FAQ about LuminoKrom®
Photoluminescence is a physical process whereby a material absorbs photons from a light source and re-emits them. To achieve this, the body is subjected to radiation of varying intensity, which excites the electrons present in the substance. These electrons store the light, store the energy and release it when there is a total absence of light.
Thanks to photoluminescence, the substance can be recharged indefinitely by daylight or artificial lighting. Our LuminoKrom® photoluminescent paint exploits exactly this physical phenomenon.
A luminescent object is one capable of emitting light without a direct external energy source. The object is perfectly autonomous and recharges itself, thanks to the principle of photoluminescence.
A material is phosphorescent thanks to the presence of specific pigments capable of storing light energy (UV, natural or artificial light) and gradually releasing it in the dark. The quality of these pigments can prolong light emission from a few dozen minutes to several hours. LuminoKrom® paint has a luminescence time of over 10 hours.
There are several types of luminescence:
- Photoluminescence: Light emission after absorption of a light source (e.g. phosphorescence, fluorescence).
- Chemiluminescence: Production of light by a chemical reaction (e.g. glow sticks).
- Bioluminescence: Light emission by living organisms (e.g. fireflies, jellyfish).
- Triboluminescence: Light produced by friction or mechanical shock (e.g. crushed sugar in the dark).
- Electroluminescence: Light generated by an electric current (e.g. LEDs).
- Radioluminescence: Light produced by exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g. old radium watches).
- Electroluminescence: Light generated by an electric current (e.g. LEDs).
- Radioluminescence: Light produced by exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g. old radium watches).
There are two forms of photoluminescence: phosphorescence and fluorescence. Generally speaking, photoluminescence represents the emission of a light source following the absorption of light. Phosphorescence diffuses the light it has absorbed when the material is plunged into darkness. In contrast, fluorescence diffuses luminescence when the material is illuminated.
In terms of durability, fluorescence ceases to luminesce "instantaneously" when the excitation light is cut off, whereas phosphorescence persists.
Our LuminoKrom® photoluminescent paint is therefore a phosphorescent paint, since its luminescence is revealed when immersed in darkness, with a certified luminescence time of over 10 hours.
Photoluminescent paint is paint containing special pigments capable of absorbing light (natural or artificial) and releasing it in the dark without the need for an external energy source.
By exploiting the principle of photoluminescence, the paint stores light energy and, once plunged into darkness, gradually re-emits it in the form of a phosphorescent glow for several hours.
Photoluminescent paint works by absorbing natural or artificial light, storing this energy and gradually releasing it in the dark in the form of a phosphorescent glow. Illumination time depends on the intensity of the light load, with products like LuminoKrom® lasting up to 10 hours.
Find out more about how photoluminescence works
No, photoluminescent paint requires no external energy source such as electricity or solar power. It absorbs ambient light (natural or artificial), stores it and releases it in the dark in the form of a phosphorescent glow, offering total autonomy and an environmentally-friendly solution.
100% autonomous, LuminoKrom® paint improves visibility and safety without electricity.
The paint is quickly loaded. Whether you're in winter or summer, in full sun or partial shade, it will be fully charged by nightfall.
All day long, photoluminescent paint emits and recharges at the same time. As soon as night falls and darkness sets in, it switches to emission-only mode, with decreasing emission.
The paint itself emits for a very long time. The most important parameter to take into account is the length of time its light emission is perceptible to the human eye.
In an outdoor environment devoid of any light, we consider that the eye can perceive light emission up to around 8 millicandela/m², i.e. after 10 hours of emission. If the environment presents light pollution (full moon, proximity of public lighting), this threshold will be raised and the duration of visibility will be shortened.
Indoors, in absolute darkness, the perception threshold is much lower, and you can observe the luminescence of our paint for over 12 hours.
A drop in the luminescence of a marking is linked to wear and tear and soiling of the paint, and not to a drop in performance over time. A gradual decline can therefore be observed. It is estimated that marking renewal will be necessary around the 5th year.
