Glow in the Dark Screen Printing Ink: How to Print It Bright

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Strong Glow plastisol — the specs

Buy it: WM Plastics Strong Glow plastisol ink, quart ($89.95) · WM Plastics Strong Glow plastisol ink, gallon ($275.95). WM Plastics notes that Strong Glow has a very high phosphorescent pigment load for a brighter, longer glow.

How to print glow in the dark ink

1. Use an open mesh. Glow pigment particles are large; a 20" x 28" aluminum screen, 110 mesh ($30.00) or 86 mesh lets enough ink through. See the mesh count chart.
2. Print a white underbase first — the white reflects light back through the glow layer and makes it brighter, especially on dark shirts. WM Plastics Brite White, quart ($24.00) works well; flash it until it is tack-free.
3. Lay down a heavy deposit. More glow ink = more glow. Use a medium-to-hard squeegee at 45° and consider a print-flash-print.
4. Cure fully at 325°F for 1 to 1½ minutes through the whole ink film. Under-cured glow ink cracks and washes out. Check the cure temperature chart.
5. Test the glow — charge the print under bright light for a minute, then check it in a dark room.

Tips for the brightest glow

• Glow ink looks pale green/white in daylight — design so the glow area works both in light and in the dark.
• Thicker deposits glow longer; fine detail and halftones will glow faintly.
• Stir the ink before use — the heavy pigment settles.
• Use bases and additives from the same ink system if you need more stretch or a softer hand; see bases & additives.

Other special effect inks

Pair glow with other effects: metallic screen printing ink, puff inks and all special effect inks. New to plastisol? Start with the plastisol ink guide.

Specs are WM Plastics technical data as shown on our product pages. Prices are today's web prices. Unopened, unused ink is returnable within 30 days; opened ink is not (see returns).

Frequently asked questions

How do you make glow in the dark screen printing ink brighter?

Print it over a white underbase, use an open 86–110 mesh, lay down a heavy deposit (print-flash-print), and cure it fully. Thicker glow layers glow brighter and longer.

What mesh count for glow in the dark ink?

WM Plastics lists 86–110 mesh for Strong Glow. The large phosphorescent particles need an open mesh.

What temperature does glow in the dark plastisol cure at?

WM Plastics Strong Glow cures at 325°F (160°C) for 1 to 1½ minutes, or 390°F for 8 seconds on a heat press.

Does glow in the dark ink need a white underbase?

For the best glow, yes. Strong Glow has medium opacity, and a white underbase reflects light back through it, especially on dark garments.

How long does glow in the dark screen print glow?

It depends on how long and how brightly it was charged and how thick the print is. Heavier deposits glow longer.

Where can I buy glow in the dark screen printing ink?

Buckets of Ink in Tempe, AZ stocks WM Plastics Strong Glow in quarts and gallons, with same-day pickup or same-day shipping on in-stock orders placed by 2:30 PM Arizona time. Call 480-229-7806.

Related guides: Metallic screen printing ink · Plastisol ink guide · Special effect inks · Mesh count chart · Cure temperature chart