How to Make Glow in the Dark Nail Polish

October 3, 2023

Written by Tran Khue

How to Make Glow in the Dark Nail Polish

October 3, 2023

Written by Tran Khue

What if your nails weren’t just pretty in the sunlight but also dazzling after dark? It's easy to enjoy this effect if you know how to make glow-in-the-dark nail polish. This article explores two ways to create luminescent fingernail polish. Moreover, we'll also show you the best glow-in-the-dark gel polish that's ready to light up your nights!

What Makes Nail Polish Glow in the Dark?

Glow in the dark or phosphorescent nail polish uses pigments like strontium aluminate or zinc sulfide. Once you saturate these materials with enough daylight or bright indoor lights, they will shine for hours.

Furthermore, phosphorescent polish is different from fluorescent polish. When something fluoresces, it emits a glow under UV light, but stops when that light is removed.

How to Make Glow in the Dark Nail Polish

There are two methods for making phosphorescent polish at home. One uses the chemical found in light sticks, and the other uses glow-in-the-dark powder.

Here are the supplies you need:

Nail lacquer, preferably transparent or light-colored
Phosphorescent pigment from arts and crafts powder or a glow stick
An empty nail polish bottle (or use an old half-full bottle)
Scissors or a sharp knife for opening the glow stick
A funnel to pour the liquid or powder inside the polish bottle (or use rolled-up parchment paper)
A fine mesh strainer (if using glow sticks)
Clear top coat (and a base coat if desired)

First, here’s the way to make phosphorescent polish with liquid from a light stick. Remember that this method will only make your nails glow for a few hours at most.

With a Glow Stick

Prep your nails as you would for any other manicure.

For best results and to protect your nails, apply a base coat. Even if this is just a layer of clear top coat, that's okay. Once it's dry, it's time to make the glow-in-the-dark polish.

Activate the glow stick by bending it until it snaps and shaking it. Once it’s shining, cut off one end and pour the liquid into the polish bottle.

Be careful because the ingredients may irritate sensitive skin. Also, there may be tiny particles of glass inside the stick, so it’s wise to use a strainer to catch them.

Next, add the chosen color of nail polish and mix everything together. Paint a test stripe on a piece of paper. If the consistency is watery, add more polish. Then, when you paint your nails, remember to give them extra time to dry. It may take 2 or 3 coats to get enough glow.

Finish with a layer of clear top coat. Now, go have fun!

With Phosphorescent Pigment

Craft store pigment will glow longer than liquid from a light stick. In fact, it may be rechargeable for as long as your manicure lasts. Just be sure to choose a powder described as skin-safe and non-toxic. The safest option may be phosphorescent cosmetic powder used as makeup.

Pour a teaspoon of powder into the nail polish. The pigment will be heavy and a bit difficult to mix. We've heard that people successfully use ball bearings in the polish bottle to help stir it. Remember to stir it often while you paint your nails.

Once the ingredients are combined, cover your nails with a base coat of regular polish. After that, apply the glow-in-the-dark polish. Depending on the consistency, you may need two coats.

Lastly, finish with a top coat and enjoy!

How Long Does Glow in the Dark Polish Last?

Homemade glow-in-the-dark polish will last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. However, it might last longer, depending on the phosphorescent pigment.

For example, look at the packaging on a glow stick. It will indicate how long the stick should glow. It’s probably around 6 to 12 hours. Therefore, if you make polish with a glow stick, it will shine in the dark for only a few hours.

But if you use phosphorescent pigment powder, it's likely to keep glowing for as long as your manicure lasts. Still, you'll need to store the leftover polish in a dark place. And you might want to make a fresh batch for the next manicure. Test the polish to see if it still charges and glows.

How to Store Glow in the Dark Polish

If you’d like to use the polish again, store it in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.

What’s the Best Kind of Glow in the Dark Nail Polish?

You can skip the mess of making your own phosphorescent polish and simply use one of these gorgeous gels to make your nails glow in the dark.

Glow in the Dark Gel Polish

LDS glow-in-the-dark gel polish is truly phosphorescent and luminous, not just fluorescent. It doesn't just look good under black light. Instead, it soaks up the sunshine and shines in the night. What's more, it comes in a rainbow of colors.

It doesn’t take any extra work to use this polish. Professionals love it, and beginners find it straightforward to apply. All you need are base and top coats and a nail lamp.

How to Apply Glow in the Dark Gels

When you apply gel polish, proper nail prep is crucial. Trim and shape the nails, buff the nail plate to remove the shine, and push back the cuticles.

Buffing the surface to help the polish adhere is important, but you don't need to file it aggressively. Use a fine-grit (180) buffer block and lightly crisscross across the nail.

Remove the natural oil and debris with a lint-free wipe and acetone or rubbing alcohol. Afterward, brush on the base coat and cure it. You may be pleasantly surprised if you've never used gels, as they don't have a strong odor.

Next, apply the glow-in-the-dark polish and cure it. It will dry faster than nail lacquer because the lamp cures each layer in a minute or so.

Finish with a layer of top coat. Then, you'll have a stunning manicure that will glow in the dark for weeks.

Best Glow in the Dark Nail Polish

Conclusion

We’re glad you dropped by! Did you enjoy learning how to make and use glow-in-the-dark polish? We hope you have a lot of fun with luminescent nail designs!

Now’s a great time to stock up on other nail supplies you need. Please visit our clearance section to get deep discounts. Go ahead and fill your cart because we offer free shipping on orders over $100!