1 mm or 4 mm: which glow granules do you need?
The 1 mm granules are a fine grain for stirring into resin, varnish or glue; the 4 mm granules are a visible grain of synthetic resin with bound-in glow pigment. Both absorb light and release it again in the dark, without electricity and as often as you like.
| Property | 1 mm | 4 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Grain size | approx. 0.5–1 mm | 4–8 mm |
| Material | strontium aluminate doped with europium and dysprosium | crushed synthetic resin with bound-in glow pigment |
| Water | not waterproof | resistant to water and solvent-based liquids |
| Heat | untinted up to 1,200 °C, tinted not above approx. 150 °C | can be processed up to approx. 300 °C |
| Good for | casting resin, varnish, glue, sprinkling | loose decoration, setting into surfaces |
Which colour glows for how long?
Green, Blue and Blue-Green glow for up to 12 hours, tinted shades for a shorter time – each after a full charge, in complete darkness.
| Colour | By day | In the dark | Afterglow duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green 1 mm | whitish, slight green tint | green to yellow-green | up to 12 h |
| Green 4 mm | light yellow-green | green | up to 12 h |
| Blue 1 mm and 4 mm | whitish | blue | up to 12 h |
| Blue-Green 4 mm | light mint | blue-green to turquoise | up to 12 h |
| Yellow 1 mm | yellow | green | up to 4 h |
| Orange 1 mm | orange | orange | up to 4 h |
| Orange-Red 1 mm | red | orange | up to 2 h |
| Pink 1 mm | pink | pink | up to 2 h |
A true red afterglow is not technically possible; Orange-Red glows orange.
How to work glow granules into casting resin
In thin resin the grains sink – so timing is what matters.
- Mix the resin and let it thicken briefly.
- Stir in the granules and distribute them quickly. Alternatively, add the granules only to the top layer.
- Use resin that is as clear and light as possible: the clearer the carrier, the stronger the glow.
- To sprinkle, put the granules onto still-wet varnish, glue or resin, press them in lightly and then protect smooth surfaces with clear varnish.
Glow granules in concrete, paving and joints
In concrete, glow granules only work at the surface, because when mixed into the compound the concrete covers the grains. Press the granules into the still-wet surface and sand flush after curing. Alternatively, embed them in a transparent, walk-on layer of epoxy or exterior varnish. Outdoors, use solvent-based, weather-resistant carriers and choose a spot that gets light during the day.
Good to know
The 1 mm granules dissolve in water over time and the glow effect is lost. For water, embed them in resin or a water-resistant clear varnish, or use the 4 mm granules. Prime dark surfaces in a light colour first. The 1 mm granules are not classified as hazardous under CLP, see safety data sheets. Granules are a material, not a toy.
Our epoxy casting resin is suitable for embedding. For even finer effects there is glow powder, and for larger pieces glow stones. You will find an overview of all forms under Granules, Stones & Jelly.