Difference Between Fluorescent and Phosphorescent Pigments

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Choosing between fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments is key to achieving the desired glow effect in your creative resin, paint or craft projects. Both options offer unique visual results and suit different applications.

How Each Pigment Works

Fluorescent pigments are designed to glow brightly when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. As soon as the UV source is removed, the luminous effect stops immediately. This makes them popular for art installations, party décor, and projects where instant, attention-grabbing colour is needed under blacklights.

Phosphorescent pigments absorb natural or artificial light, store the energy, and then slowly release a visible glow when the lights go out. The afterglow can continue for several hours, making these pigments ideal for safety markings, night-time decorative details, or any feature that needs to remain visible in darkness.

Practical Guidance for Choosing Pigments

When deciding which pigment to use, consider how your project will be displayed. If your main aim is to achieve a strong glow effect under UV light, fluorescent pigments are a top choice. For projects that need to glow on their own after charging under light, phosphorescent pigments will be more suitable. These pigments can be mixed into resin, paint or varnish at a ratio of 20–30% to the binder, and work best when applied onto light-coloured surfaces for enhanced brightness.

When This Matters

The distinction between fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments is vital where sustained visibility is required after lights-out, such as signage, safety pathways, or children’s night-lights. Alternatively, for striking effects at events or in artworks lit by UV, fluorescent pigments stand out.

Related products

• Fluorescent UV Pigment Powder – Coloured Glow-in-the-Dark Additive for Resin, Paint, and Varnish
• Phosphorescent Pigment – Glow-in-the-Dark Additive for Resin, Paint, and Varnish
• "UV–Creation" – Fast Acrylic Resin, 3 Minute UV Cure

Related guides

• How To Make Fluorescent Resin

Understanding the differences between these two types of glow pigments enables you to select the right additive for your resin creations. Explore the full guide on how to make fluorescent resin for more inspiration and practical tips.