Fluorescent Ink – Definition & Application

Aside from normal types of printing ink, there are a few that provide special effects, either to enhance the print or for practical use. One of those is fluorescent ink, which glows in vibrant colors when exposed to UV light. This can enhance the print, adding a new layer of intrigue to it that catches the attention of every spectator. This article will tell you everything you need to know about fluorescent ink and list the advantages and disadvantages of its use.

Definition: Fluorescent ink

Fluorescent ink is a type of printing ink that glows under UV light or even normal light, sticking out among all others in this way. It is typically used to gain attention, whether it is for safety or for marketing purposes. Two types of fluorescent ink can be differentiated: visible and invisible. Visible fluorescent ink glows under normal light in a shop or sunlight, while the invisible type only shows itself when lit directly with a UV lamp.

Applications and limitations

Fluorescent ink finds application in many types of industries and products. The most widely known one is safety gear, which reflects light in darker surroundings, protecting the people wearing it from being overlooked. Just the same way, it can enhance printings that were done with a sublimation printer on normal clothing, making them more entertaining and desirable. This effect is also used for retail packaging, where it is supposed to have the product pop out to the consumers and animate them to buy it.

On the other hand, fluorescent ink does have its limitations. Since it has to rely on neon colors, which limit the palette you can use. Furthermore, fluorescent ink is not suited for outdoor settings, as it is prone to fade when exposed to sunlight for too long. Moreover, it is also sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, water, and abrasion. The fluorescent ink has little fastness properties, making it challenging to fixate on the medium, and even lamination can be difficult, as the color might change or smudge.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fluorescent ink has many advantages and disadvantages to consider before deciding on using it.

Fluorescent vs. phosphorescent

Fluorescent ink might easily be confused with phosphorescent ink, which is also called glow-in-the-dark ink. This is also the exact difference between the two. Phosphorescent ink stores the energy of light and re-emits it when it is exposed to darkness. Fluorescent ink, on the other hand, reflects UV light as colors of the spectrum visible to humans.

Visible vs. invisible

Visible fluorescent inks pop out in vibrant colors both in UV light and normal light. They are designed to gain attention, whether this is for explorative retail packaging or safety gear. Especially safety gear profits from the capabilities of visible fluorescent ink, for example, on vests or helmets, where it will reflect light in darker settings, which helps to avoid accidents.

Invisible fluorescent ink, on the other hand, is used to cover parts or the entire piece of paper to prevent forgery, such as banknotes or passports. The UV-reactive layer is difficult to replicate, protecting the documents against counterfeiting. Another application can be found in special events or escape rooms, where invisible fluorescent ink is used to reveal hidden messages. However, note that invisible fluorescent ink is not the same as mere invisible ink; it is merely one type of it. Invisible ink itself can be revealed by a wide variety of different methods, such as heat, cold, or chemical reactions.