What is a luminescent coating, colors and areas of application of paint
Of all the variety of modern paint and varnish products, paint based on phosphor pigment stands out. After applying fluorescent paint, the surface glows in low or no light. The luminous effect allows you to be creative, to create original compositions on almost any material. Phosphorus absorbs daylight to emit it at night.
The principle of operation and features of the composition of luminescent paint
Luminescence is the glow of a substance, which is possible due to the light energy accumulated during daylight hours. This effect is provided by a phosphor - a pigment made in powder form. It absorbs light emitted from both the sun and lighting fixtures to release captured light energy in the dark.
Phosphorus, which is part of the paint, retains its light accumulating property for about 30 years. The duration of the nightglow is determined by the duration of light exposure throughout the day, and the intensity is determined by the concentration of the pigment. For a noticeable shine, 20 minutes exposure to the coated surface is sufficient.
The high-quality luminescent composition is harmless to the human body. Only a specific smell of a fresh coating can have a negative effect.
The second component of the luminescent composition is varnish. It does not affect the saturation of the glow, but only performs a binding function. The standard ratio of luminescent powder and varnish is 1: 3. The paint is made on the basis of polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd varnish. The strength, durability and cost of products depend on the lacquer base.
Varieties
There is no commercial division of electroluminescent paint into categories. However, photoluminescent products are conventionally divided into varieties according to color, composition of components, active substance and purpose.
According to the light-emitting component, the paint is divided into 3 types:
- Fluorescent. Does not accumulate light energy, does not emit light by itself. In order for the paint to shine, it must be exposed to ultraviolet rays. It is most often used to decorate the interior surfaces of public entertainment establishments and to paint cars. Acrylic varnish, which is harmless to humans, is used as the base.
- Luminescent. The most commonly used paint that glows independently due to its ability to accumulate light energy. The longer the daylight absorption period, the more nightglow is observed. The range of applications is wide, the paint is suitable for both facade work and interior decoration.
- Phosphorescent. Designed exclusively for exterior decoration, city markings, car painting. The shiny effect is provided by the inclusion of phosphorus in the composition, therefore the products are dangerous for the human body.
By color characteristics, luminescent paint is divided into 2 categories:
- Transparent or translucent. During the day, it is not visible or barely shines. Designed to effectively complement a color composition.
- Colored. Contains a coloring pigment. Glows at night and in the light hours looks like a standard coating of a certain color.
When buying luminescent paint, you need to look at what coating it is intended for decoration:
- For metal, glass, ceramics. A heat-resistant composition based on polyvinyl resins is used. Withstands temperatures up to 600°C.
- For clothes and plants. Used acrylic, harmless to plant organisms.
- For the walls. A water-based composition is suitable. It does not smell, dries quickly, but does not withstand mechanical stress.
- For plastic surfaces. Used polyurethane-mineral luminescent paint, characterized by high adhesive properties. The resins included in the composition increase adhesion to plastic.
Areas of application of the luminescent coating
Today, luminescent paint is mainly used for decorating rooms. With its help, designers create original multi-colored compositions that gently but intensely glow at night. This wall and ceiling decoration will appeal to children who are afraid of sleeping in complete darkness.
But it's not just interior walls that can be covered with fluorescent paint. The range of use of the composition is wide:
- production of posters, banners, advertising media placed in the streets of the city;
- decoration of furniture and structural elements of night bars, cafes, dance floors and other entertainment establishments;
- creation of bituminous markings, urban structures, signage for motorists;
- painting of cars, mopeds, bicycles, other vehicles and their spare parts (bumpers, discs);
- sewing of work clothes for road and city employees;
- painting of facades, gazebos, fences, urban landscaping elements;
- create impressive light tricks while performing circus acts;
- production of theater and circus costumes, mannequins and decorations;
- printing of prints and inscriptions on textiles;
- aerosol irrigation of plant leaves and petals to create bright flower arrangements.
Choice criteria
There is no difficulty in choosing luminescent paints. The construction market sells products of different price categories. The widest range of colors. Luminescent formulations are sold in spray cans, canisters, and buckets. Which container option to choose depends on the purpose of using the paint. The aerosol version is considered the most convenient to use. The composition is easy to apply, sprayed evenly, although the cost of cans is higher than that of buckets. Before use, the box should be shaken so that the solution inside becomes uniform.
For body art, there is a special luminescent dye that is harmless to the body. It is easily removed from the skin.
When choosing a paint, the composition is correlated with the purpose of the application. Highly adhesive polyurethane-mineral compositions are optimal for coloring polymeric coatings.For interior walls, furniture, interior elements, garden paths and flower beds, it is advisable to use harmless acrylic paints. For painting drains, pool walls, bathhouse, sauna, you need to use waterproof luminescent or fluorescent compositions.
When buying, do not be lazy to ask the seller for a quality certificate. The absence of a certificate indicates poor quality and toxicity. Cheap products usually contain phosphorus in a concentration above the permissible value. The use of such paint is fraught with serious consequences for the body.
Application rules
If you bought paint not in a jar, but in a pot or bucket, then use a brush, roller or spray gun to paint. If the work is done indoors, it should be well ventilated. The surface on which the phosphor is applied must be absolutely dry, primed and smooth.
In order to paint a high-quality surface, to extend its life, the following rules must be observed:
- Prepare the surface for pigment application. Remove dust, grease, rust, mold.
- Remove the finishing coat, if it is old, does not hold well, crumbles. Then apply the putty.
- Shake the contents of the container, as the pigment is subject to precipitation.
- Apply the phosphorus in two coats: the second 1 to 2 hours after the first.
- For a more intense shine, place the paint on a light background. On dark walls, the glow is weak.
- Use protective equipment: closed work clothes, rubber gloves, protective goggles. If toxic paint containing phosphorus is used, a respirator is required.
How can you make yourself
To make finishing work cheaper, you do not need to buy ready-made luminescent paint, but do it yourself. It is not difficult, it is enough to buy a phosphor in powder form, a transparent varnish suitable for the surface to be coated, and a liquid solvent. To mix the components, you need to take glass or ceramic dishes.
Components are sold freely at construction stores and online. To be painted 8 m2 surface, just buy 100g of pigment.
To make fluorescent paint:
- Pour the varnish into the container.
- Pour the powder in such an amount that the varnish/pigment ratio is 3:1.
- Pour the solvent in an amount of about 2% to the base composition.
- Mix well.
- Add coloring if necessary.
Store the rest of the solution after use in a sealed container.
Electroluminescent paint concept
In this case, the emission of light becomes possible as soon as the power is turned on. The action is based on radiative recombination: under the influence of current, the phosphorescent substance emits photons, as a result, the pigment coating begins to emit a certain color.
When no power is supplied, the painted object looks unremarkable. As soon as the current begins to flow, a glow appears. The pigment works on alternating current worth 500-1000 Hz. A 12 V inverter is required and can be connected to batteries or mains.
Electroluminescent paint is waterproof, suitable for metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass, carbon surfaces, mainly used for car artistic painting, but can also be used for interior and facade decoration. The metal surface to be painted must be primed and insulated. A transparent varnish is applied over the pigment, which extends the life of the coating.