PHOTOLUMINESCENT POWDER INTRODUCTION
PHOTOLUMINESCENT POWDER INTRODUCTION
Photoluminescent powder, also known as pigment, is a
non-toxic, non-radioactive new environmentally friendly alkaline earth aluminate pigment. Most of the visible or UV light
will charge the pigment particles (excitation). The photo luminescent pigment then releases energy for 10 to 24 hours in the
form of visible light (which glows in the dark). The photographic light-emitting pigments provide duty-cycle operation
with a very high ratio of glow time to the desired charging time. Luminous intensity (brightness) and afterglow time than the
traditional ZnS (zinc sulfide) or usually sold retail store products more than 30 times higher.
Photoluminescent Powder Characteristics
Safe for normal uses as it contains no radioactive or toxic materials.
Long glow time. Compared with previous photo storage materials, it has up to 50 times longer emission
(glow) time.
High initial brilliance. Initial luminance of up to 40,000 mcd/m2.
High durability. Long shelf life if the crystalline structure is not damaged.
Outdoor usage. Suitable for outdoor usage as it does not suffer luminance reduction even when placed
under a 300-watt high-pressure mercury lamp for 1000 hours.
Stable Chemical Reaction. Not-encapsulated powder is stable as it is resistant to most anhydrous
chemicals, both organic and inorganic. However, it will decompose into metal oxide and lose its luminance when brought into
contact with water. Waterproof powder should be used for high water content mediums such as kids water paint. Most resin,
epoxy, silicone and acrylic paints can be used with our not-encapsulated pigment and brighter pigment.
Temperature Resistance:
High Temperatures. The performance and brilliance remain stable under temperature of nearly 1100
degrees Fahrenheit (600℃).
No decrease in performance even when tested at temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40℃).
High durability.
How bright are these glow products?
Many
photoluminescent pigments and products manufacturers refer to
the extinction time of their products, which is defined as the time required for afterglow to be reduced to 1 masb (0.032 mcd
/ m2, or about 100 times the human perception limit). In practice, it is very difficult, unless your eyes are completely dark
to adapt, and you are in a completely dark environment.
For practical purposes, the brightness of one to two millimeters per square meter is a more appropriate limit for life safety
applications, even if a smoke-free environment is assumed. Therefore, the zinc sulfide product may take 30 to 45 minutes
after its excitation source is extinguished. On the other hand, the afterglow of strontium aluminate products can be seen for
days or even longer. All PhotoLuminescent Powder are based on strontium aluminate.
At the other end of the time scale, strontium aluminate products can provide surprising initial afterglow. For example, four
inches of square material from the magazine page can provide enough light, at least in the first minute. In addition, the
microprism retroreflector and other brightness enhancement techniques can increase the brightness of the material several
times.
Are Photoluminescent Exit and Egress Signs OSHA Compliant?
Most people can figure out how to exit a building in normal circumstances. But add fear and an emergency, and normal
tasks suddenly become difficult. Darkness after losing power and a fire’s smoke make everything worse. This is why it’s so
essential to make egress—the act of escaping a building—simple and easy. And glow in the dark exit signs that are approved
by OSHA are one way of lighting the way to safety.
In this article, we look at the requirements from OSHA, NFPA, and the IBC for the listing and performance of
photoluminescent signs. These mandates include the need for
proper light sources, glow duration, and legibility from a distance.
Feel free to skip to the sections on:
The basics of photoluminescent exit signs and egress markers
Listing requirements from IBC, NFPA 101, and others for photoluminescent signs
Are photoluminescent signs OSHA-compliant?
Installing, inspecting, and testing photoluminescent safety signs
The basics of photoluminescent exit signs and egress markers
Effective means of egress are described and regulated by multiple model building and safety codes. The National Fire
Protection Association’s NFPA 101: Life Safety Code (2018 edition) is one key document. Another is
the International Building Code (IBC, 2018 edition), which has been incorporated into the building codes of every
U.S. state.
Proper signage is a key part of emergency preparedness, which is why you see light-up “EXIT”
signs everywhere. Smaller egress markers, which often have arrows indicating direction and pictographs of a
running man, are also common. These give directions in confusing parts of a building or where exit signs are far apart. All
signs have to work well in the dark and without main power, so NFPA 101 and IBC both have specific requirements for
backup illumination.
Photoluminescent signs (aka “glow-in-the-dark signs”) are a useful technology for exit and egress signage. They
glow without a dedicated power source. Instead, they absorb the energy of light from normally well-lit surroundings—often a
particular wavelength of light—and release it over time as a glow. The brightness of their glow diminishes after the
charging light source is removed, but glow in the dark signs that are NFPA-, IBC-, and OSHA-compliant remain visible long
enough to get people to safety.
Photoluminescent signs can be used as egress markers and exit signs as long as they meet the necessary performance
standards. Indeed, many egress markers (being smaller and more common than exit signs) must be self-
luminescent—electric illumination won’t do.
PVC Signage
Let’s be clear and as non-technical as possible in the description of
PVC signs. The chemicals and the molecular makeup
are the same as the pipe referred to in the opening of this article. The best way to help in differentiating the two as that
the signs are more lightweight and porous, meaning full of pores. How does this translate to what you want to know? With all
those tiny little pores in a PVC sign, it means it will accept liquids. In your case, it means they can accept ink, and
thus we can create graphics on the sign you want for your company.
PVC signs have a matte finish, which means it eliminates glare or reflection. It makes your graphics easier to read. If
you really feel you want a shinier gloss finish, we can do a decal print and affix it to your sign.
