Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • MATERIALS
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • RESOURCES
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • CONTACT
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest News
  • Market Trends & Reports
  • Price Alerts
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
  • Weekly Featured Article
  • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
  • Product News
  • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
  • Additives
  • Resins/Polymers
  • Pigments
  • Equipment
  • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • Adhesives
  • Architectural Coatings
  • FINISHING
  • Industrial Coatings
  • Nanotechnology
  • Powder Coatings
  • Solventborne
  • Special Purpose Coatings
  • Sustainability
  • UV Coatings
  • Waterborne
  • FINISHING
  • Finishing News
  • Finishing Technologies
  • Finishing Equipment
  • Finishing Today
  • RESOURCES
  • Columns
  • Blogs
  • Coatings Supplier Handbook
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • PCI Store
  • Classifieds
  • eBooks
  • Sponsor Insights
  • White Papers
  • COATLE Word Game
  • Columns
  • Ask Joe Powder
  • Did you know?
  • Distribution Dive
  • Focus on Canada
  • Formulating With Mike
  • Innovation Insights
  • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
  • Powder Coating Perspectives
  • Target the Market
  • TiO2 Insider
  • Blogs
  • Editor's Viewpoint
  • Industry Insights
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • COAT-IT! Podcast
  • Videos/PCI TV
  • EVENTS
  • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
  • Paint and Coatings Academy
  • Webinars
  • Calendar of Events
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
  • Buyer's Guide
  • Equipment Directory
  • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
  • Current Issue
  • eMagazine Archive
  • China Issue Archive
  • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to eMagazine
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!
Paint and Coating PigmentsSpecial Purpose Coatings

Harnessing the Brilliance of Daylight Fluorescent Pigments

in Coatings and Inks

By Darren Bianchi, Founder/CEO; Brilliant Group, Inc., Mike V. Oberski, Technical Sales Manager, Brilliant Group Inc.
fluorescent pigments booklet

Image courtesy of the Brilliant Group. 

December 10, 2024

Fluorescent pigments have made a significant impact in the coatings and inks industries by providing not only aesthetic appeal but also functional advantages such as enhanced visibility. Daylight fluorescent pigments, in particular, offer unique visual effects by re-emitting light at longer wavelengths, creating their characteristic vibrant appearance. This article delves into the technology behind these pigments, their manufacturing processes and how they are tailored to meet the demands of coating and ink applications.

What are Daylight Fluorescent Pigments?

Fluorescent pigments are not “pigments” in the classical sense, but rather they are fluorescent dyes solubilized in a given polymer matrix. This dyed polymer fluorescent pigment is then provided in a format, such as dry powder, suitable for a given end application.

Daylight fluorescent pigments are engineered to absorb shorter wavelengths of light, typically in the ultraviolet (UV) or visible spectrum and re-emit that energy at longer wavelengths in the visible range. This process results in intense, eye-catching colors, often with reflectance values exceeding 100%, making them highly effective for high-visibility and decorative applications in coatings and inks.

FIGURE 1 | Visual model.

 fluorescent pigment visual model

Unlike conventional pigments, daylight fluorescent pigments are typically “stir-in” products, requiring only low-shear mixing to incorporate them into formulations, simplifying the production process. This also makes them easy to use in various coating systems.

Manufacturing Techniques for Daylight Fluorescent Pigments

The production of daylight fluorescent pigments involves various polymerization techniques that ensure the pigments meet the performance requirements of coatings and inks, including color vibrancy and stability.

  1. Bulk polycondensation: This process involves adding raw materials to a vessel, heating them and building molecular weight and viscosity. The resulting melt product is cooled so the final solid can be milled into smaller particles.
  2. Suspension polymerization: Suspension polymerization results in spherical particles that are chemically stable and cross-linked, making them well-suited for solvent-based inks and coatings where resistance to chemical attack is critical. The spherical particles can be separated and provided in powder form, or they can remain in a carrier vehicle for paste applications.
  3. Emulsion polymerization: This method creates submicron-sized particles suspended in water at a very low viscosity. These products are ideal for water-based printing inks and textile applications that demand fine dispersion and uniform color distribution.

FIGURE 2 | An example of bulk polycondensation process.

 An example of bulk polycondensation process..png

Applications in Coatings and Inks

Daylight fluorescent pigments are widely used in the coatings and inks industries due to their ability to deliver superior brightness and visibility and aid in product differentiation. These pigments find applications in everything from decorative finishes to functional uses such as safety markings.

Coatings

In coatings, daylight fluorescent pigments are used to create vibrant, high-visibility finishes. These pigments are ideal for aerosol paints, craft paints and specialty coatings such as theatrical paints and seed coatings. They are also commonly employed in industrial applications where enhanced visibility is crucial, such as road markings and safety signage. The key benefit of using fluorescent pigments in coatings is their ability to maintain brightness under diverse lighting conditions.

Inks

For inks, daylight fluorescent pigments offer excellent brightness and color intensity, especially in applications where high impact is essential. These pigments are used in lithographic, flexographic and screen-printing inks for posters, packaging and textiles.

