Coo-Var Luminous Paint | Glow in the Dark Paint for Safety Markings & Decorative Effects

• Mark emergency exits, escape routes, fire doors and safety routes that must remain visible when lights fail
• Apply a glow in the dark paint to stairwells, step edges, hazard areas and machinery edges
• Create theatrical, stage or decorative glow in the dark effects on walls, ceilings or props
• Use a non-flammable, low-odour, water-based luminous paint in an occupied or enclosed space
• Apply a photoluminescent coating that charges in normal light and glows in the dark without electricity

• Foundation Base Coat is recommended to be applied first; without it the luminous paint will not achieve its full glow performance
• You require a permanent, non-fading glow — the glow fades gradually over time as stored light energy is released; recharging requires re-exposure to light
• The temperature is below 7°C during application or drying — do not apply in these conditions

Coo-Var Luminous Paint is a specialist water-based, low-odour photoluminescent paint that glows in the dark after exposure to light. Developed by Coo-Var — a British coatings manufacturer with over 115 years of heritage — it is used to identify doors, exits, escape routes and fire doors when lights fail, and for theatrical and decorative glow effects. The glow fades gradually over time as the stored light energy is released.

The complete Coo-Var Luminous Paint system delivers the best glow performance: Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat must be applied first to provide the essential white base — without it, the luminous paint will not achieve its full brightness. A minimum of 2 coats of Luminous Paint are then applied over the Foundation Base Coat. Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat can be applied as a final coat for improved durability and surface protection.

The water-based formula is non-flammable with a VOC content of just 27 g/litre, making it suitable for use in occupied spaces, schools, theatres and enclosed areas. It can be applied by brush to wood and masonry surfaces.

The complete Coo-Var Luminous Paint system: Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat → Coo-Var Luminous Paint (minimum 2 coats) → Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat (recommended).

Key Benefits

• Photoluminescent glow — charges in normal light and glows in the dark; ideal for safety markings and decorative effects
• Essential safety application — identifies exits, escape routes, fire doors and hazards when lights fail
• Minimum 2 coats for full performance — apply over Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat for maximum glow brightness
• Non-flammable, very low VOC (max 27 g/litre) — suitable for schools, theatres and occupied spaces
• Water-based, low odour — apply without disruption to occupants or operations
• Theatrical and decorative use — create glow in the dark murals, feature walls and stage effects
• 115+ years of British expertise — trusted by safety professionals, contractors and decorators across the UK

Order before midday for next-day UK delivery.

Coo-Var Luminous Paint is an excellent choice for a wide range of safety and decorative glow in the dark applications:

• Emergency Exit & Escape Route Markings — Apply to emergency exit signs, escape route markings, corridor walls and floor markings to ensure they remain visible when lights fail. The photoluminescent paint charges in normal light and glows in the dark without electricity, providing passive safety guidance during power failures and emergencies.

• Fire Door & Safety Identification — Apply to fire doors, fire extinguisher locations, first aid points and other safety-critical locations to ensure they can be identified in the dark. Particularly valuable in buildings with complex layouts where finding safety equipment quickly is essential.

• Stairwell & Step Edge Markings — Apply to step edges, handrails and stairwell walls to improve safety in the dark. Step edge markings are one of the most common applications for luminous paint in commercial and public buildings.

• Hazard & Machinery Edge Marking — Apply to machinery edges, hazard zones and trip hazards in warehouses, factories and industrial environments to improve visibility and reduce accident risk when lighting fails or is reduced.

• Theatrical & Stage Effects — Apply to stage sets, props and theatrical elements for glow in the dark stage effects. The non-flammable, low-odour, water-based formula is safe for use in theatre environments and can be applied to a wide range of surfaces.

• Glow in the Dark Decorative Features — Apply to feature walls, ceilings, children's bedrooms and decorative elements for glow in the dark interior effects. The translucent pale green colour is invisible in daylight and glows brightly in the dark.

If you need personalised advice on the Coo-Var Luminous Paint system or coverage for your specific project, contact our experts via the live chat for tailored guidance.

Coverage: 13 m² per litre at 35 micron dry film thickness

Coverage per size (per coat)

• 500ml: Covers approximately 6.5 m² per coat
• 2.5L: Covers approximately 32.5 m² per coat

Important: A minimum of 2 coats of Luminous Paint are required. Allow 6 hours between coats.

