How to Add Black Light Paint

Black-light reactive paint comes in many colors.

Using black lights along with black-light paint can add an element of surprise and interest to an otherwise boring décor. Before you add black-light paint to your room, prepare the surface by washing and drying the walls. Keep everything that won't be coated with black-light paint covered, then turn on the black light and begin creating your art.

Things You'll Need

• Paint brush
• Paint pan
• Stencil (optional)
• Painter's masking tape

Instructions

1. Purchase standard or invisible black-light reactive paint online or at a novelty store. Invisible black-light reactive paint cannot be seen unless the black light is on.

2. Decide where you would like the paint to go. You may want to paint stars and moons across the ceiling, or a mural on one wall. Or you may want to paint the walls with traditional paint and add black light reactive paint to the trim around the windows and doors.

3. Remove all natural light from the room by closing the shades. Turn off standard lighting and turn on the black light. Paint the surface with a light-colored paint such as white or beige. If you are using a stencil, secure it to the wall with painter's masking tape before painting. Pour the black light reactive paint into a paint pan. Dip your paint brush into the paint and allow excess to drip off before applying paint to the wall. Press your brush against the wall and apply the paint in up-and-down strokes.

4. Wait three hours for the paint to dry, then add another coat if necessary to achieve the desired look. Evaluate the appearance of your work under the black light and in natural light.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect your fluorescent paint to be reactive to the black light for up to five years.

References

• Risk Reactor: How to use Risk Reactor Black Light Paint
• Black Light World: Fluorescent Paint