LUMENTIFY
Three ways to a glowing marking
| Method | Build-up | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment in the coating | incorporate pigment into a clear lacquer or clear coating, apply in several coats | lines, stair edges, areas on smooth substrates |
| Broadcast granules | broadcast granules into the fresh coating, seal with a clear, walk-resistant top coat | heavily used floors, visible glow points |
| Embedded glow stones | embed glow stones from 4 mm in resin or concrete surfaces | paths, outdoor areas, garden and landscaping |
Method 1: pigment in the coating
- Make the substrate light. On a dark floor, apply a white primer first – dark substrates swallow brightness.
- Pigment a clear system. 15–20 % pigment relative to the clear lacquer; opaque systems would need 30–50 %.
- Several coats. Two to three coats, most even on larger areas when sprayed.
- Seal. A clear, walk-resistant top coat protects the glowing layer.
Method 2: broadcast granules
Glow granules of pure strontium aluminate (up to 1 mm) are broadcast into the still fresh coating and then sealed with a clear, walk-resistant top coat – such as epoxy or an exterior lacquer. The granules stay visible as grains and glow as points.
Special case: concrete
Mixing pigment into concrete has little effect – it disappears into the material. More effective are:
- pressing granules into the wet concrete surface and grinding it after curing,
- applying a clear, walk-resistant layer containing pigment or granules after curing,
- incorporating pigment into a colourless concrete sealer,
- embedding glow stones in the surface.
Charging and visibility
- Plan for light. Place markings where they receive light during the day or from room lighting. UV content charges fastest; artificial light takes longer.
- Avoid stray light. Afterglow is only clearly visible in real darkness. Outdoors, even a street lamp largely outshines the effect.
- Protect outdoors. Cover glowing layers outdoors with a waterproof clear lacquer.
Durability
The pigment itself is very durable and shows very little ageing, and the SiO₂ coating makes it hydrolysis-resistant. How long a marking lasts is therefore determined mainly by the top coat and its abrasion resistance.
Orientation, not illuminationPhotoluminescent markings make routes and edges visible in the dark; they do not replace lighting. If a marking has to meet specific requirements, clarify them with your specialist planner – we supply the material and advise on processing.