Derivan Student Fluorescent Paint Range

Can fluorescent paints be used with regular acrylic paints?

Yes, but be aware that mixing florescent paints with regular acrylic paints will not result in a new florescent colour, as the nature of the florescent pigment has been diluted. This is also dependant upon the ratio of paint used and the colours used, and as such experimentation is recommended.

What is the best way to apply fluorescent paint?

Fluorescent paints can be applied in the same way as any acrylic paint, using brushes, rollers, etc. However, they are best applied to a white surface to best reflect their glowing quality. While they can be applied to a darker surfaces, this will mute the overall colour and fluorescent effect.

Although fluorescent paints are semi-transparent, one way to offset this feature is to apply a fluorescent colour over a regular acrylic paint of a similar colour. For example, apply Derivan Student Magenta acrylic paint and allow to dry before applying a layer of Derivan Student Fluro Magenta acrylic paint. This will ensure that a strong layer of magenta colour is visible in normal daylight, while the fluorescent magenta quality will be visible with the use of a black light.

It is also worth noting that the lighter fluorescent colours such as Derivan Student Fluro Yellow or Fluro Green tend to be the most vibrant shades in these ranges and glow brightly under black light.

Derivan Fluro White 1Lt

The fluorescent pigment in acrylic products is completely man-made. Basically, manufactured fluorescent dye is added to largest amounts of resin that is then left to dry before being ground to a fine powder to form fluorescent pigment. This pigment is then added to a standard paint base.

Although fluorescent paints can look somewhat subdued in ordinary daylight, their glowing qualities are brought to life with the use of a black light, also referred to as a UV (ultraviolet) light. These black lights actually emit large amounts of ultraviolet light that cannot be seen by the naked eye, and as they are perceived as ‘black’.

The paint absorbs the ultraviolet light from the bulb and then and re-emits it in visible wavelengths that we see as fluorescent colours.

Does the fluorescent quality last?

Although the fluorescence of these paints is one of their drawcards, users must remember that this quality is temporary, and the effect will last for no longer than a several months at best. This is simply due to the unstable nature of fluorescent pigments. As ultraviolet light’s energy is absorbed by the fluorescent pigment, it slowly breaks degrades the pigments and they begin to lose their fluorescent qualities. It is possible to increase the amount of fluorescent pigment in paint so it will last longer. However, to do so would make the cost prohibitive as florescent pigments are somewhat expensive.
While the fluorescent quality may degrade, the residual colour of the paint will remain visible, although this may also become lighter over time.

While the change in the nature of this paints is gradual, please note that exposing the painted surface to direct sunlight over a prolonged period will greatly accelerate the loss of fluorescence.

$44.50