SaBoFlex Glow in the Dark – Luminous Plastisol Additive

Product detailed description

SaBoFlex Glow in the Dark is a concentrated phosphorescent pigment paste for the plastisol used to make soft lures. After prior exposure to light, it is designed to produce a luminous effect that continues once the light source has been removed. It is an additive for base plastisol, not ready-to-use plastisol, an airbrush paint or a surface coating.

Glow in the Dark is fundamentally different from a standard fluorescent colour. Fluorescence is primarily visible while the material is illuminated by a suitable source, whereas a phosphorescent material releases some of the absorbed energy gradually and produces an afterglow in darkness. A specialist retailer explicitly describes this SaBoFlex product as “Phosphor”. However, the available technical information does not state its exact appearance in daylight, afterglow colour, glow duration or excitation wavelength. We therefore do not assign any of these properties beyond the product name, and recommend testing every recipe.

The strength and duration of the visible effect can be influenced by the amount of paste, base plastisol, other pigments, casting thickness, intensity and duration of exposure, and the level of ambient light. Dark or highly opaque ingredients may alter the luminous effect, but without a specific recipe their impact cannot be predicted precisely. The decisive test is a cooled casting that has been illuminated and viewed under the same conditions in which you intend to compare finished lures.

For workshop use, SAF recommends adding Glow in the Dark in small increments to plastisol that is already hot and clear. Stir the mixture thoroughly after each addition, make a small sample and allow it to cool before exposing it to light. Always prepare the plastisol in accordance with its manufacturer's temperature and safety instructions, and do not overheat it.

We do not specify a fixed number of drops per 100 g or a guaranteed afterglow duration. Drop size varies with the dispensing nozzle, while the same dosage may appear different in different mixtures or lure thicknesses. Begin with a small amount and work in stages. For repeatable production, record the weight of plastisol, the amount of paste, the light source and exposure time, and every other additive used.

Glow in the Dark can be used throughout the lure body, in the belly, tail, inner core or a small reference detail. It also works well in a laminate where the phosphorescent effect has its own layer and the second layer provides contrasting colour in daylight. When combining it with strong colours or glitter, prepare a small trial batch first, because every ingredient can affect light transmission and the finished appearance.

The 50 g option is practical for initial tests, smaller batches and workshops that use a wider range of recipes. The 250 g pack makes more sense for regular production, offers a lower price per gram and is easier to homogenise by shaking because of the greater mass of its contents. The phosphorescent function and working method do not change with the chosen pack size.

Storage and packaging appearance

A colour paste or additive and base plastisol are not the same material in terms of storage. In SAF workshop experience, Glow in the Dark remains easier to work with in cooler conditions than plastisol itself, although the manufacturer does not publish an exact minimum storage temperature. Do not therefore treat the product as frost-resistant. Store it upright, tightly closed and dry at a stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and frost. Allow a chilled, sealed bottle to return naturally to room temperature before opening, then homogenise the contents thoroughly. Do not warm it on a radiator or hotplate, or in a microwave oven.

Packaging notice: concentrated pastes and liquid additives can sometimes develop a light oily film around the thread or leave a mark on the label, particularly after transport, even when the bottle is closed. Provided there is no apparent loss of contents, this surface trace does not affect how the product is used; we apologise if the label is marked. After dosing, wipe the neck and thread, retighten the cap and store the bottle upright, ideally in a washable tray or sealed bag.

Frequently asked questions about SaBoFlex Glow in the Dark

What is the difference between Glow in the Dark, a fluorescent colour and UV Activator?

Glow in the Dark is a phosphorescent paste designed to produce an afterglow following exposure to light. A fluorescent colour provides a specific fluorescent shade that is visible under suitable illumination, but fluorescence alone does not mean an afterglow. UV Activator is an additive that gives another shade a UV response; it does not replace a phosphorescent paste.

Does the lure need to be exposed to light before use?

Yes. The phosphorescent effect requires prior exposure to a suitable light source. The manufacturer does not publish an exact required wavelength or exposure time, so use the same light source and procedure when comparing recipes.

How long will a casting glow in the dark?

No guaranteed afterglow duration has been published. Its development depends on the recipe, casting thickness, amount of paste, exposure and viewing conditions. Always test a cooled casting rather than judging the result from the concentrate in the bottle.

Should Glow in the Dark be added to cold or hot plastisol?

SAF recommends adding it to plastisol that is already hot and in its clear working state. Add the paste in small increments, stir thoroughly after each addition and allow the sample to cool before testing it.

How much paste should I use, and how can I compare the result?

No universal dosage has been published. Begin with a small amount and prepare thin samples of equal thickness. Expose each sample to the same source for the same length of time, then view it under the same dark conditions; only then can you compare recipes meaningfully.

Which pack should I choose, and how should I store Glow in the Dark?

The 50 g pack suits initial trials and small batches, while 250 g is intended for regular production. Store the bottle upright, tightly closed and dry at a stable room temperature, and protect it from frost. A light oily film around the thread or a surface mark on the label after transport does not affect use, provided there is no apparent loss of contents.

→ For all detailed technical information, see the Product Parameters section below.

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