How to Write on the Wall With Markers That Glow in the Dark

Use fluorescent markers to create glow in the dark images.

Children love coloring with markers, especially ones that are out of the ordinary. Gel pens or highlighting pens will actually glow in the dark when used with a black light. If you are looking for a fun activity for your children, then creating artwork that glows in the dark will make for an afternoon of fun and laughter.

Things You'll Need

• Fluorescent markers
• Gel Pens
• Black Construction Paper
• Tape
• 75 Watt Incandescent Black Light Bulb

Instructions

1. 

   Black construction paper works the best.

   Tape large pieces of black construction paper onto your walls for the children to create their images. Black paper will create a better illusion of the artwork actually appearing to "glow in the dark".

2. 

   Yellow works the best.

   Use fluorescent markers or gel pens to draw fun images on the construction paper. Drawing on vertical surfaces such as walls helps strengthen the small muscles in hands and wrists, so this is a particularly useful project for preschoolers.

   Fluorescent yellow markers work the best for making the images really stand out.

3. 

   Replace your bulb with an incandescent black light.

   Use a 75-watt incandescent black light bulb in place of your regular household bulb to see the artwork glow. The bulb creates an ultraviolet light which picks up phosphors from the fluorescent markers. This reaction causes the pictures appear to glow in the dark.

   A phosphor is any substance that emits visible light in response to some sort of radiation. A phosphor converts the energy in the UV radiation from a black light into visible light.

4. 

   The black light picks up the phosphor in the markers.

   Turn on the light and watch as your pictures glow in the dark. Experiment with different colors to create fun and unique images.

Tips & Warnings

• Bright yellows and greens will stand out the best in the pictures.

• Do this craft during your child's Halloween party. Kids love drawing on walls and they can create some cool scary pictures that will light up using the fluorescent markers or gel pens.

• Use erasable markers to avoid permanent stains on the walls.

References

• Crayola Products : Specialty markers.
• Preschoolrock.com : Writing on the wall - fine motor developement.