How to Paint Glow in the Dark Ceiling Stars, Comets, galaxies, Meteors and more

This tutorial explains how to paint glow in the dark astronomical objects like stars, comets, meteors, planets, galaxies etc. Anyone can do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Glow Paint - water based
• Art Brushes - different sizes
• Sponge
• Cleaning rags
• Toothbrush
• Old newspaper or sheets to cover furniture
• Step ladder

1. When you start testing these techniques, try them out using inexpensive paint. Then when you get confident and perfect your technique you can use actual glow paint and paint realistic star ceilings. If you want the star field to be visible only at night buy glow paint that is invisible by day.
   
   You can make your own glow paint by mixing a good quality glow powder with clear paint। Even clear nail polish works great, since you will need just a few ounces for a 10 by 10 ceiling.
   
   
   Don't worry, anyone can learn how to do this.
   
   Ok, so let's start with Painting Stars.
   
   Choose cheap synthetic bristle brushes of various sizes. Bend the bristles of the brush away from the center a 90 degree angle. The best way to do this is to just poke the brush face down onto the table or floor so that the bristles form a flat surface that is perpendicular to the brush handle. Now dip the brush into the paint. Wipe off any excess back into the paint bottle. Squash the paint brush flat down onto the wall or ceiling. You will see that the bristles spread out like a fan to form a star pattern. Without dragging, lift the brush straight back up. Use different sized brushes to create stars of various sizes and shapes.
2. Painting Comets:
   
   Use the same technique as that for the stars, only this time do not lift up the brush, instead drag it along the surface of the wall or ceiling while simultaneously releasing pressure on the brush to create a star head with a trailing tail. Again use different size brushes to create comets of different sizes.
3. Painting Galaxies:
   
   To create a Galaxy illusion, all you need to do is paint a dense pattern of tiny dots with glow paint. The fastest way to do this is to use a sponge to apply the paint. Experiment with different types of sponges to satisfy your artistic and creative genius. Any craft store will have a good supply of a variety of sponges.
4. Painting Meteors, Moons and Planets:
   
   This is the easiest. All you need is a round flat sponge. You can even make one , by just cutting out a sponge into a flat round shape with a razor or a pair of scissors. These objects should be a little bigger than the stars, however.
   
   Apply the glow paint using the flat round sponge. You can even use 2 different colors of glow paint of various glow strengths to create ethereal meteors and moons. Make sure that the first layer dries thoroughly before applying the next color or layer of paint. Also you may have to apply paint with varying degrees of pressure so that the different layers glow through each consecutive layer of paint. This may need some practicing.
   
   You could even try painting a meteor with a tail! First paint an appropriately sized comet using the steps for painting a comet. Then follow the instructions for the meteor to paint over the head of the comet.
5. Painting Aliens, Spaceships, Planets, and Space Junk
   
   Most large craft stores (ex. Michael's) have an extensive selection of professional stencils. There are hundreds of stencils just for a space theme. Craft stores also offer a mini stencil roller with tray and stencil glue. Do not use paint brushes for stencils because the bristles push the paint under the edges. You could use a sponge, but the roller makes it very easy.

Tips & Warnings

• Take usual precautions as you would while painting any room.
• Use you imagination and creativity
• Water based glow paint is best as it is non toxic and can even be used safely in infant rooms