What can I add to resin for a glow-in-the-dark effect?
Types of Glow Additives
Glow-in-the-dark powders are typically strontium aluminate (often called 'glow powder') or zinc sulfide. Strontium aluminate glows brighter and longer, while zinc sulfide is cheaper but dimmer and fades faster. Both come in various colors, though the natural glow is usually green or blue-green.
You can also find glow-in-the-dark pigments that are pre-dispersed in a liquid carrier, which mix more easily into resin. Avoid using craft glitter that claims to glow—it often doesn't work well in resin and may not be compatible.
- Strontium aluminate: brightest, longest glow
- Zinc sulfide: cheaper, shorter glow
- Pre-dispersed liquid pigments: easier to mix
- Avoid glow-in-the-dark craft glitter
How to Mix and Use
Add about 5-15% by weight of glow powder to your resin, depending on the desired effect. Too little won't glow strongly; too much can thicken the resin and affect curing. Mix slowly to avoid introducing bubbles.
For best results, pour in thin layers and let each layer cure before adding the next. The glow will charge under any light source, but UV or bright sunlight works fastest. In the dark, the glow will fade over minutes to hours depending on the powder and charge time.
- Start with 5-10% powder by weight
- Mix gently to minimize bubbles
- Charge under bright light before viewing
- Thin layers cure more evenly
Common mistakes
- Using too much powder can make the resin thick and difficult to pour, and may inhibit curing.
- Expecting the glow to last all night—most glow powders fade within a few hours.
- Mixing glow powder into resin that has already started to gel will cause clumps and uneven glow.
