Blacklight paint

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Blacklight paint or blacklight-reactive paint is paint that glows under a blacklight (a source of light whose wavelengths are primarily in the ultraviolet range). The paint may or may not be colorful under ordinary light.

Such paints and inks are commonly used in the production of blacklight posters. Under daylight, the ultraviolet light ordinarily present makes the colors especially vivid. Under blacklight (with little or no visible light present), the effect produced can be psychedelic.

Blacklight paints are sometimes used in the scenery of amusement park dark rides. A blacklight illuminates the vivid colors of the scenery, while the vehicle and other passengers remain dimly lit or barely visible. This can enhance the effect of being in a fantasy world.

Blacklight paints are always fluorescent. More rarely, they may also be phosphorescent, containing a phosphor that continues to glow for a time after the blacklight has been removed.

"Day-Glo" is the trade name of the original product, invented by Bob Switzer.