Get A Star Ceiling That Glows With Black Light

Create a realistic star ceiling that glows in black light.

Star ceilings create the illusion that you're looking up at the night sky as you drift off to sleep. To apply a star ceiling that glows in black light, you'll need to use fluorescent paint. Fluorescent paint contains pigments that absorb black light and emit fluorescent light in return. Painting a star ceiling is a fun project with endless creative potential. Painting so many stars may look like a tough job, but star ceilings are easy to apply well if you have the right tools.

Instructions

1. Wipe the ceiling clean with a rag that has been soaked in an isopropyl alcohol solution - one part alcohol, one part water - and wrung out well. Remove any dust or debris that might interfere with the adherence of the fluorescent paint.

2. Plan the design of your star ceiling. If you have an artistic streak, you can freehand your star ceiling. Experts recommend that you randomize the placement of your stars and their size. Consider including nebulae, comets and planets in a variety of colors. For a realistic look, include blank spaces and star clusters. For guidance, consult reference images. If artistic design isn't your strong point, there are several other options. Home planetarium projectors will project the night sky onto your ceiling. You can paint over the projected stars to achieve an accurate representation of a starscape. Other companies sell starscape stencils that can be taped onto the ceiling.

3. Lay a canvas or old sheet over the floor. This will catch any accidental drips.

4. Apply the fluorescent paint to the ceiling. Use a stepladder if necessary. For easy application, load the paint into a plastic paint squeeze bottle or old white glue bottle. Use the applicator tip to dot stars on the ceiling. Squeeze the paint out first and then dot it onto the ceiling. To vary the size of the stars, loosen and tighten the applicator tip. Keep the star sizes varied. Ideally the largest stars should be between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide. Use a small artist's paintbrush to paint freehand stars, planets, nebulae and comets.

Tags: star ceiling, black light, ceiling that glows, design your, fluorescent paint, glows black