The invisible UV light with lots of energy can charge the special phosphors in your paint and make it glow in your bedroom at night. ... The charging that happens during the day, for example by sunlight, is stored in the paint for some time, just like in the battery of a phone. This type of paint is called phosphorescent.

How long does phosphorescent paint last?

Phosphorescent paint

The mechanism for producing light is similar to that of fluorescent paint, but the emission of visible light persists long after it has been exposed to light. Phosphorescent paints have a sustained glow which lasts for up to 12 hours after exposure to light, fading over time.

What makes phosphorescent paint glow?

Ultraviolet light excites the fluorescent molecules so that they emit visible light. Fluorescent paint, or black light paint, glows in ultraviolet light. ... When the light bulb is turned on, an electrical current passes through mercury vapor in the light bulb. The current excites the mercury atoms.