There will be a perceived decrease in luminescence over time, but this will persist and stabilize over the long term.
LuminoKrom® paint is applied in the same way as conventional road marking. For exterior use, the photoluminescent paint is applied by airless machine, on top of a white undercoat of at least 400g/m². The dosage for our LuminoKrom® paint is 800g to 900g/m². For optimum, perfectly applied marking, we recommend an application speed of between 1.2 and 2 km/h.
For interior applications, the paint can be applied with a roller or a brush.
It is important to comply with the various parameters specified on the technical data sheet supplied with our LuminoKrom® paint. Class G (or E for white paint) luminescence will depend on compliance with these conditions of application speed and grammage.
Follow our tips for efficient installation
Photoluminescent paint radiates 360°. The white paint acts as a barrier to reflect the light upwards and prevent loss into the substrate. A significant, opaque layer is essential for optimum luminescence.
Yes, pre-existing paint will already be weathered and partly worn. It will therefore not fully fulfill its role of reflecting the light emitted by the paint upwards. Luminescence performance will therefore be compromised.
If you use an airless machine and follow our application instructions, a second coat is not necessary, except on very closed surfaces.
Yes, for small surfaces. The use of a compressed-air gun is then possible. It may therefore be necessary to thin the paint a little before spraying.
LuminoKrom® paint was developed for use with pressurized equipment. Its high density and rapid drying make it unsuitable for brush application. What's more, this type of application will reveal irregularities in the dark. If brush application is the only possible alternative, you'll need to dilute the product slightly and apply several coats to achieve a smooth, even finish day and night.
Roller application of road paint is not recommended, as it is difficult to control the dosage perfectly. If roller application is the only possible alternative, you'll need to dilute the paint slightly and apply several coats to achieve a smooth, even finish day and night. Don't hesitate to apply large quantities of paint.
Our LuminoKrom® paint is ready-to-use and requires no thinning when applied with an airless machine. We advise you to refer to the applicator memo sent with your order, which is specific to each reference.
If necessary, dilute to a maximum of 5% with acetone. Caution: in this case, aim for a larger application (>900g/m²) to allow for dilution.
Both paints can be marked on the same day. Simply make sure that the undercoat paint is completely dry before applying the LuminoKrom® photoluminescent paint.
Like any conventional road paint, photoluminescent paint must be applied in dry weather and on a perfectly dry substrate. It should therefore not be applied to any substrate where there is a risk of rising damp. As a guide, we advise against applications from late October to early April. In addition, avoid application just after a period of precipitation.
As with all paints, the shelf life of an open can is shortened and depends on storage conditions. It is essential to reseal the can as tightly as possible. Turning the can upside down before storage improves the seal. The paint must also be thoroughly rehomogenized before a second use.
On soft layouts, there is no specific maintenance to be carried out on the markings, apart from the traditional cleaning of the paths to remove leaves, grass, etc. that obscure the markings. Cleaning with water once a year may be appropriate, avoiding, of course, any excessively abrasive cleaning equipment that could damage the paintwork.
Reduced paint luminescence is due to wear and soiling of the marking paint. If maintenance is carried out with non-abrasive materials, there is no negative impact.
LuminoKrom® photoluminescent paint is a patented technology designed to be durable and weather-resistant (rain, UV, temperature variations, freeze/thaw cycles). Its longevity depends on exposure and substrate type, but it can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Our LuminoKrom® paint range is specially formulated to resist abrasion, repeated passage and general wear and tear, as well as extreme outdoor conditions, ensuring long-lasting night-time visibility without frequent maintenance.
The reduction in paint luminescence is due to wear and soiling. On soft surfaces, it is estimated that renewal will be necessary after 5 years. On roads, it all depends on the location of the markings and the frequency of use. The more the road is used, the more the markings will be damaged.
The frequency can therefore vary from 3 to 5 years, as with all conventional road markings.
