Best Reflective Spray Paint – Your Guide to Finding Reflective Paint
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When you are cruising down the highway after the sun sets, when the stars are twinkling, you probably won’t even notice the lines in the middle of the road that separates you from the approaching cars – a line that also seems to be twinkling. The reflective coating that you see on the painted lines on the road may be something you take for granted (or even think about at all), but the invention and implementation of these coating on our national roads have saved countless lives during storms and other low-visibility-high-traffic instances. This article will provide some insight into the best reflective paints and their many uses.
Table of Contents
What Are the More Common Applications for Reflective Paints?
Did you know that the human brain interprets particular colors differently? Well, you know now. This is the reason why reflective paint works so well. Our brains see and focus on the reflectiveness of the paint because the high visibility of the reflective paint activates the part of our brain that is associated with awareness.
Reflective paint works by creating a stark contrast with something and when we see this, our brains actually release hormones that cause us to focus on the item, perceiving it as a warning. In short: you may not notice the reflective paint in the middle of the road, but your subconscious does and is quietly focusing on it in order to keep you on the right side of the road. These warnings are found elsewhere and we’ll get to that now.
Hunting Gear
When packing for that annual hunting trip, we know you have got your knives, traps, a thermos full of coffee to keep you warm, as well as boots that seemingly weigh as much as a human toddler. Experienced hunters will also know the value of ensuring they pack their high-visibility gear. You’ll seldom come across a hunting party that is not sporting some kind of brightly colored and reflected vest. Many hunters will even have the butts of their guns painted in bright orange in order to alert people behind them of their location.
These high visibility vests are available at many stores during hunting season, and hunting enthusiasts can also buy them online. The process to make them is relatively easy, as manufacturers simply soak the fibers in a reflective fabric paint before those fibers are made into the vest.
High visibility hunting gear is usually bright orange or red, and it is designed to be visible even when the wearer is covered in thick foliage. Ensuring other hunters know that you are nearby is crucial and has saved countless lives since it was committed to the law. When packing for an out-of-state trip, it is best to check that state’s rules as it does tend to vary, with Delaware being one of the strictest.
Road Safety
When discussing the topic of reflective paints, road safety will likely be the first thing that pops into your head. Road safety is a global concern, so no matter where you are in the world, you are likely to find reflective paint being made use of in at least a few different ways. Reflective paint can be painted onto the surface of the road to indicate to motorists the high-risk areas. It can also be used to increase the visibility of road signs after dark. This ensures that motorists will always be aware of any upcoming obstructions, dangerous turns, changes in speed limits, or road closures, no matter what time of day or night and regardless of whether there are street lights in the area.
In addition to on the road and on road signs, reflective paint is also used by bicycle and motorcycle owners. Both cyclists and motorcyclists make use of reflective paint on their bodies as well as on their helmets to increase visibility and help keep them safe.
Industrial Environments
Did you know that there is a multitude of safety regulations that concern the use of high visibility paints and items of clothing to ensure the safety of workers? Well, now you do. These regulations are strictly monitored and must be adhered to at all times.
Some relate to garments that must be worn in specific situations and some will outline areas that are designated for the storage of hazardous materials or machinery.
These spaces are usually clearly marked so that people working in the area are aware that they are either entering or exiting an area where they need to be wearing appropriate safety gear. Unironically, these lines are usually made using reflective paint, so that regardless of the circumstances, they are easily identifiable. They’ll even glow in the dark in high-risk areas!
Are There Pros and Cons of Reflective Paint?
Yes, as with any varnish or coating, there are both disadvantages and advantages. We have listed a few of both so that you can make an informed decision about when you should use reflective paint on signage, clothing, or vehicles.
Advantages
There are a surprisingly large amount of reflective spray paints available, and having all these options available means that you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which option to go for, as they offer an assortment of benefits and applications. They can be used to save lives, quite literally, by instantaneously creating awareness of a hazard or road sign, but they can also be used to energize the area that they are used in, as neon paints tend to brighten up a space even when they are not used specifically as a retroreflective coating.
Not only are these neon paints bright enough to be used as an additional light source (when an electrical one is not completely necessary) but they are durable and easy to apply.
Disadvantages
Although there are not many disadvantages to using reflective paint, it can be said that in very few cases, it can cause distractions. Therefore, it’s crucial that you always do your research and make use of the best reflective spray paint for your specific task. High visibility paints also tend to be quite pricey, especially if you are needing to cover a large surface area or if you are required to use a specific grade of product for your particular project.
