. 

Herein lies the main difference between the two. The first one, only glows when exposed to a UV light source, the latter when it has been exposed to light. In addition, the light of fluorescence is gradual and its duration depends on several factors such as the quality of the pigment, the intensity of the light, or the ambient temperature.

What is the difference between fluorescent paint and neon paint?

In general, the terms fluor paints and neon paints are often used for the same type of products, although technically they have subtle differences in meaning. While the former absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light and transmits it as visible light, making colors appear brighter and more intense, the latter is designed to emit much brighter and more glowing colors in the dark. Even without black (or UV) light, they can still work, although their colors will be much softer and their intensity will be greatly reduced.

In essence, all neon paints are fluorescent, but not all fluor is neon. They are a subcategory within fluorescent because they have a higher brightness and intensity.

In fact, they also differ in their everyday uses, outside of modeling. Fluorescent is commonly used in traffic signs, construction sites, and safety clothing because of its high visibility. Neon, on the other hand, is popular for parties and events for decorations, costumes, and body paint.

However, when it comes to applying them, their characteristics are quite similar. The ideal surfaces for both are:

• Smooth surfaces: glass, plastic, metal, smooth wood, etc. These provide a uniform base for the product to adhere to.
• White surfaces. A light base maximizes the brightness of the fluorescent pigments. On the contrary, darker ones may dull the color.
• Primed surfaces. For porous materials such as wood or plaster, a primer is ideal to create a smoother surface and better color adherence. However, it is recommended to prime any surface before painting, regardless of its natural porosity.

In fact, painting on rough or very porous surfaces should be avoided because it will affect the uniformity of the paint, as well as reduce its gloss. Most of these surfaces can be prepared for the addition of flour or neon paints.

It is as simple as cleaning the surface of dust, any dirt, or previous coatings. Once cleaned, it needs to be sanded to create a tooth to which the color will adhere. It is then that it can be primed by applying a quality primer, preferably white or a light color to enhance the brightness of the product. When it has dried completely, it is time to color. Some modelers also use uv resin in conjunction with fluorescent paints to create interesting effects, such as glowing details or translucent parts that react to UV light.

Not what you were looking for? You might be interested in our paint mat and the blackest black paint.