Glow-in-the-dark paint comes in oil-based, latex-based, spray paint or as a powder additive that you can mix yourself. Glow-in-the-dark paint removal techniques vary depending on the surface you are working on.
Things You Will Need
Walls and Ceilings
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Sand the glow-in-the-dark paint with fine-grit sandpaper to remove as much of the paint as possible. Some glow-in-the-dark paints have a heavy texture or puff that requires sanding in order to make them flush with the existing surface.
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Apply two coats of primer-sealer, allowing each to dry fully in between applications. This is a special type of paint specifically made to cover dark colors and other difficult-to-cover applications.
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Apply paint in a color to match the existing paint, or change the color entirely.
Concrete Patios and Driveways
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Scrape away as much of the paint as possible with a metal scraper.
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Soak rags in paint thinner; lay them over the top of the glow-in-the-dark paint and allow them to sit for six to eight hours.
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Scrape away softened paint.
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Mix trisodium phosphate with water in a bucket, dip a stiff bristle scrub brush into the mixture, and scrub away the remaining traces of paint.
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Rinse very well with plain water.
Brick and Masonry Walls
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Apply paint stripper with a roller or brush. Choose a stripper made for masonry paint removal; other types of paint strippers may cause damage to the brick and mortar joints.
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Allow the stripper to sit on the surface; the length of time depends on the manufacturer.
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Scrape away glow-in-the-dark paint.
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Wash the wall with plain water or apply a neutralizer, depending on the manufacturer specifications.
Metal Surfaces
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Brush and scrub the glow-in-the-dark paint with a wire brush.
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Rent a sandblaster for large areas and sandblast the paint off the metal surface.
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Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting primer and paint to protect and seal the metal surface.
The Drip Cap
- Glow-in-the-dark paint is made by adding a fluorescent pigmenting material to paint which absorbs light and glows when it is dark.
- Some glow-in-the-dark paints have a heavy texture or puff that requires sanding in order to make them flush with the existing surface.
- Scrape away softened paint.
- Allow the stripper to sit on the surface; the length of time depends on the manufacturer.
- Brush and scrub the glow-in-the-dark paint with a wire brush.