How to Make Things Glow Under UV Light: Complete Artist Guide
What makes things glow in the dark?
There are two different glow effects artists use:
- UV/Black Light Fluorescence: materials that glow brightly under ultraviolet (UV/blacklight) but appear vivid day-glo colours in normal light
- Phosphorescent Glow-in-the-Dark: materials that absorb light and slowly release it in the dark without UV present
Culture Hustle's LIT pigment powders work differently from both, they are photoluminescent pigments that glow intensely under UV/blacklight AND in low light conditions, with an exceptionally long afterglow.
What is LIT?
LIT is Culture Hustle's range of glow pigment powders, the world's glowiest glow pigments for artists. They're available in multiple colours and glow intensities, including the YELLOW LIT XL (the largest and most intense) and the MEGALIT set.
Specifications: - Product Type: Photoluminescent Pigment Powder - Appearance in normal light: Vivid pastel/neon colours - Effect: Intense UV fluorescence + phosphorescent afterglow - Particle size: Ultra-fine artist grade - Water Based Mixing: Yes (mix with acrylic medium, resin, water, glue) - Toxicity: Non-Toxic - Vegan: Yes - Suitable For: Artists, Makers, Muralists, Stage Designers, Event Decoration
What can LIT pigments be used for?
- Canvas Paintings: create artwork that transforms under UV light
- Murals: large-scale glowing murals for indoor spaces
- Resin Art: mix directly into clear resin for glowing casts and sculptures
- Nail Art: works as a body-safe pigment for nail applications
- Slime and Crafting: perfect for DIY slime, putty, and sensory art
- Theatre and Stage Sets: create dramatic UV-activated scenery
- Face and Body Paint: mix with body-safe carriers for UV face paint
- Ceramics: add to glaze media for glowing ceramic work
How do I use LIT pigment?
LIT is a loose pigment powder, not a pre-mixed paint. To use it:
- Resin: Mix directly into clear casting or coating resin at 5-20% by weight
- Acrylic: Mix with a clear acrylic medium or gel to create paint
- Water-based: Dissolve in water and mix with PVA or other water-based binders
- Dry pigment: Use as dry pigment for pastel-style applications on prepared surfaces
- Varnish/top coat: Mix a small amount into clear varnish for a glow top coat
How bright is LIT compared to regular glow pigments?
Standard glow-in-the-dark powders emit a faint green glow. LIT is significantly more intense, with a longer-lasting afterglow and a much wider colour range. It is designed specifically for artistic applications where visual impact matters.
Which LIT colour should I choose?
| Colour | Normal Light | UV/Glow Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow LIT | Bright Yellow | Intense yellow-green glow | Maximum intensity, murals |
| MEGALIT Set | Mixed | Full spectrum glow | Multi-colour projects |
| Neon Blue | Vivid Blue | Cool blue glow | Dark scenes, space art |
Can I use LIT on fabric?
Yes. Mix LIT with a fabric medium to create washable glow-in-the-dark fabric paint. Set with a hot iron through a cloth for best durability.
Best practices for maximum glow
- Charge before use: expose to bright light (sunlight or UV lamp) before viewing in dark
- Use on white or light base: glow is most visible against white or pale backgrounds
- Layer over black: for dramatic contrast, apply LIT over BLACK 4.0 for "stars in space" effects
- UV lamp: for events and installations, use a dedicated UV blacklight lamp
LIT pigments are made by Culture Hustle in England. Ships worldwide.