Glow in the dark PLA soaks up light and gives it back as a soft glow when the lights go out. It turns an ordinary print into something kids love, makes a switch or key easy to find at night, and adds a bit of fun to Halloween decorations, props and gifts.
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How glow in the dark PLA works
Glow PLA is PLA mixed with a phosphorescent pigment. The pigment stores energy while it is in the light and releases it slowly as visible light in the dark. There is no battery and nothing to switch on: put the part in the light, then turn the lights off.
What to expect from the glow:
- It needs charging. The part glows after it has been in light. Strong light, such as direct sunlight or a bright lamp, charges it better than dim room light.
- It is brightest at first, then fades. The glow is strongest straight after the lights go off and dims gradually. How long it stays visible depends on how well it was charged, how dark the room is, and the part itself.
- It is a soft glow, not a light source. It is easy to see in a dark room, but it will not light up the room.
- It recharges every time. The effect does not wear out with use; charge it again and it glows again.
In daylight, glow PLA looks like a lightly coloured, slightly pale plastic. The glow is the main event, so shapes that show plenty of surface, such as signs, lettering and bold figures, make the most of it.
What glow in the dark PLA is good for
- Toys, figures and novelty prints for kids’ rooms.
- Halloween and party decorations, props and costume details. See cosplay 3D printing.
- Signs, lettering and markers that need to be found in the dark, such as a light switch surround or a keyring.
- Gifts and one-off keepsakes.
- Accents on a larger model, printed as separate parts and fitted together.
Glow in the dark prints are decorative. Do not rely on them for safety signage or anything where visibility in the dark really matters.
Glow in the dark colours
You can order glow in the dark PLA in:
- Blue
- Purple
- Green
- White
- Yellow
Colours on screen are only a guide, and a glow colour can look quite different in daylight and in the dark. If the exact colour matters, email quotes@3dprinting.zone before you order.
What it costs
Glow PLA prints on the same FDM printers as our standard PLA, with the same build size of up to 400 x 400 x 450 mm and infill from 0% to 100%. The price is worked out the same way, mostly from the weight of plastic actually printed plus a small charge for the part’s volume. Glow PLA costs a little more per gram than standard PLA. The minimum price is $1 per part.
The glow comes from the surface of the part, so there is no need to pay for high infill on a decorative print. The default 20% suits most models. Our infill percentage guide shows how infill changes the price.
Prices include GST, and shipping is a flat $15 per order anywhere in Australia, free on orders of $80 or more.
Other PLA finishes
- Silk PLA for a shiny, metallic-looking finish.
- Matte PLA for a flat finish that hides layer lines.
- Carbon fibre, wood, marble, translucent and rainbow PLA.
Compare them all in our 3D printing materials guide, or see our online 3D printing service for how ordering works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does glow in the dark PLA glow for?
It depends on how strongly the part was charged, how dark the room is and the part itself. The glow is brightest just after the lights go off and fades gradually. Charging it in strong light gives the best result.
How do I make it glow brighter?
Charge it in strong light, such as sunlight or a bright lamp, just before you need it, and view it in a properly dark room.
Does the glow wear out?
No. The glow fades each night, but it comes back every time the part is charged in light again.
Can I paint glow in the dark prints?
Paint blocks the light from reaching the pigment, so painted areas will not glow. Leave the areas you want to glow unpainted.
What does glow PLA look like in daylight?
It looks like a lightly coloured, slightly pale plastic. The glow is only visible in the dark.