What is photoluminescence?
Photoluminescence is a phenomenon whereby a material absorbs light and then gradually re-emits it. Paint using this principle of luminescence is designed to glow in the dark, creating a "fluorescent" effect. It captures light energy, natural or artificial, during the day and slowly releases it in the form of visible luminosity in the dark, without the need for an external energy source.
Be careful not to confuse photoluminescent paint with fluorescent paint.
In comparison, fluorescent paint works differently: it absorbs UV (ultra-violet) light and instantly re-emits it as visible light, but only in the presence of a UV light source. So, once the light source is switched off, fluorescent paint stops glowing in the dark.
Photoluminescent paint, also known as phosphorescent paint, continues to glow in the dark for several hours after the light has faded. This characteristic makes it particularly useful for road applications, ensuring greater night-time visibility and improving travel safety.
