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How to Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Art. Take a break from watching your lava lamp,
and have some freaky fun with phosphorescence. Inspired by the Instructables project: http://www.instructables.com/id/UV-Fun/
You will need A pencil Laundry detergent with whitener/brightener A bucket, paintbrush,
and water A damp sponge Two 18" fluorescent black light tubes with matching fixtures Surge
protector and a blank wall or other surface. Before you paint, apply a small amount of
detergent to an inconspicuous part of your wall. Allow it to dry, then make sure you
can remove it with a damp sponge. Some materials and paints may absorb detergent, which would
make your masterpiece permanent. Step 1. Pick your design. Using a pencil, lightly trace
an outline of the picture onto your wall. Step 2. Prep your detergent: If it's a powder,
mix it in the bucket with water until you get a paint-like consistency. If you're working
with a thicker liquid detergent, you may want to thin it with water to make it easier to
spread. Be sure the detergent contains a "whitener" or "brightener." This is what makes it glow
when exposed to UV rays. Step 3. Using your brush, paint the detergent mixture over your
pencil marks. After the first coat is completely dry, apply a second coat to fill in any missed
spots. Keep a damp sponge on hand to deal with drips and mistakes. Step 4. Assemble
your black lights—which are also known as UV lights and can be found online—in their
fixtures. Plug them into a surge protector, and set them up on either side of your design.
Don't use incandescent UV bulbs. They don't create enough light to produce a good glow,
and they give off enough heat to be considered a fire hazard. Step 5. To achieve the most
spectacular effect, make the room as dark as possible by drawing the curtains, shutting
the door, and turning off the lights. Step 6. Invite a few friends over, flip on the
black lights, and revel in your awesome artistry. Did you know Other items that glow when exposed
to UV light include petroleum jelly, tonic water, milk, and cat urine.