Glow In The Dark Screen Printing
Stand Out in the Dark. Glow-in-the-dark screen printing is a versatile technique that adds luminous effects to your garments, bringing your designs to life after sunset. Perfect for night events, festivals, and bold branding.
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What is Glow In The Dark Screen Printing?
Glow in the Dark screen printing is a fun and eye-catching technique where special phosphorescent ink is used to make designs that glow when the lights go out. During the day (or under regular lighting), the print looks like a regular colour—usually pale green or off-white. But after being "charged" with light, it emits a glowing, luminous effect in the dark.
Why Choose Glow In The Dark Screen Printing?
Glow-in-the-dark screen printing adds a unique, eye-catching twist to your garments by using phosphorescent ink that absorbs light and glows after the sun goes down. It’s a brilliant way to turn a simple design into a conversation starter, day or night.
Whether you're creating apparel for night-time events, limited edition merch, or just want something fun and unexpected, glow-in-the-dark printing makes your designs stand out — literally.
This technique is perfect for:
- Night runs, festivals, and concerts
- Halloween or seasonal collections
- Kids’ apparel and novelty wear
- Promotional products with a twist
- Club and party merch
- Brand campaigns that shine after dark
It’s not just about glowing — it’s about creating something memorable. When used creatively, glow-in-the-dark elements add surprise, delight, and visibility to your message or brand, long after the lights go out.
Glow-in-the-dark screen printing is a versatile printing technique, meaning that it works well on nearly all garment types, except for garments which feature long fibres, for example, fleeces.
The Process Of Glow In The Dark Screen Printing
Glow-in-the-dark screen printing is the process of creating screens in the same way and set up as the standard screen printing process. The difference is that it allows for you to give an added effect and make the print, or parts of the print, glow in the dark. Once printed, the design looks grey or off-white but, when the lights go off, the ink will glow in the dark creating a bright and eye-catching print.
This is a great option for fashion and retail clients as well as Marketing and PR agencies that have clients who want something that will differ from the standard mainstream screen-printed designs. For the best results, the garment should be able to withstand heat, but if you have a specific garment and are unsure then please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.
We can always use glow-in-the-dark screen printing onto t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, tote bags, and many other products so we will be able to find a solution that meets your needs.
Glow In The Dark T Shirt
A glow in the dark t shirt is the perfect way to add excitement and visibility to your design day or night. Created using specialised glow in the dark screen print techniques, these garments feature inks that absorb light and emit a luminous glow in low-light or dark conditions. At Garment Printing, we use high-quality glow in the dark ink for screen printing, including glow in the dark water based screen printing ink and clear glow in the dark screen printing ink, which allow for creative flexibility and a soft, breathable finish.
Whether you're planning a night-time event, promotional campaign, or a standout fashion range, glow in the dark printing offers a unique and eye-catching effect. Our glow in the dark ink screen printing process ensures your glow in the dark tshirt glows bright and lasts wash after wash. As part of our eco-conscious range, we also offer luminous printing using sustainable materials and practices bringing you a glow that not only looks great but feels great too.
To preserve the Print and the Garment:
We recommend that you wash it inside out on a cold wash. Do not use a tumble-dryer and do not iron over the print.
Advantages of Glow In The Dark Screen Printing
1. Unique and Eye-Catching
Phosphorescent inks create a glowing effect that’s impossible to ignore — making your designs truly stand out in low-light or dark environments.
2. Day-to-Night Versatility
Designs look subtle or stylish during the day and come to life at night, offering a surprise element that adds value and visual impact.
3. Perfect for Night-Time Use
Ideal for events like night runs, music festivals, Halloween parties, and club merch, where visibility and fun matter most.
4. Great for Kids and Themed Apparel
The glow effect adds excitement to children’s clothing and novelty items, especially for seasonal or limited-edition designs.
5. Memorable Promotional Impact
Brands can use glow-in-the-dark ink for limited merch, giveaways, or campaigns that leave a lasting impression — literally glowing in the minds of your audience.
Disadvantages of Glow In The Dark Screen Printing
1. Limited Colour Options
Glow inks usually come in basic shades like green, blue, or yellow. Custom colours are rare and can be more expensive.
2. Less Vibrant in Daylight
During the day, glow prints often appear pale or washed-out, especially if not combined with other ink types.
3. Requires Charging
The ink must absorb light before it glows. It performs best under UV, sunlight, or strong artificial lighting, and fades over time without recharging.
4. Medium Durability
While durable, glow ink may fade slightly after multiple washes or over time, especially if not cared for properly.
5. Needs Strategic Design Placement
The effect works best when used selectively — covering large areas may reduce visual clarity or make the glow uneven.
Additional Screen Printing Techniques
Looking for something extra special to elevate your designs? Explore our range of additional screen printing techniques designed to make your garments truly stand out. Whether you're after a bold effect, a unique texture, or a head-turning finish, these options offer creative ways to add personality and impact to your custom clothing.
More Printing Techniques
Our wide selection of advanced printing options allows you to bring even the most creative ideas to life. Whether you're designing for fashion, promotions, events or merchandise, you'll find techniques that offer the perfect balance of durability, detail, and style. Explore the cards below to find the right fit for your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does glow in the dark print last?
Glow in the dark prints can last for many washes if properly cared for. The glow effect typically lasts for several hours in the dark after being exposed to light and will recharge with further light exposure. To maximise longevity, wash garments inside out on a cold cycle and avoid tumble drying or ironing directly over the print.
Q: How to print glow in the dark?
Glow in the dark printing is done using a specialised screen printing process. The technique is similar to standard screen printing but uses glow in the dark inks that contain phosphorescent pigments. These inks are printed onto garments and then cured under heat to set the design.
Q: What is glow in the dark additive for screen printing?
A glow in the dark additive is a phosphorescent powder or pigment that can be mixed with standard screen printing inks. It allows the ink to absorb and store light, which is then emitted in the dark. This additive gives designs a luminous glow effect and is ideal for creating standout visuals on garments.
Q: How to make ink glow in the dark?
To make ink glow in the dark, you mix a glow in the dark additive, usually a phosphorescent pigment, into a suitable base ink, typically a clear or light-coloured screen printing ink. The mixture must be evenly blended and then screen printed onto garments before being cured properly to activate the glow properties.
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