Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of creating pottery that glows in the dark? It’s not as magical as it sounds, but it’s definitely achievable with the right glaze recipe and firing technique. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind glow-in-the-dark glazes and what you can do to make your own.

Understanding Glow-in-the-Dark Materials

Glow-in-the-dark materials, also known as photoluminescent materials, have the ability to absorb light and then emit it back over time. The key to this phenomenon lies in the presence of phosphors, which are substances that can store energy from light and release it as visible light.

Types of Glow-in-the-Dark Materials

There are three primary types of glow-in-the-dark materials:

1. Chemiluminescent: These materials emit light through a chemical reaction, as seen in glow sticks.
2. Radioluminescent: These materials use radioactive substances to produce light, which is highly dangerous and should be avoided.
3. Photoluminescent: This is the type we’re interested in for ceramics. Photoluminescent materials absorb light and emit it back, often in a different color.

Creating a Glow-in-the-Dark Glaze

To create a glow-in-the-dark glaze, you’ll need to incorporate a photoluminescent pigment into your glaze formula. Common options include europium-doped strontium aluminate and zinc sulfide. However, zinc sulfide is typically not suitable for ceramic glazes due to its low firing temperature.

Key Considerations for Firing

One of the most significant challenges with glow-in-the-dark glazes is the low firing temperature required. Most photoluminescent pigments can’t withstand the high temperatures of traditional cone 6 or cone 10 firings. You’ll need to fire your glaze at cone 08 or lower to preserve the glow-in-the-dark properties. Even firing to cone 06 will destroy the colorants ability to glow. 

Our Glow in the Dark Glaze Recipe

Here is our basic glaze recipe for a glow-in-the-dark glaze:

• 95% 3195 frit
• 5% kaolin
• 2% bentonite
• 10% glow-in-the-dark powder (europium-doped strontium aluminate)

Glaze Application and Firing

1. Apply the glaze: Use a brush or dipping technique to apply the glaze to your pottery pieces.
2. Dry: Allow the glaze to dry completely before firing.
3. Fire: Fire the pottery in a kiln at cone 08.

Tips for Maximizing Glow

• Charge with light: Expose your finished pottery to bright light or a black light to fully charge the glow-in-the-dark pigment.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the glow to fade over time.
• Store in the dark: When not in use, store your pottery in a dark place to preserve the glow.

Creating glow-in-the-dark pottery is a unique experience. By understanding the science behind photoluminescent materials and following the guidelines outlined in this post, you can successfully incorporate this fascinating technique into your ceramic practice.

Check out our latest YouTube video on Glow in the Dark Glazes!  @ceramicmaterialsworkshop

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-The CMW Team

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