Brushed aluminium signs
If you’re looking for long-lasting outdoor signs, brushed aluminium material may be just what you need. They’re strong
but lightweight and are quite durable. They can be cut to any shape or size and is quite popular due to their resistance to
bending and water. What’s more, brushed aluminium signed to give your designs a stunning silver metallic finish.
This type of material is great for both indoor and outdoor advertisements, as well as decorative pieces. It is often the
preferred option for wayfinding signs, making them perfect for offices, waiting rooms, or reception areas.
Painted aluminium signs
These are the same as brushed
aluminium signs
, except they have a smooth, painted finish. These are made from two synthetic plates with a hard di-bond door. They
are extremely sturdy, yet surprisingly lightweight.
We suggest using this material when designing a panel for a sale or special offer. Just like brushed aluminium, this
material is water-resistant and difficult to bend. This makes it perfect for outdoor promotion.
When you’re designing a custom interior sign, you have several options for materials, including plastic, wood, glass,
and a handful of metals. Ideally, you’ll choose a material that best reflects your brand or the message of your sign. If
that material is stainless steel, you’re in luck.
Stainless steel signs signal strength and industriousness to your clients. If your business is about offering
protection, stability, or innovation, stainless steel can help communicate that to customers. Plus, it offers five other
excellent advantages we’ll detail below.
1. Eye-Catching Shine
Stainless steel is a highly reflective metal that gives off a pleasant shine. It helps catch people’s attention,
especially when it is also the focal point of a room, as a lobby sign or other custom interior sign should be. If
you use stainless steel for an outdoor sign, a sunny day will charmingly light it up.
2. Longevity
As stainless steel is rust and corrosion resistant you can use it for both outdoor and indoor signs. You can expect a
long life out of these signs, as long as you occasionally maintain them. When you need to invest in a permanent sign that
will broadcast your brand for the long-haul, choose stainless steel.
3. Cost-Effective Metal
Stainless steel is quite cost effective as a sign material, especially as compared to other metals. Bronze, gold and
copper, or fake versions of these metals, can be more expensive. With a stainless steel sign, you get the benefits of
metal without the disadvantages.
4. Completely Customizable
Many custom indoor signs need to be just that, very custom. If you’re thinking of an unusual shape, unique
font or another uncommon design choice, stainless steel can be manufactured to fit your unique vision exactly.
5. Just Add a Bit of Steel
You don’t need to make a whole sign out of stainless steel. This material is a “neutral” that can be combined with
several other materials to great effect. Consider adding stainless steel lettering on a plastic sign or combining wood and
stainless steel for an industrial look. There are many other possible combinations that can work for your brand.
Ready to Try A Stainless Steel Sign?
At Captivating Signs, we can help you bring out the best in stainless steel in your sign design. We create all kinds
of custom interior signs that help your brand shine with strength. Reach out to us today.
AESTHETIC
Acrylic signs are eye-catching yet subtle and tasteful. They are ideal for companies who are looking to add signage to
their office which is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It’s even possible to “float” the letters of the sign to
create an attractive 3D effect.
DURABILITY
One practical reason why many people use acrylic signs is that they are very durable and need little maintenance. They
can withstand any weather condition including snow, rain, hail high winds and temperatures.
CUSTOMIZABLE
Although an acrylic sign includes a relatively simple and straightforward design, there is still room for a high level of
customization. The plate itself can be frosted, clear or even a solid colour. The design can include a simple name in a wide
range of colours, or even logo designs.
BRANDING
Acrylic signs offer an excellent
opportunity to improve the branding and brand visibility of your company. Acrylic signs allow for simplicity, which means you
are free to use whichever typography or imagery necessary to communicate your brand.
PROFESSIONAL
We offer a variety of different signage solutions, but when it comes to combining visibility and professionalism, acrylic
signs are the best solution and reflect the class of your company. Most signage is appropriate for B2C, but acrylic signage
is primarily for B2B companies.
ACRYLIC SIGNS AT WARWICK SIGNS
At Warwick Signs we offer competitively-priced and professional acrylic signs.
What is Resin Stone?
Resin stones are made by taking shards of
stone, binding them with a strong adhesive and molding them in with a special resin. The resulting mixture is then capped
with acrylic or other coatings to ensure that the surface and core is protected and scratch resistant. And, because it is
made from resin, the material is much lighter than normal stone without losing it’s durability.
What common items are made from Resin Stone?
Stone resin can be formed to make a number of common home items such as tile for flooring, bathtubs, sinks,
showers, garden stones and even some jewelry as well.
What are the benefits of Resin Stone?
In addition to being lightweight and affordable, there is a reason this material has a bit of an edge when compared to
other commonplace bathtub materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain and cast iron. The material will not warp
overtime unlike fiberglass and acrylic, nor will it break, shatter or chip due to heavy impacts from accidental drops or
falls like porcelain will and, as stated before, the material is as durable as cast iron with being four times lighter than
it. It is non-porous, meaning it will not absorb water unlike fiberglass and acrylic, which means the structural integrity of
it will never change, it also has excellent heat retention on par with higher end materials like enameled steel and copper.
And lastly, stone resin is very eco-friendly, made from recycled materials with an entirely green production model. With the
added benefit of being a durable material, it will also not create waste as stone resin bathtubs will last several lifetimes.
How to clean and maintain Resin Stone
Surprisingly, stone resin is also quite easy to maintain and clean, as most stains or dirt can be washed away with
water and can also be polished easily as well. Simply use a soap based solution or any non-abrasive cleaners to remove any
buildup or stains down the line. Avoid using acidic based cleaners or abrasive cleaners as it will damage and remove the
finish over time.
How long does Resin Stone last with good maintenance?
With good care and proper maintenance, stone resin can last a lifetime easily.