SaBoFlex UV Activator – Plastisol Additive

Product detailed description

SaBoFlex UV Activator is a concentrated functional additive for the plastisol used to make soft lures. It is designed to add a response under suitable UV light to an existing colour mix. It is not ready-to-use plastisol, a standalone colour paste, an airbrush paint or a surface coating.

It is particularly useful with standard, transparent or special colours that do not already have a stated UV response. The activator lets you retain the chosen colour scheme while adding another light-responsive property. The result is influenced by the base plastisol, colour, dosage, lure thickness and the particular light source. The manufacturer does not publish an exact wavelength, a universal dosage or a guaranteed level of response, so assess every mix on a cooled sample.

UV Activator is not the same as a fluorescent colour or Glow in the Dark. A fluorescent colour provides both a specific shade and a fluorescent effect while it is illuminated. UV Activator is added to a shade you have already selected. Glow in the Dark, by contrast, is a phosphorescent product intended to produce an afterglow following prior exposure to light. Do not therefore expect UV Activator to continue glowing independently after the light source is removed.

For workshop use, SAF recommends adding UV Activator in small increments to plastisol that is already hot. Because its main effect cannot be assessed reliably simply by looking into the mixing cup, make a small cooled sample after each adjustment and examine it in both ordinary and UV 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. Drop size varies with the dispensing nozzle, while the same dosage may produce a different response in different colours, plastisols or lure thicknesses. Begin with a small amount and work in stages. For repeatable production, record the weight of plastisol, the amounts of base colour and activator, and every other additive used.

UV Activator can be used throughout the lure body or only in one laminate layer, the belly, tail or a small trigger detail. On multicoloured lures, it can be useful to add the activator to just one section and leave the other without it. When combined with a colour that is already fluorescent or otherwise UV-responsive, the additional effect may be less pronounced; the meaningful test is to compare two cooled samples under identical lighting conditions.

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 additive's function and method of use 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, UV Activator 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 UV Activator

Is UV Activator a colour or an additive?

It is a functional additive, not a standalone shade. It is added to an existing colour mix to give it a UV response. Set the lure's base colour first, then adjust the amount of activator.

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

UV Activator adds a UV response to another shade. A fluorescent colour is itself a specific fluorescent shade that responds under suitable illumination. Glow in the Dark is a phosphorescent additive intended to produce an afterglow following prior exposure to light. UV Activator is therefore not a substitute for Glow in the Dark.

Should UV Activator 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 activator in small increments, mix thoroughly after each addition and allow the test sample to cool before assessing it.

How much UV Activator should I use per 100 g of plastisol?

No universal dosage has been published. The result depends on the plastisol, base colour, casting thickness and UV source. Begin with a small amount, compare cooled samples and record the successful ratio precisely.

How should I check the UV response of the finished mix?

Prepare two thin, cooled samples, one without activator and one with it, then compare them under the same UV light from the same distance. Check their appearance in ordinary light as well, because a higher dose may alter the mix's overall visual character. The manufacturer does not specify an exact test wavelength.

Which pack should I choose, and how should I store UV Activator?

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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