Total coverage for 2 coats

• 500ml: Covers approximately 3.25 m² for 2 coats
• 2.5L: Covers approximately 16.25 m² for 2 coats

Recoat interval

• Between coats of Luminous Paint: minimum 6 hours
• Before applying Clear Protective Coat: minimum 6 hours

Example calculations (2 coats)

• For emergency exit markings (approximately 2 m²): a 500ml tin will cover 2 coats
• For a stairwell of 10 m²: a 2.5L tin will cover 2 coats
• For a feature wall of 15 m²: a 2.5L tin will cover 2 coats with some remaining

Note: Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat must be applied before Luminous Paint. Purchase the Foundation Base Coat separately.

For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10–15% extra to account for surface variation and porosity.

The Complete Coo-Var Luminous Paint System

Step 1: Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat — essential white base coat; must be applied first on all surfaces; allow minimum 6 hours before applying Luminous Paint
Step 2: Coo-Var Luminous Paint — minimum 2 coats; allow 6 hours between coats
Step 3: Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat — recommended final coat for improved durability

Surface Preparation

• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contaminants before applying
• Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat must be applied and fully dry before applying Luminous Paint
• Do not apply Luminous Paint direct to any surface without the Foundation Base Coat

Application

1. Mix well before use
2. Apply by brush over the fully dried Foundation Base Coat
3. Apply the first coat evenly and allow to dry — touch dry in 30 minutes, recoat after 6 hours
4. Apply a second coat — a minimum of 2 coats are required for adequate glow performance
5. Additional coats can be applied for improved glow brightness — allow 6 hours between each coat
6. If thinning is required, thin with clean water at a maximum of 10%
7. Once all coats of Luminous Paint are dry, apply Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat if required
8. Clean brushes and trays immediately after use with water

Drying Times (at 20°C)

• Touch dry: 30 minutes
• Hard dry: 2 hours
• Full hardness: 5–7 days
• Recoat interval: 6 hours

Drying times will be longer in cold or humid conditions.

Important Notes

• Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat must be applied first — do not apply Luminous Paint without it
• Minimum 2 coats are required — one coat will not provide adequate glow performance
• The glow fades gradually over time — recharging requires re-exposure to light
• Do not apply below 7°C

Recommended System Products

Free delivery on orders over £75 — stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly.

Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat: Essential first step — must be applied before Luminous Paint on all surfaces. Provides the white base that allows the luminous paint to achieve its full glow performance.

Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat: Recommended final coat applied over Coo-Var Luminous Paint for improved durability and surface protection.

Paint Brushes & Paint Trays: Use a brush for application. Clean with water immediately after use.

What is Coo-Var Luminous Paint used for?
It is used to identify doors, exits, escape routes and fire doors when lights fail, and for theatrical and decorative glow in the dark effects.

Do I need to use the Foundation Base Coat first?
Yes. Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat must be applied before Luminous Paint on all surfaces. Without it, the luminous paint will not achieve its full glow performance.

How many coats do I need?
A minimum of 2 coats of Luminous Paint are required. Additional coats will improve glow brightness and duration.

How long does the glow last?
The glow fades gradually over time as the stored light energy is released. Recharging requires re-exposure to light — natural or artificial light will recharge the paint.

What colour is it?
Translucent pale green — it is translucent when viewed in daylight and glows pale green in the dark.

What sizes are available?
500ml and 2.5L.

How much does it cover?
Coverage is approximately 13 m² per litre at 35 micron dry film thickness — approximately 6.5 m² per 500ml tin and 32.5 m² per 2.5L tin per coat. A minimum of 2 coats are required.

How long between coats?
Allow a minimum of 6 hours between coats.

Can I apply a protective coat over it?
Yes. Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat is recommended as a final coat for improved durability and surface protection.

Can I thin it?
Yes. Thin with clean water at a maximum of 10%.

What do I clean my equipment with?
Clean brushes and trays immediately after use with water.

Is it flammable?
No. Coo-Var Luminous Paint is non-flammable with a VOC content of max 27 g/litre.

What temperature do I need to apply it?
Do not apply below 7°C or if the temperature is likely to drop below 7°C during application or drying.

What is the complete system?
Step 1: Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat → Step 2: Coo-Var Luminous Paint (minimum 2 coats) → Step 3: Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat (recommended).

Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes. Order before midday for next-day delivery to mainland UK addresses. Contact us for delivery options to Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and other remote areas.

Safety data sheet
Technical data sheet

We recommend these system products to complete the Coo-Var Luminous Paint system. Free delivery on orders over £75

Coo-Var Luminous Foundation Base Coat — essential first step; must be applied before Luminous Paint on all surfaces; provides the white base that allows the luminous paint to achieve its full glow performance

Coo-Var Luminous Paint Clear Protective Coat — recommended final coat applied over Coo-Var Luminous Paint for improved durability and surface protection

Paint Brushes & Paint Trays — use a brush for application; clean with water immediately after use

Not sure how many coats you need or how the full system works? Contact our experts via live chat for free, tailored advice.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.