Best Glow In The Dark Inks For Blank Apparel

When it comes to creating glow-in-the-dark apparel, you’ll want to use specialized glow-in-the-dark (GID) inks or pigments that are designed to provide a long-lasting, vibrant glow effect. Here are some of the best glow in the dark inks for blank apparel.

• Plastisol Glow-In-The-Dark Inks: Plastisol inks are a popular choice for screen printing on apparel, and they are available in glow-in-the-dark variations. These inks are easy to work with and can produce a bright, long-lasting glow effect when charged with light. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing temperature and time. For more info on plastisol printing check out our BulkApparel pro printing tips. Want tips for curing plastisol inks?
• Water-Based Glow-In-The-Dark Inks: Water-based glow-in-the-dark inks are another option for screen printing. They tend to have a softer hand feel compared to plastisol inks, making them suitable for lightweight apparel. Like plastisol, these inks require proper curing to ensure durability.
• Phosphorescent Pigments: Phosphorescent pigments can be mixed with clear or white discharge inks to create a custom glow-in-the-dark screen printing ink. This allows for more flexibility in terms of color and design. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the glow will depend on the concentration of phosphorescent pigment used.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Some DTG printers offer the capability to print with glow-in-the-dark ink directly onto apparel. DTG is a good option for full-color designs, but it may require multiple passes to achieve a strong glow effect.
• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Glow-in-the-dark heat transfer vinyl can be used to create custom designs on apparel. It’s a suitable option for small-scale or DIY projects. Simply cut your design using a vinyl cutter, weed the excess material, and heat press it onto the garment.
• Fabric Paints and Sprays: For DIY or craft projects, you can use glow-in-the-dark fabric paints or sprays. These are typically applied by hand and may not provide the same level of durability as screen printing or DTG printing.
• Pre-Made Glow-in-the-Dark Garments: If you prefer not to work with specialized inks, you can purchase pre-made glow-in-the-dark garments that are already printed with glow-in-the-dark designs. This is a convenient option for personal use or resale.

When working with glow-in-the-dark inks or pigments, it’s essential to consider the following:

• Charging: Glow-in-the-dark materials need to be charged by exposing them to light before they will glow. The amount of time required for charging and the duration of the glow can vary based on the specific product.
• Washability: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing and care instructions. Some glow-in-the-dark materials may lose their effectiveness over time with repeated washings.
• Safety: Ensure that the glow-in-the-dark products you use are safe and non-toxic. Read product labels and follow safety recommendations.