DIY Glow In the Dark Paint

How have I managed to be a mommy for the past 12 years and not have known about the wonders that tonic water holds? No, I’m not talking about some magic elixir that cures colds or makes toddlers stop having tantrums. Instead, I’m referring to the glow in the dark properties of this mixer. When exposed to a black light the quinine in the liquid makes it glow an eerie shade of electric blue.

So I patiently waited for the sun to go down, turned on the black light (I felt a little bit like my living room was suddenly a 70s rec room) and poured the tonic water. My 12-year-old can’t stand to craft. He rolls his eyes in only the way that a tween can, shakes his head and mumbles something such as, “Mom, who cares about making art?” Um, lots of people. But, this time he was totally game to try out the project. Don’t worry; your child doesn’t have to wait until he is older to try this DIY glowing paint. This art activity is an all-ages event.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·         A black light—You can buy a black light bulb in any home improvement type of store. Twist it into you’re a lamp base.

·         Dark paper – such as navy blue or black

·         Tonic water

·         A bowl

·         Paintbrushes – Amp up the painting fun and try other artsy tools (or make your own). Spread on the tonic with cotton swaps, pom poms, yarn, ribbon or crunched up tissue paper.

Here’s What to Do:

1.      Pour the tonic into a bowl.

2.      Place the paper on a surface that can get wet or cover a table with a piece of thick cardboard or a garbage bag.

3.      Turn on the black light.

4.      Dip the brush into the tonic and encourage your child to paint lines, dots or splatter it in a Jackson Pollock type of style. As a bonus – it’s the type of paint splatter that won’t really make a mess. Just wipe up the water afterwards.

The “painting” won’t glow after the black light goes off. This is purely a fun process. If you really want to keep your child’s glow in the dark art, snap a picture. Go back to the picture later on and ask your child to tell you what he painted and why he thinks it glowed.

Are you looking for more process art activities? Check out and follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Process Art for Kids on Pinterest.