Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl

Vinyl that glows in the dark can create some unique expressions or function as a safety material. Whatever its purpose, this rare type of vinyl is worth buying. Learn about the features and many possibilities of using glow-in-the-dark vinyl materials below.

What Is Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl?

Glow-in-the-dark, or photoluminescent, vinyl is a specialty material that can absorb ambient light rays — both natural daylight and artificial light — and emit the light in dark conditions. This property is what creates the glow effect. Vinyl is durable, long-lasting and easy to remove, but the glow effect on this material may dull after years of use.

Photoluminescent vinyl typically has a strong glow for several minutes after being placed in the dark but will remain visible in the dark after the glow fades. The glow will be stronger after the vinyl has been exposed to direct light for several hours. How long your glow-in-the-dark vinyl lasts depends upon your application technique and the environment.

Different Types of Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl

The Avery Dennison^™SF100 Green Glow-in-the-Dark film is currently the go-to option for purchase. This is a high-quality photoluminescent film that can be used on a vehicle or other exterior applications. It is crafted from an easily cut polyester film of 6-mil thickness and comes with self-adhesive backing. The width option for this neon green photoluminescent vinyl film is 48 inches.

Other brands of vinyl may be designed specifically for cars, crafts or interior use only. The Avery Dennison option is universal and can be used for all kinds of projects.

Photoluminescent Vinyl Options

Our glow-in-the-dark vinyl is available in various different size options. Below are common uses for purchasing these size categories:

• Samples: The 24-by-12-inch option is the smallest size available and ideal for a sample of the material.
• Small arts and crafts projects: Two size options that work well for most small crafts are 24-by-24-inch and 36-inch swatches. You might also want to order the smallest size if you're printing out a graphic on the vinyl and want to use a sheet closest to the size of a sheet of copy paper.
• Larger crafts projects: Good size options for larger crafts, signage or multiple projects are the 24-by-48-inch and 60-by-72-inch options.
• Decals and markers: If you want to use this vinyl on your vehicle or to create hazard markers, the 24-by-84-inch and 96-by-108-inch options are possibilities.
• Glow-in-the-dark wraps: If you're looking for the right vinyl to w to wrap your vehicle fully, the 24-inch-by-1o-yard or 50-yard options are the best choices.

Applications for Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl

Glow-in-the-dark vinyl has many uses and purposes beyond serving as a cool car wrap that will amaze other drivers on your late-night cruises. In fact, it is mainly intended for safety purposes because it is easily noticed. It also has many interior applications for signs, markers or labels.

You should avoid using glow-in-the-dark vinyl for a complex application that involves fitting curves, riveted surfaces or corrugated materials. This type fits well over flat, smooth surfaces like drywall, metal, cardstock or signboards. Below are some of the most common applications you might want glow-in-the-dark vinyl for:

1. Safety Signs and Signals

Warning signs and other signage are the most common places you can see glow-in-the-dark vinyl. Using a vinyl sign instead of a light-up sign saves electricity but still successfully attracts attention in dark conditions. Glow-in-the-dark vinyl can be used for:

• Emergency passages: You can draw attention to an emergency exit with a vinyl sign.
• Safety hazard warnings: Outline a handrail and each step of a staircase to warn those making a quick approach to the stairwell.
• Life-saving equipment: If a building has a fire extinguisher, AED, first-aid kit or another emergency device, you can outline it with glow-in-the-dark safety vinyl to make its position more obvious.
• Mechanical operations: The vinyl can indicate an operation so workers avoid making errors in the dark.

2. Vehicle Accents

Glow-in-the-dark accents give your vehicle a creative style. A full vehicle wrap is another possibility. This type of vinyl has the added advantage of increasing your car's visibility at night.

3. Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles have special markings and flashing lights to warn other drivers of their approach. Glow-in-the-dark accents are just another advantage for an emergency vehicle that needs to stay visible for the operator to safely move through traffic at a fast pace. Vinyl decals can be purely for decoration or add additional markings to a vehicle.

4. Halloween Decorations

Vinyl is a highly versatile material you can also use for crafts. Halloween is one of the best holidays to get out glow-in-the-dark materials and make some eerie decorations. This specialty vinyl's pale green glow is perfect for:

• Creating signs and posters: Make glow-in-the-dark skeletons, peeping cartoon eyes and jack-o-lantern grins with the kids, or create some signage for trick-or-treaters with a spooky, glowing font.
• Creating props: Whether you're setting up a haunted house or just want to make your front yard look festive for the occasion, glow-in-the-dark vinyl is an affordable option for making props. You can save your creations for the Halloweens to come.

5. Wall Art

With the right tools, it's easy to design vinyl wall art with glow-in-the-dark details. For most wall art projects, all you need is a ruler, pencil, precision cutter and a paper or canvas base. You can use your creation as a fun night light or create an interesting gift.

6. Craft Vinyl Projects

Types of crafts you can make with vinyl:

• Phone cases: A glow-in-the-dark phone case is an easy DIY project that makes it easier to find your phone. Just cut the vinyl to fit the inside of a clear plastic case.
• Water bottles: Decorate your water bottle with safety vinyl to feel more visible when you go on your next late-night jog.
• Stickers: Create your own custom stickers with vinyl and place them on notebooks, posters and anywhere else you can think of.

Order Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl With Rvinyl

Rvinyl has a wide selection of products for any vinyl project. Are you ready to order photoluminescent vinyl for your vehicle, signage or DIY craft? Contact us if you have questions about this product or others.