It’s possible to sit in complete darkness with all the lights turned on with a room full of invisible light. Eyes cannot see the light causing these glows because the ultraviolet rays are only 280-400 nanometers. Eyes only see light waves in the range of 400 to 700. This light makes creating special effects easy, with the right products and a few lights sold at hardware stores.
Black Light Products
UV light aimed at fluorescent, or phosphorescent, materials actually increases the energy in electrons of these materials. The excited electrons dance! This energy translates the invisible light into glowing visible light. UV light has no effect on black or non-fluorescent materials. That’s why in a windowless room, with UV lights on, the room appears to be completely dark.Any florescent poster board or fabric can glow in UV lighting.
Certain paints are great products to use with UV light. Invisible paints appear opaque, or white, under normal light. UV light instantly transforms the invisible paint into vivid colors. A solid white wall turns into a scenic wonder under UV light. Another paint, called glow green, actually stores the energy, emitting a glow long after the removal of the light source. A special, blue, clear coat dries then appears clear in regular light. However, it glows electric blue under UV light. Thus, a painted day scene, covered in clear blue, transforms into a night scene with UV lighting.
Fluorescent paints mixed with regular paints create more subdued glows and colors. However, mix under UV light to see what colors is being produced.
There are also face paints and makeup available for black light, as well as fluorescent water dye to perform glowing water tricks.
Experience Black Light
Take a trip to a laser tag center or virtual reality center and watch the glow. Notice how the effects are made. Ask for a tour from the owner to see how it all works.
The latest craze has been indoor black light miniature golf courses. Go to Funcenterdirectory.com/fun-centers-in/search/blacklight.html and search for black light to find arcades and other attractions that use UV light.
Creative Fun With UV Light
A little imagination and fluorescent materials in black light can make anyone a special effects technician. Two facts help create dramatic experiences. Combine the darkness with fluorescence allows objects to move and appear from nowhere. Purchase a black light from a hardware or lighting store and try some experiments.
- Waterfall: Pour out a bucket of fluorescent beads or plastic confetti to create a waterfall, that appears to be a continuous flow.
- Floating Objects: Dress in black, carry fluorescent objects or paper cutouts glued onto black poster board. The objects will appear to be floating in the air. Add music and dance with the objects to make them seem lifelike. Turn the poster board sign around and the object disappears.
- Rope Tricks: Use a fluorescent jump rope (or color a white rope with permanent fluorescent markers) for these special effects. Twirl the rope and you will see a group of twirling ropes, resembling sound waves on an oscilloscope. Twirl two ropes in opposite up and down motions for a more spectacular effect.
- Puppetry: Put a neon sock, or white glove, on your hand, add black felt eyes, and become a black light puppeteer.
- Florescent Detecting: Gather materials from around the house and discover which ones glow, then test friends to see who can identify the florescent objects.
Inexpensive lights and materials can lead to hours of fun and the creation of great special effects.
Karen Whiting - Professional freelance writer with ten published books and hundreds of published articles. My books are for women (time management and ...
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