Uv offset lithoBottle2
×
fluorescent pigments UV offset litho
fluorescent pigments bottle

Water-based and UV-cured inks benefit from the fine particle size of fluorescent pigments, which ensures uniform dispersion and color vibrancy across printed surfaces. The pigments’ ability to emit more light than they absorb provides unparalleled brightness, particularly valuable in branding and advertising applications.

Technical Considerations

When incorporating daylight fluorescent pigments into coatings and inks, several formulation factors must be considered. These pigments are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions, such as UV exposure and heat, which can cause them to fade over time. To combat this, formulators often add UV stabilizers and other protective agents to extend the longevity of the pigments’ vividness.

The fluorescent pigment chemistry in coating or ink applications must also be carefully selected to ensure suitability for the intended use. For example, solvent-based systems require pigments with high chemical resistance, while water-based systems benefit from pigments with excellent dispersion stability.

Conclusion

Daylight fluorescent pigments provide unparalleled brightness and visibility, making them essential for high visual impact coatings and inks. Their versatility and wide range of applications — from decorative finishes to functional safety markings — make them a valuable tool for formulators. By understanding the manufacturing processes and technical considerations, manufacturers can leverage these pigments to create vibrant and eye-catching products that stand out in the marketplace.

For more information, click here.

*All images courtesy of Brilliant Group Inc.

KEYWORDS: fluorescent pigments Inks innovations in coatings road marking coatings road-marking coatings safety textile coating

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

By Darren Bianchi, Founder/CEO; Brilliant Group, Inc.

Mike V. Oberski, Technical Sales Manager, Brilliant Group Inc.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • PCI-0724-Global10-Feature-1440.png

    2024 Global Top 10: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    Who ranks on top? PCI’s annual ranking of the top 10...
    Paint and Coating Market Reports
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • PCI-0724-PCI25-Feature-1440.png

    2024 PCI 25: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    PCI's annual ranking of the top 25 North American paint...
    Paint and Coating Market Reports
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • pci1022-Kinaltek-Lead-1170.jpg

    A Novel Pigment Production Technology

    Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated...
    Paint and Coating Pigments
    By: Jawad Haidar and Nitin Soni
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Cleaning by bio-luminescence

Jim Deardorff
December 11, 2024
Dear Sirs, I'm working on a paint protection and rust prevention program the farm industry. I have been using optical brighteners to verify coverage and saturation quality for cleaners and coatings. I'm happy with my use of OB for cleaners but, looking for longer lasting FL compound for the exterior finish coats. The thin film maintenance coating only need to last for 1 to 2 years then special cleaning removes aged coatings and trapped contaminants for recoating. I invite you to google my article: "Erosion vs Corrosion" for an overview. Solve the Problem, Jim Deardorff President Superior Coatings / Lifetime Coatings NDT

Ruby Lee
December 12, 2024
Daylight fluorescent pigments truly bring vibrancy to life, creating visuals that captivate the eye. Just like the radiant tones of a lute for sale, these pigments add an extra layer of brilliance and depth to any masterpiece!

Nora Hills
February 20, 2025
Harnessing the brilliance of daylight fluorescent pigments offers exciting opportunities for innovation across industries. These pigments' high visibility and vibrant hues can transform everything from fashion to safety gear, making them stand out in various environments. For a Prop trading firm like ours, understanding the value of such unique materials could potentially influence market trends, particularly in sectors that rely on visibility, such as manufacturing or automotive industries. The use of daylight fluorescent pigments may also serve as a symbol of creativity and cutting-edge technology, offering new avenues for investment.

Eye Glass Direct
April 3, 2025
Harnessing the brilliance of daylight fluorescent pigments can really bring vibrant, eye-catching results, much like how a bold pair of glasses for women can elevate your look with a pop of style. Whether it’s color or fashion, it’s all about standing out with confidence and clarity!

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

CTT Registration Now Open

CTT Registration Now Open

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
    Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

    Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

  • paint sprayer in a workshop
    Sponsored byallnex

    Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

Popular Stories

BASF SE Logo

BASF Reportedly Eyes Exit from Coatings

No. 7 BASF Coatings

BASF Comments on Potential Sale of Coatings Business

No. 3 AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel’s $1.4B Divestment Signals Strategy Shift



PCI Buyers Guide

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

Start your RFP

Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

Find Suppliers

Events

September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Longest-running laboratory experiment

What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

See More Products
pci  webinar april 2025

PCI CASE EBOOK

Related Articles

  • PCI1023-Brilliant-1-1170.jpg

    Daylight Fluorescent Pigments

    See More
  • Harnessing the Cleaning Power of Dry Ice

    See More
  • PVD Aluminum Pigments: Superior Brilliance for Coatings & Graphic Arts

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • durability.jpg

    Increasing the Durability of Paint and Varnish Coatings in Building Products and Construction 1st Edition

See More Products
×

Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey & Sample
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!