Phosphorescent paints to apply with an airbrush

These paints are quite well known and the term phosphorescent refers to a property that is familiar to everyone around the world, as phosphorescent materials and products have been around for almost a hundred years. This series of paints naturally ranks among Stardust pro airbrush paints for special effects, because its colors have special behavior and reactions, quite distinct from the classic colors of the usual paint world.
With the term "normal paint" we understand a layer of products containing colored pigments, based on natural products such as mineral or synthetic pigments. In daylight, these materials appear as a stable color. When we talk about phosphorescent airbrush paint, we are talking about a particular product that in most cases does not show particular colors in the light, that is, in normal conditions and that has very special properties of energy accumulation and light production. This light, which is called phosphorescence, is a rather faint phenomenon, visible in the dark, which lasts for a certain time and which takes shape in different colors, such as luminous green, luminous turquoise and other more colors. weak and less easy to perceive.

These paints are well known and used since the last century, both in security, in weapons, or even in the manufacture of watches. The formulation in versions usable by artists specialized in airbrushing is an excellent idea to develop the creative possibilities in the field of decorative painting on all supports with airbrushes.

Phosphorescent airbrush paints : operation and application

They are made up of thousands of tiny crystals, the size of which does not exceed 30 thousandths of a millimeter. These small phosphorescent crystals play the role of small batteries that can accumulate the energy that reaches them from the outside in the form of light. In the heart of these pigments, whose lifespan is extremely long, there is a reaction triggered by contact with light.
This reaction is phosphorescence, which is characterized by the production of luminescence, which persists long after the light stops. Thus, when the light is cut off or in natural conditions the sun goes down, the reaction at the heart of the paint continues, and this is called the phenomenon of afterglow of phosphorescence.
A phosphorescent paint applied with the airbrush will be more homogeneous than a paint applied with a brush or a roller. The airbrush makes it possible to distribute, during spraying, all the paint in the form of microparticles, up to the surface, without touching it. This is why it is always recommended to apply phosphorescent paint with an airbrush or with a spray gun. When using other methods of application, you inevitably end up with marks or traces.
The application requires a very light colored background, preferably white. The result on a colored background, or worse, a dark or black colored background, will be very little or no phosphorescence.
The look you get during the day will very much depend on the number of coats. In all cases, we will have a fairly colorless dry product, but whose color may vary from white to very pale green. Indeed, the color is not completely colorless and when thick layers are applied, the pigments give this greenish tint, which is a sign of excellent efficiency. This particular color, which tends towards yellow or green, is due to the presence of Europium or strontium in the paint. These components, which are rare earths, are not dangerous under normal conditions of use.

Particularity of applying phosphorescent paint with the airbrush

When using phosphorescent paint with an airbrush, you should not expect what you get when painting with a classic color. First of all, the phosphorescent paint is quite colorless, ie when applying a first coat, it is quite difficult to see the paint. In general, these 3 layers which are recommended as a minimum, to obtain a good effect. If you want a very good phosphorescence, don't hesitate to apply 4 or 5 coats minimum. , several times and this with a few minutes of waiting between each passage, to allow a minimum drying and to avoid runs. It is therefore really not easy to draw with phosphorescent paint.
Is it then possible to paint in complete darkness ?
Yes, it is a solution, provided you Always use a black light lamp, as this will allow the paint to react and make it visible immediately. In addition, this supply of highly energetic ultraviolet light will allow continuous recharging of the phosphorescent paint, without it starting to decrease in luminosity.

What defects when applying phosphorescent paint with an airbrush ?

Several defects can appear when painting with this type of paint. First of all, with the succession and the accumulation of layers, one can sometimes observe the formation of small dry grains which multiply on the surface of the paint.
The cause of this defect is well known, it is It is mainly a question of too high an ambient temperature and the distance between the airbrush and the support to be painted: the result is that the paint dries quickly in the air and settles on the surface having lost a large part of its humidity. The photoluminescent crystals overlap, clump together and form small dry grains on the surface of the paint, which is a particularly annoying problem.
To solve this problem, simply sand it lightly and then apply one or more 2 very thick coats, which will allow to level and create a soft and shiny surface. One of the defects that are also very often encountered, according to inexperienced applicators, is the presence of black spots on the finished work. These are areas where there is little phosphorescence. In truth, there are no black spots, because what can appear as dark areas is the absence or lack of phosphorescent paint. Where there is less pigment, then we will see a black spot and this is the cause of an uneven application.
To solve this defect, simply apply more coats and cross the coats to obtain a perfect app.

Chameleon airbrush paint
Fluorescent airbrush paint
Metallic airbrush paint