It is always a good idea to read up about the different options available and become informed on the different brands available and what each product is designed for. Reflective paint is available in two formats. The first comes in spray cans and the second comes in standard paint tins. We suggest understanding the difference between these two options fully so that you can confidently start your project with the correct high visibility paint available to get the job done.
The Best Reflective Spray Paint Brands
The first step to any project is to understand the theory, and we are pretty sure we have sufficiently covered that by now. Now it is time to work out what the best reflective spray paint might be. We have done a deep dive on the web (and in the hardware stores) to locate what we feel are the best reflective spray paint brands on the market. We’ve reviewed our top three finds so that you can pick the one you think will work best.
Best Glow-in-the-Dark: MONTANA EFFECT Night Glow Spray Paint
Montana is a well-known brand that is trusted by many households and businesses in the United States, and even around the world. Over decades, we have come to expect only the best quality protective coatings from the Montana brand, and their Effect range offers the exact same level of quality that we all know and love about the brand. The Montana Effect Night Glow spray paint comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle, that you simply need to point in the direction of what you need to spray and then press the nozzle.
The product adheres instantaneously and can be used on a multitude of unique surfaces and the results will be long-lasting. It is important to note (for first-time reflector spray users) that although most of the products are very easy to use, they do have varying drying times. Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines to note how long the product you are using takes to dry.
- High-grade acrylic paint with luminescent light-absorbing pigments
- Suitable for rough and smooth primed metal, wood, hard plastics, and more
- Protects interior and exterior surfaces with a glow-in-the-dark finish
Montana recommends that you should apply multiple layers of this paint for an optimal effect. Have we mentioned the fact that while the color is luminescent green, you only see the color when it is dark? The paint appears clear otherwise. That means your surface will only glow at night, and is NOT a high visibility red or orange, which are colors that we have come to expect from reflector spray products.
The glow-in-the-dark properties of this paint makes it ideal for private signage, door handles, fences, mailboxes, and even jewelry. It is a great product to have handy in your personal tool shed if you’re the type of person to get handy and complete your own DIY and home-improvement projects. It is important to note that this reflector spray is permanent, so should not be used if you are simply looking for a temporary solution.
PROS
- Simple to use
- A great all-rounder
- Trusted quality
- Clear in color
- Useful for both indoor and outdoor projects
CONS
- Works best in total darkness
- For light to be emitted at night the paint must be exposed to light during the day
- A lot of product is needed in order to be visible from long distances
Best Quality: ALBEDO 100 Reflective Spray
Albedo 100 Reflective Spray is also known as a 3M reflective spray paint. Basically, 3M reflective spray paint is made with micro-glass crystals and it is these crystals that catch the light in order to reflect it back. This is what increases an object’s visibility in low-light conditions. Albedo 100 Reflective Spray is a quality product, meaning it is effective in increasing visibility even when the ambient light is very weak.
The product developers at Albedo have spared no expense when it comes to the quality of this product, and this can clearly be seen after just a quick read-through of all the reviews available online. No one has anything bad to say about this product, it seems, as they all praise the product for its versatility, simple instructions, and ability to stick to any surface. It is an ideal product for use on outdoor gear, such as hunting garments, bicycles, clothing, workwear, and sneakers.
- Top-quality 3M reflective spray paint is great for many surfaces
- Ideal for use on many outdoor surfaces with great adhesion
- Small and compact size makes it easy to transport
If you’re waiting for a downside to this product, we really had to get creative to find one. Simply put, Albedo 100 Reflective Spray is only available in a 4.6oz can, so you will need a few of them in order to complete a large project or multiple projects. This isn’t that much of a downside, as the product is affordable enough for this not to be a strong deterrent.
This 3M reflective spray paint may not be quite as durable as the Rust-Oleum spray we have previously discussed, but that is not to say it is not still good value-for-money. The compact size makes this an easy product to transport and store. It’s easy enough to pack into your camping toolkit, in order to spray as and when needed on your next hunting trip, or even family camping vacation. As with the Rust-Oleum, this is also a clear reflective spray, meaning you won’t permanently color or run anything it is sprayed on.
PROS
- Compact and easy to transport
- Affordable
- Simple directions
- Clear in color
- Top-quality finish
- Available in permanent and non-permanent solutions
- UV resistant
CONS
- Sold in small cans only
- Not as durable as advertised
- Only intended to be used on hard surfaces
Best Durability: LIGHTNING BRAND Reflective Acrylic Paint
The Lightning Brand Reflective Acrylic Paint takes the cake when it comes to a durable or robust high visibility paint. Although it is a heavy-duty product, that does not mean to say it does not have its short-falls. This top-performing acrylic reflective paint from Lightning Brand is available in the biggest volume of the two other products that have been reviewed in this article.
