Are you looking for a way to give your home some extra oomph? Maybe it’s for a special event, the festive or the spooky season.
Whatever it may be for outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint is a great way of decorating your house while also letting your creative juices flow.
Glow-in-the-dark paint has developed over the past few years, previously it was only found as face paint or acrylic paint but now you can get it in a huge range of formulas and outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint is one of these many new types that you can get.
Below we look at the 7 best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints that are currently on the market.
1. Best Water-Based Acrylic: Neon Nights Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
This fantastic pack of 8 glow-in-the-dark paints is great for anyone looking to transform small details or areas of a surface into a neon masterpiece.
This multipack is very competitively priced and the paint is easy to use. All you need are detail paint brushes to get started.
The set includes neon white, yellow, orange, red, green, blue, pink, and purple paints, giving you lots of choice when making your creation.
These paints are water-based acrylic paints and they can be used on a range of surfaces, including plastic, glass, metal, wood, and concrete.
For best results activate these paints using a blacklight but the paint can also be charged by other artificial lights and natural light, making this set even more convenient!
Simply apply to a white background or primer and let your creative juices flow!
Pros
- Neon Glow in the nighttime.
- Neon color visible in the daytime.
- 8 pack of different colored paints.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Water-resistant.
Cons
- Blacklight activated
- 20ml size only
- Not entirely weatherproofed
2. Best Spray Paint: Rust-Oleum Glow-In-The-Dark Spraypaint Max
Rust-oleum is a household name when it comes to painting and decorating and so it is no surprise that one of their fantastic products has made our list.
Finding a decent spray paint can be difficult but this Rust-oleum glow-in-the-dark spray paint is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and it is an upgrade of their original glow-in-the-dark spray paint.
This spray paint takes as little as 24 hours to completely dry when applied and it can glow for up to 8 hours under optimal conditions.
For the best results, Rust-oleum recommends applying this spray paint over lighter colors and ensuring it has exposure to artificial or natural sunlight to charge during the day.
Reapply as needed to maintain that bright glow.
You can use this product on a range of surfaces, including ceramic, wood, metal, drywall, concrete, and more.
As this product is an aerosol, safety information and safety instructions should be adhered to when applying and caring for this product.
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Pros
- Long-Lasting glow
- Suitable for use on a range of surfaces
- Easy to apply
- Fast-drying
- Suitable for use indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Must be topped up frequently for best results
Find this product in a store near you by checking the store locator on the Rust-oleum page by clicking here.
3. Best Acrylic: Art N Glow Glow-In-The-Dark Acrylic Paint
This premium-grade powder format paint is a great way of brightening up any outdoor space.
This acrylic-based paint differs from other acrylics as it is made with premium-grade strontium illuminate powder, which gives this product a long-lasting glow.
Choose from fourteen different colors, including blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and reds.
Some colors, such as green, do glow brighter than other colors, with some colors glowing for between 6 and 12 hours.
This outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint must be applied on a white background or surface for best results.
Multiple coats are advised to ensure you get the best glow possible.
Pros
- Premium-grade formula
- Long-lasting glow
- Available in fourteen colors
- Can charge under any light source
- Appears clear during daylight and gives an intense colored glow in the darkness
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Duration and intensity of glow varies between colors
You can buy this paint from Walmart by clicking here.
4. Best Long-Lasting Paint: Techno Glow Glow-In-The-Dark Paint In Bright Blue
This acrylic-based luminescent paint is a long-lasting and long-glowing paint that is perfect for any outdoor space.
Choose from blue, aqua, or green as well as a range of sizes. This paint is available in a light blue and light green color.
Apply a UV-resistant topcoat to this paint to protect it from the elements and give you a glow that will not need to be topped up for years.
The outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint is suitable for use on stone, concrete, metal, wood, and other surfaces making it a very versatile product.
Apply on a white background for best results and apply several coats for a strong glow in the darkness.
Pros
- Non-Toxic
- Long-lasting glow
- Quick charging under any light source
- Range of sizes available
- Available in three different colors
Cons
- Expensive compared to other products
You can buy this paint from Walmart by clicking here.
5. Best Non-Toxic: Spacebeams Aurora Glow-In-The Dark Paint In Bright Green
This product is a great paint for anyone looking for bright and intense glowing paint that lasts for up to four hours.
When compared against other products this Aurora paint led by miles, still giving off a light glow four hours later.
When applied to an outdoor surface the paint gives off an off-white color in the daytime and in the darkness, it glows in a vivid green color.
