top of page

MAKING FABRICS GLOW IN THE DARK

  • Writer: Laurie Swigart
    Laurie Swigart
  • Nov 25, 2020
  • 1 min read

Author Unknown


Wildfire makes a UV fabric dye. The dye is as hazardous as any dye, but harmless once the job is completed. wildfirefx.com


I have also heard that washing things in "Tide" detergent will cause some UV fluorescing. It is cheap, quick, and non-toxic.


Actually, it is phosphorus, not the bleach that glows. If you are hard pressed, you could try this: Home Depot and the like carry a florescent orange spray paint. It is for marking and other safety uses. It will glow under UV quite well. It also might shed in an evil way. But it might be worth exploring.


You might experiment with Woolite fabric cleaner. I've found that many fabrics glow when washed in this stuff. Other than that, you might look at your local hardware store for "fluorescent clear" spray paint. The stuff dries as a clear coat, but glows red under UV. (SPFX shops used this stuff on their models as an alternative to blue screen at one time)


Not only did we wash the garments in detergent that contained phosphorus, we added the same detergent to a gallon of paint and painted

the deck with it.

Recent Posts

See All
TEMPORARY DISTRESSING

For true temporary distressing, I use film-style distressing- Shmutz ( a greasy pigment crayon available from Manhattan Wardrobe Supply)...

 
 
 
THE HIGH SCHOOL COSTUME DESIGNER

Theater is a communication art - an art form that is a collective whole made up of a number of collaborators. Definition of good design:...

 
 
 

9 Comments


Josh Smith
Josh Smith
3 days ago

This is a really clear and fun explanation of how Glowing Smiles Dental is a dentist in Narre Warren in treatments designed to correct chips, gaps, and discoloration—giving you a radiant, natural-looking smile in just one visit.


Like

raju dada
raju dada
5 days ago

I found this guide very impressive because it explains everything in a simple and practical manner. The content is easy to understand, and the overall presentation keeps readers engaged throughout. Thank you for creating such a useful article. I’ll definitely bookmark your website and return whenever I need more helpful information.

goa game


Like

Detail Empire
Detail Empire
Jun 22

This blog shares some excellent insights! In a city like Dubai, where extreme heat, dust, and harsh environmental conditions are part of daily life, paint protection film becomes more of a necessity than a luxury. I really appreciate the emphasis on using high-quality products and professional application techniques. Many car owners don’t realize how consistent detailing can significantly enhance the lifespan of both the paint and interior. Platforms like Detail Empire are doing a great job by providing reliable solutions for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Looking forward to more content around PPF, ceramic coatings, and maintenance tips specifically for UAE conditions.

Like

Stive Joy
Stive Joy
Jun 17

I found this article surprisingly practical, especially the suggestion about using UV fabric dye from Wildfire and even everyday detergents like Tide or Woolite to create a fluorescent effect under blacklight. I hadn’t realized something as simple as a detergent could make fabrics react that way. While reading, I was also browsing a discussion from New Assignment Help about design-related coursework, and the points around AutoCAD Assignment Help got me thinking about how creative experimentation and technical design often overlap. It makes me curious how many costume designers combine digital drafting with these glow-effect techniques when developing stage costumes or visual concepts.

Like

Sam Carter
Sam Carter
May 25

The section on making fabrics glow in the dark really stood out, especially the way it explains how different materials and treatments can affect both the intensity and durability of the glow effect. It made me think about how much experimentation must go into balancing creativity with practicality, since something that looks striking under certain conditions still has to hold up in real-world use like clothing or stage design. I also found myself wondering whether these glow effects tend to fade quickly after repeated washing or if newer techniques have made them more long-lasting. In a broader sense, it’s interesting how innovation often sits at the intersection of science and design, whether in textiles or in academic environments where students…

Like

Laurie Swigart ~ Director, Designer, & Webmaster ~ laurieswigart01@gmail.com

Copyright (c) 1997-2026 Theatre on a Shoestring. All rights reserved.

DISCLAIMER: THEATRE ON A SHOESTRING is not responsible for information, images, or links on related sites. All pages that contain links to other sites do so to assist visitors in finding useful and related material. We are not responsible for other sites' content or links.

 

DISCLAIMER: THEATRE ON A SHOESTRING did not willfully use any copyrighted material for the publication of this website. We apologize for any oversight in the acknowledgement of the copyright of the respective object. The copyright for any material created by THEATRE ON A SHOESTRING is reserved.

bottom of page