It is also the hardiest by far, which is why it is the obvious choice for use on concrete, asphalt, road signs, brick, and even wood. Being heat and water-resistant is another plus, as you will not have to apply another coat every time the weather turns.
- Water and heat-resistant acrylic paint protects your surfaces
- Semi-transparent finish is durable and long-lasting
- The acrylic paint has great adhesion and dries quickly
One characteristic that does make the Lightning Brand reflective paint less attractive compared to the paints we have reviewed previously is that it is not a clear reflective paint. The product’s semi-transparent formula may be a downside for some, but it is what gives this reflective paint the edge when it comes to longevity and durability. It is also quick-drying, so there is minimal downtime between coats (should you want to add a second coat, that is).
It is certainly not the most economical choice, but as with many products, you do get what you pay for. This product’s price tag also comes with durability, versatility, great adhesion and a quality finish that we assure will not leave you wanting anything more.
PROS
- Great adhesion
- Durable
- Top-quality finish
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor usage
- Waterproof
- Conveniently large volume
- Quick-drying
CONS
- Pricey
- Not completely transparent
- Is not glow in the dark
- Not recommended for use on clothing
- Not available in aerosol form
How to Apply Reflective Spray Paint
Working with reflective spray paint is usually an easy process, and the preparation before starting the project is often the same regardless of the brand or type of high-visibility paint you decide to use (be it acrylic-based paint, spray paint, or reflective fabric paint). Although we always recommend that you read the manufacturer’s directions for use, the below is a short and sweet tutorial that is relevant to most brands on the market.
Cleaning Your Surface
Honestly, this should go without saying when painting on any surface! Having a clean surface is essential for the paint to stick to the surface effectively. If you do not strip the area of dirt, dust, oil, or any old paint, you run a serious risk of the high-visibility paint peeling off as a result. This step often takes longer than the entire project if it is done correctly.
Get your hands on some soap and water and it is time to scrub! Don’t forget to allow the surface to dry fully once it has been rinsed thoroughly.
Preparing Your Surface
Once your surface is clean, it is time to prepare it. For some reflector spray brands, this step will not be necessary as they will contain a primer and sealer. This is a wise decision, as it can be safely assumed that most customers will not make enough effort to prepare before applying the high-visibility coating.
Another useful way to prepare your surface is to scuff it up with fine-grit sandpaper. This step is particularly effective when working with wood, plastic, or metal as the roughened surface allows for the paint molecules to seep into the item you are painting. Don’t forget to sweep or wipe away any dust or flakes after using the sandpaper!
Applying Your Reflective Paint
Okay, so you have cleaned and prepared your surface… Now what? Well, it is time for the best part of the job: the actual painting. You really can have a good time with this step, as most high-visibility sprays and paints are clear, so you don’t even need to worry about the mess. The only thing you do need to worry about is painting the intended item evenly so that the results are consistent.
Once you’re happy with the level of reflectiveness, let it dry for the full amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Making Your Own Reflector Spray or Reflective Fabric Paint
This might sound beyond the skills of a beginner crafter or handyperson, but it is actually a very simple process. All you need is a thick base paint (must be blue or white) and a reflective medium. For hard surfaces, adding crushed glass or reflective beads is recommended. Just be sure to use glass that is graded specifically for this purpose. For reflective fabric paint, you’ll need to use thick fabric paint as the base and glitter or other similar reflective flakes
By now, you should feel more confident about your upcoming reflective paint project. You are welcome! Understanding what it is, where to find it, how to use it, as well as knowing which brands make the best reflective spray paint products is always the perfect first step for your crafting projects. Do not forget to confirm if the product is semi-permanent or permanent and always make sure you are working in a well-ventilated space. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make Reflective Paint at Home?
You can absolutely make your own reflective paint. All you need is a thick base paint and your chosen reflective materials (glass, beads, or even glitter). Mix it all together and you are all set to get started on your next project.
How Expensive Is Reflective Spray Paint?
Reflector sprays and reflective paint, in general, are more expensive than ordinary paint, but only by a few dollars. 3M reflective spray paint is slightly less expensive than an acrylic-based option, but the price difference is predominantly due to the fact that the manufacturing process is more intricate.
How Do You Define Reflective Paint?
Simply put, reflective paint is a coating applied to a surface that will give that surface a reflective quality. Essentially any light received is reflected back to the source (as opposed to being absorbed). They are a very effective way of notifying people of any upcoming hazards.