This product comes in a 20ml or a 50ml pot and as it is a water-based product it is easy to apply to a range of surfaces, such as pre-painted surfaces, wood, metal, plastic, glass, and fabric. You can use this paint both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Intense glow
- Non-Toxic
- Non-flammable
- Long-lasting Glow
- Fast charging
- Suitable for use on a range of surfaces
Cons
- UV charged
- Must have a UV resistant clear coat applied over for outdoor use
You can buy this paint on Amazon by clicking here.
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6. Best For Wood: Folkart Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
Finding a paint in general for wooden surfaces can be difficult and when you limit that search to purely outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints that search becomes even more difficult.
Folk Art has been producing incredible acrylic paints for many years and this glow-in-the-dark paint reaches the top standard that you would want from a glow-in-the-dark paint.
This product can be used on wooden surfaces as well as fabric, metals, canvas, and other non-porous surfaces.
Simply apply the rich and creamy paint using a brush, wait to dry, and watch as the paint lights up in the dark.
If you use this paint, bear in mind that it takes a long time to charge and will need to be topped up frequently.
This particular shade, neutral, gives a slight yellow tinge to the white base it is painted over during the daytime and emits a faint yellow glow in the darkness.
You can find this product in a range of colors online from Walmart, find the link below.
Pros
- AP-certified Non-Toxic
- Water-based
- Dries to a matte finish
- Suitable for use on a range of surfaces
- Can be charged under any light source
Cons
- Not weatherproof
- Only glows for a few minutes to 60 minutes
You can buy this paint from Walmart by clicking here.
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7. Best Enhancer: Deco Art Glow-In-The-Dark Paint
This paint allows you to create any space into a glow-in-the-dark and luminous space.
This paint has been made to adhere to the US standards of safety meaning it is non-toxic and safe to use.
You can mix this paint with other transparent acrylic paints to make any painting luminous.
You can also use this paint as a way of topping up older glow-in-the-dark paint in your outdoor spaces.
For best results apply this product to a white background and charge the paint using a UV light.
The paint can be charged using any light but for a lasting glow, UV lights are recommended.
Pros
- Toxic-free
- Can be charged using any light source
- Can be mixed with acrylic paints
- Safe for use indoors and outdoors
- Gives a lemon glow in the dark
Cons
- Yellow tint to the color during the daytime
You can buy this paint directly from the official Deco Art website by clicking here.
Buyer’s Guide
When buying outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint there are a number of vital considerations that you need to keep in mind when searching for the right paint for you.
Below we outline these key considerations to help you find paint that is suited to your home, climate, budget, and more!
Type Of Paint
There is a huge range of forms that you can find outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint in, these include spray paint, powder paint, gel, brush-on, markers, cream, or more fluid types.
Paints can also be found in acrylic or oil-based forms. Some forms are easier to use than others.
Each type of paint mentioned will be balanced up by the below considerations, helping YouTube narrow down the wide market of paints out there.
The Compatibility Of The Paint With The Material You Are Painting
Depending on what you are planning to paint using outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint you need to ensure that the paint is compatible with the surface.
Often the easiest to paint surfaces are wooden, rock, concrete, brick, ceramic, or metallic.
These are more porous surfaces and so they can absorb the paint.
It can be more difficult to find all-purpose paints that can be used on plastic, glass, metal, or other less porous surfaces.
Check before buying a product that it is suitable for use on the surface you intend to decorate.
How Weatherproofed The Paint Is
Weatherproofing is a huge consideration that you should think about when buying anything for the outdoors.
At the very least you should be purchasing an outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint that is water-resistant but it is best to get a product that is entirely weatherproofed, this means it can withstand plummeting and soaring temperatures, wet, sunny, or snowy weather, and even withstand stormy conditions.
Paint that is not weatherproofed can be washed away if the weather can cause the paint to disintegrate.
Fully cured oil-based or acrylic paints are a fantastic option as they tend to be fully weatherproofed and a top clear coat is often applied.
If you are applying a clear coat over your outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint, ensure that it is UV resistant so that your paint can be charged to ensure that it glows.
You should also check safety and usage instructions when using paints and ensure the space is ventilated and that you wear the correct protective gear to protect yourself from dangerous or sickening fumes.
How The Paint Charges
For outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint to glow it needs to charge by soaking up a light source.
If the paint cannot absorb light then it will not glow.
There are different types of light sources that can be used to charge the paint, these include natural light such as sunlight, UV light, blacklight, or light from a regular artificial light source such as a bulb or a torch.