Using photoluminescent paint
Our LuminoKrom® paint range can be applied to a variety of substrates and materials. We offer different references to suit every circumstance, whether for indoor or outdoor marking, for example.
Our road and urban paint references are ideal for use on concrete, cement, bitumen and asphalt mixes. A water-based version is also available for interior applications.
For applications on metal, choose our LuminoKrom® paint for metal.
We recommend applying our luminescent solvent-based paint outdoors only, for urban marking. If you wish to use one of our products indoors, we advise you to opt for the water-based paint in our range, or our spray can for small surfaces.
Our luminescent paint can be used in many different contexts. Outdoors, LuminoKrom® is ideal for urban markings such as bicycle paths, sidewalks or dangerous curbs. Indoors, it can be used for industrial marking, signage solutions or illuminated signage.
Discover all the uses of photoluminescence
Our LuminoKrom® marking is currently only available for professional use. If you have any questions about our products, please contact us to find out more about the feasibility of your project.
The prerequisite for optimum luminescence is the total absence of light sources. It is therefore essential to apply photoluminescent paint in areas where light emission is very soft. Any stronger light emission will prevent the light emitted by the paint from being perceived. The darker it is, the more visible the luminescence.
The aim: to provide luminous guidance in unlit areas.
The key is to avoid proximity to any light source, however weak. The darker the location, the more observable the luminescence.
"If you can easily see your shoelaces, then light pollution is too much for LuminoKrom®".
In fact, you can use photoluminescent markings in conjunction with street lighting, if the latter is intended to be switched off frequently for economic or energy reasons. When the lighting is switched off, photoluminescence takes over to guide users in the dark. If the presence of light is too intense, the markings will not illuminate.
Installations and infrastructures marked with photoluminescent paint do not require any special upkeep or maintenance. Only standard road maintenance is required. What's more, this type of marking is totally autonomous and requires no load or power source. It's an economical and sustainable solution.
Photoluminescent paint offers several advantages over traditional paint: it glows in the dark without electricity, improving safety and night-time visibility. 100% autonomous, it reduces energy consumption and lighting costs. Durable and weather-resistant, it applies easily to a variety of substrates (concrete, metal, wood), making it ideal for signage, road markings and urban innovation.
There's no direct comparison to be made with conventional white road markings, since these provide no visibility after dark. On the other hand, we can compare photoluminescent paint with other, more conventional lighting systems, such as traditional street lighting. And this time, our stand-alone lighting solution wins the battle once again: LuminoKrom® is the most environmentally-friendly lighting solution!
Photoluminescent paint has a slightly higher initial application cost than conventional road paints, but its main advantage lies in the absence of energy and maintenance costs associated with traditional lighting systems (street lamps, illuminated signs).
Unlike electric lighting, it requires no wiring, electricity consumption or frequent maintenance, which means significant savings in the long term. Its durability and weather resistance also reduce the need for replacement.
Photoluminescent paint has a reduced environmental impact compared with traditional alternatives such as electric lighting. It operates without energy consumption, limiting CO₂ emissions and light pollution. Unlike street lamps, it requires no wiring or energy-intensive maintenance.
What's more, LuminoKrom® emits 10,000 times less light than street lighting! The impact of photoluminescent markings on visual pollution is also very low compared to the installation of vertical lighting masts.
Photoluminescent markings help reduce light pollution, which is harmful to biodiversity. All sources of lighting at night have a negative impact on the surrounding flora and fauna. Photoluminescent paint provides luminous guidance without over-lighting.
Yes, LuminoKrom® is already being used successfully in many countries around the world. To date, we've installed no fewer than 450 lighting systems in France and abroad.
Our photoluminescent paint is applied to bike paths, road markings and urban infrastructure to improve night-time visibility and safety. Adopted by local authorities, private companies and infrastructure managers, it has proven its effectiveness and durability in a variety of environments, thanks to 6 years' experience of its technology.
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