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How to Make Ultraviolet Ink

Ultraviolet ink, or UV ink, glows under a black-light but is difficult to see in natural light. If you want a cheap alternative to buying UV inks in the store, you can make your own ultraviolet ink at home using a few inexpensive products. You can write secret messages that are only visible under a black-light and paint your clothes and body for a night at the club.

Things You'll Need

  • Powder brightener
  • Paper or clothing
  • Wooden stir stick
  • Paintbrush
  • Water, paint, ink or lacquer
  • Black-light
  • Glow powder kit
  • Printer ink
  • Ink cartridge refill kit
  • Rubber gloves
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Instructions

  1. Glow Ink From Powder Brightener

    • 1

      Purchase a powder brightener like Rit Laundry Treatment or Oxo-Brite.

    • 2

      Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tbsp. of powder brightener. Stir it until it dissolves. You can also use a cup of paint, ink or lacquer in any color.

    • 3

      Turn off the lights and look at the solution under a black-light.

    • 4

      Add more powder brightener to the mixture if you want a brighter hue.

    • 5

      Use a paintbrush to make a design on clothes or paper. Let it dry for an hour and look at it under the black-light to check the brightness.

    Glow Ink From a Craft Store

    • 6

      Mix regular ink with glow powder according to the manual on the glow powder. Stir it with a wooden stick and wear gloves.

    • 7

      Turn off the lights and check the glow strength under a black-light. Add more glow powder to make it brighter.

    • 8

      Use a paintbrush to make a design on clothes or paper. Let it dry and then inspect it under the black-light.

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