GloScreen

We created the GloScreen as part of a First Lego League innovation project. We wanted to find a way to give kids opportunities to create art with a new medium and wanted something truly unique. We have shared this with several different groups within our school and wanted to post here with the hope that other schools would enjoy it as well. Not only is it fun to play with, but the science behind the glow-in-the-dark process is illuminating!

Supplies

Retractable Projector Screen or large foam core boards

Krylon Glowz Glow-in-the-Dark Spray Paint

UV Laser Pointers, Flashlights, and Flood lights

Optional Stand:

2 - 10' pieces of 3/4" conduit

1 - 10' piece of 1/2" conduit

2 - 3/4" Tee connector

1 - 3/4" 90 deg 3-way connector

25' of 1" and 3/4" shrink tubing

light-duty pulley and rope

heat gun

pipe cutter

Step 1: Gather Materials

Surface:

You will need to obtain a retractable projector screen. We were able to find several obsolete screens around our school. If you can’t find an old projector screen you can repurpose, foam core board panels work pretty well. The projector screen has the advantage of being able to retract. This allows you to leave the lights on prior to use and avoid charging up the screen prematurely. The screen can be permanently mounted to a wall, or you can build a portable stand similar to ours.

Paint:

We have tested several types of Phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) paint and different application methods but have had the best luck with Krylon GLOWZ Glow-In-The-Dark green spray paint. It comes in 6oz and 10 oz cans. From our experience, you get the best results with at least 3 coats. A 10oz can covers approximately 16 sq. ft. of a white primed surface.

Accessories:

Phosphorescent paint can be charged by regular white light but performs best with ultraviolet light. We used flashlights, light pens, and laser pointers to make different effects. 

Step 2: Painting the Surface

The phosphorescent paint is opaque, so application can be tricky. We found it is best to paint in a dark, well-ventilated space using blacklight to illuminate the paint. Areas that don't shine as bright under the blacklight and areas that don't shine as long once the light is removed will need additional paint. Our 7'x7' screen took 3 cans to get an even coat and we applied 3 coats. After allowing each coat to dry for several hours, we would brush off the surface before applying the next coat. 

Step 3: Building the Stand

We built our stand with 3/4" and 1/2” EMC, Makerpipe connectors, rope, clips, and a pulley. We built our stand to be extremely portable and easy for kids to assemble. We also covered it in shrink tubing which added grip for the friction connectors but was mostly aesthetic. 

Step 4: Enjoy

Kids can spend hours playing with the GloScreen. We created stencils for the kids to use. They also enjoy using different types of light to get different effects. As the pictures slowly fade, they have a fresh canvas for their masterpieces!