FAQ
1. What is photoluminescence?
Photoluminescence is a special kind of phosphorescence. The energy needed to activate it is supplied by common light sources such as daylight, tungsten filament and fluorescent lights.
Under sudden power loss situations, the material is conspicuous at some distance, providing an effective, bright contrast for text and graphical symbols and ensuring that safety messages are quickly recognized. This assists people to orientate themselves so that they can react effectively and evacuate efficiently.
2. How do photoluminescent materials work?
Photoluminescent materials contain purpose designed inorganic phosphor compounds that are energized in seconds by the ultra violet and blue light wavelength energy that is present in nearly all light sources.
This high-energy source is converted into a lower energy source of light. The lower energy light source is yellow-green, the color most readily perceived by the human eye and as specified by safety signs standards.
Photoluminescent materials are non-radioactive and non-toxic and provide a strong light source. They are also self-extinguishing, so they carry on working when they are most needed.
3. How is photoluminescent material used?
Photoluminescent materials can be used for many safety applications, including:-
1 . Life saving equipment identification
2 . Fire safety signs
3 . Health and safety signs
4 . Escape route marking
5 . Low location illumination
6 . Directional route marking tape
The materials have already been successfully applied in the following sectors:
1 . Government .Navy
2 . Hospitals .Leisure
3 . Chemicals .Marine
4 . Transport .Education
5 . Power .Financial
6 . Industrial .Retail
The materials are also suitable for use in a wide range of commercial applications.
4. How is Glow paint produced?
Glow paint is produced by mixing Glow Powder with suitable clear inks or paints.
5. What are suitable clear inks or paints?
Suitable clear inks are inks that are clear or transparent and thick enough to sustain the weight of the glow powder particles. These can either be water based, solvent based, UV inks and more. The type you choose should suit the material you are going to apply on. It should also meet the requirements of your application method.
6. What is the mixing ratio for producing glow paint?
There is no standard mixing ratio and this is best left for the end user to decide. The more powder you add to the mixture, the brighter the glow would be, but the end result would be a coarse thick paint, might be too difficult to use (depends on your application method). You can achieve the same brightness in glow by either painting one coat of thick paint or a few coats of thin paint. As a general guideline, mixing ratio of Glow powder to clear paint is 1 part powder to 2 parts paint and can go up to 1 part glow powder to 1 part paint, by weight.
7. Why don't you sell the glow paints already nicely mixed in clean containers?
As mentioned earlier, different surfaces and application methods call for the use of different clear inks. Others may claim to have a glow paint suitable for all applications. but this is not possible . They might have glow paint but it might not be suitable for most surfaces and might even damage certain surface. Also the shelf life, length of glow and the brightness of glow from these premixed stuff is fixed. When you mix it yourself, you decide on the quality, texture and brightness of the glow paint by adding more or less glow powder. The shelf life issue is controlled by you by mixing only what you need when you need.
8. Do you have glow paint in a spray can?
This is not feasible due to the following reasons. Spray painting can only be done using thin watery ink. Glow powder cannot be mixed with watery inks because the powder particles are heavy and would sink to the bottom. Next reason is that spraying generally causes a lot of powder to be wasted. Then there is also the problem of frequent nozzle clogging and if left unchecked can permanently block the nozzle. If spraying is required, it must be done with proper spraying equipment and by a professional paint. The finest grade powder(500mesh,10-15um) should be used to together with a wide nozzal.
9. What is the life span of this product?
Life span of the finished product depends on how it is used and the environment it is used in. Apart from the powder which lasts about 10 years when exposed to regular sunlight, the other powders can last for more than 15 years. We are referring to the raw material, the glow powder. Now, once the powder is mixed with inks and painted or silk screen printed, the life span is over 5 years if used indoors and 1 to 2 years in an out door environment. Plastic molded products have a longer life span of over 10 years.
10. Is this product toxic or radioactive?
The powder is non toxic and non radioactive. It is safe for general use. But care must be taken when handling it. Wear gloves and wash with water if comes in contact with skin.
11. Is this product edible?
No! It is not edible. You should consult a doctor if this is swallowed.
12. Can the glow powder be mixed with water?
Yes it can but it cannot dissolve in water. A thin substance like water can suspend the powder particles for a few minutes only after which it has to be stirred regularly, approximately once every five minutes.
13. Where are you located and how long would delivery take?
We deliver worldwide either by normal airmail, or courier. it will take about 15 days by airmail and 4 days by courier to send sample.