Most outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints are charged by soaking up light from natural light.
This type of paint is the most convenient as it doesn’t require additional work.
Simply place the paint in an outdoor area that gets a lot of sunlight to enable it to charge and emit a glow for some hours when it is dark.
On dark and gloomy winter days, however, the paint will not be able to charge and may not glow.
Outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints that use UV and blacklight to recharge can be more convenient if you live in an area that does not receive a lot of sunshine.
These types of light sources charge the paint to a level where the glow that the paint gives off can be more intense and the glow itself will also last for longer.
The frustration here is that you may need to go and shine a UV or blacklight over the paint to charge it manually.
Some manufacturers include the UV and blacklight in a kit with the paint but in most cases, you need to buy these light sources separately.
Paints that can be charged using regular artificial lights need to be used in an outdoor space where it can soak up this type of light to charge during the day so that it glows at night.
In some cases, you may need to manually charge the paint, like above with UV and blacklight sources, by shining the light over the paint.
You should consider the convenience that you want from the paint as well as considering what light source you have in abundance to try to prevent yourself from having to manually charge the paint which can be tiresome and frustrating.
How Stable The Glow Is
The stability of the paint will have a huge impact on how bright the glow is in the dark from the outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint.
To check the stability you will want to check how bright the glow is as well as how long the glow lasts.
Most outdoor glow-in-the-dark paints only emit a light, faint glow but there are newer versions that can emit strong and intense glows.
Others stay glowing for a matter of minutes and some glow for hours.
Taking a paint sample can be a great way to test the stability of the paint.
You need to consider how long you want it to glow and when considering how bright you would like it to be, you need to consider whether the bright glow could disturb neighbors or others around you.
Don’t be afraid to sample a number of paints to find the right one for you.
What Your Outdoor Space Will Look Like During The Daytime
It is worthwhile getting a paint sample to check what the paint will look like during the daytime.
Often outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint can change the appearance of the base coat underneath it and so it is important that you do a patch test to see what effect the outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint has on the paint or surface you will be painting it onto.
If you are using the paint in a private outdoor space that is only visible to you or your family you might not be as concerned about what the paint will look like during the daytime but it is still worthwhile checking as this will give you a sense as to what you can expect when your decorating is done.
Budget
With more brands continuing to develop and manufacture outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint than ever before you as a customer is in a great position.
As the market becomes more competitive, so too does pricing.
Most people assume that the best outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint is going to be the most expensive one but cheaper options are just as good.
By shopping around between different stores, including both online and physical stores, you will find that product prices will vary between stores.
By shopping around you will be able to find the cheapest price for the product you want, saving you some bucks that you can then spend on paintbrushes.
Budget is something that can easily be adhered to and so customers should no longer feel the pressure to spend more than they can afford for the things that they need.
By keeping these considerations in mind you will be able to find a paint that will not damage the outdoor space that you are painting or decorating as well as finding a paint that will give you the results you want and need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Glow-In-The-Dark Paint Last Outdoors?
As long as you have used glow-in-the-dark paint that is specifically for outdoor use then your paint could last anywhere up to ten years.
Most outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint charges during the day and glows at night for up to four hours.
After ten years you will notice the brightness begin to fade and the paint begins to disappear.
Does Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint Only Work On A White Base?
For the best results, it is recommended that outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint be put on a white base.
Putting this paint on a darker surface may prevent the paint from shining brightly or may stop it from showing up at all.
Brands and products may vary and you can always find more information, specific to the product you are using, on the side of the paint tine.
We recommend following these instructions for the best results.
Can Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint Replace Outdoor Lighting?
As the paint is only a coating it does not emit enough light to replace lighting. If you rely on outdoor lights then you should continue the use of these lights.
The paint will only highlight what you have created rather than lighting an outdoor space.
How Can You Charge Outdoor Glow-In-The-Dark Paint?
Outdoor glow-in-the-dark paint can be charged under natural or artificial lights.
The paint soaks up the light from both natural and artificial lights and when the sun sets or the lights go out the paint then begins to glow.
The glow is not very bright but can be seen easily in the dark.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this guide has given you all the information that you need to get started on creating your outdoor glow-in-the-dark masterpiece!
We recommend painting during the daytime over a pre-drawn template, this way you are less likely to make errors.
Wait for dark to fall and step back and enjoy your creation!
If you are using outdoor glow-in-the-dark as a way to decorate your home for special events you can simply paint over it once the festivities are over.
This way you can create special and unique paintings as a way of decorating the outside of your home all year round.
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