How long does it need to absorb light before glowing well?

Typically 30–60 minutes under normal indoor lighting to reach full performance. Even 1–2 minutes of exposure gives usable glow for 30–90 minutes.

How long will it glow in darkness?

Depending on material grade and coating, 4–12 hours or more. Safety signage often expects a 90-minute minimum visibility.

Can I use custom logos or shapes?

Yes — UV or silkscreen printing allow full customisation.

Are photoluminescent signs compliant with safety codes?

They can be, if they meet listing requirements (e.g. UL, ASTM) and are installed with proper charging lighting (e.g. 5 foot-candles / ~54 lux) during occupancy.

Do you do installation?

Yes, installation services are available on request.

Do photoluminescent signs need electricity or batteries?

No. They charge using surrounding light and glow without any electrical source, making them maintenance-free and cost-efficient.

How bright are photoluminescent signs compared to LED signs?

While not as intense as powered LEDs, they provide sufficient visibility in dark or emergency conditions. Their key benefit is reliability during power outages.

Can these signs be customized with company logos or specific wording?

Yes — we offer full customisation with UV or silkscreen printing. Text, graphics, and even branding elements can be added.

Where should photoluminescent signs be installed for best performance?

Place them in areas exposed to sufficient ambient light (natural or artificial) during normal operation, such as near exits, stairwells, corridors, and evacuation routes.

Do they comply with fire safety and building codes?

Photoluminescent signs are widely recognised by international safety standards and are often required in commercial, industrial, and marine environments. Compliance may depend on local regulations.

How long does the glow last if there’s a complete blackout?

Depending on the model, the glow can last between 4 to 12 hours. Most safety codes require at least 90 minutes of legibility, which these signs exceed.

Can photoluminescent signs be used outdoors?

They are primarily designed for indoor use. Outdoor exposure to rain, UV, and extreme temperature changes may shorten their lifespan.

What maintenance is required?

Simply keep the surface clean. Dust and dirt can reduce charging efficiency. A gentle wipe with detergent is enough.

Are different glow colours available?

Yes. We can supply signs in various glow colours depending on the material grade and finish.

How long will the product last before needing replacement?

Indoor service life is typically 6–9 years under normal conditions.

Can photoluminescent signs be used in marine or coastal environments?

Yes. These signs are widely used on ships, cruise liners, and offshore platforms under IMO / SOLAS requirements. To resist sea water and salt exposure, choose stainless steel or aluminium backing with protective coatings, and clean them regularly to prevent salt build-up.

How do photoluminescent signs perform in a fire compared to electrical LED signs?

They have a key safety advantage — no power or batteries are required. During a fire, when electricity often fails, photoluminescent signs continue glowing as long as they were properly charged beforehand. LED signs can be brighter, but they rely on wiring and batteries that may fail or get damaged by heat.

How long do photoluminescent signs need to charge before they glow?

Under normal indoor lighting, about 30–60 minutes is enough to reach full brightness. Even just 1–2 minutes of exposure provides a usable glow for 30–90 minutes.

Do photoluminescent signs work in complete darkness with no prior light exposure?

No. They need to be “charged” by ambient light first. Without any exposure to natural or artificial light, they cannot glow.

What types of light are best for charging photoluminescent signs?

Fluorescent, LED, and natural sunlight are most effective. Standard indoor lighting is usually sufficient, provided the signs receive steady exposure during normal hours.

Are photoluminescent signs environmentally friendly?

Yes. They contain no radioactive materials, mercury, or heavy metals, and they don’t consume electricity. Many are recyclable and meet green building standards.

Do they interfere with other safety systems?

No. They are passive, non-electrical signs, so they won’t interfere with alarms, sensors, or lighting systems.

Are there regulations or certifications for photoluminescent signs?

Yes. Depending on use, they may need to comply with standards such as UL 924, ISO 7010, OSHA, or SOLAS for marine safety. Certified models ensure compliance with local fire codes and building regulations.

Can they be used in high-rise buildings?

Absolutely. Many building codes require photoluminescent markings in stairwells and escape routes of tall buildings to guide occupants safely during blackouts or fires.

What happens if the sign is scratched or damaged?

Minor surface scratches usually don’t affect glow performance, but deep damage may reduce brightness. Damaged signs should be replaced to guarantee full safety performance.

Photoluminescent Sign | Davis Materialworks

Name: Photoluminescent Sign
Brand: Davis Materialworks
Price: Contact us for pricing SGD
Availability: InStock

Product Highlights

Glow-in-the-dark visibility: Absorbs ambient light during the day and emits light when surroundings go dark.
Rapid “charging” ability: Even a few minutes of light exposure provides a usable glow, with full performance achieved in ~30–60 minutes.
Long-duration glow: Depending on material & coating, continuous glow for 4–12 hours or more.
Versatile materials: Acrylic / Aluminium / Stainless steel — for aesthetics, durability, environment.
High-fidelity printing: UV or silkscreen ensures crisp graphics visible under normal light and glow mode.
Flexible design: Custom colours, sizes, symbols, and finishes available.

How It Works: Charging & Glow

Absorption (“Charging”)
- Photoluminescent pigments absorb ambient light (sunlight, indoor lighting) and store that energy.
- In typical indoor lighting conditions (≈ 50–100 lux), it takes 30–60 minutes to charge fully.
- Even 1–2 minutes of exposure is useful, enabling a glow for 30–90 minutes.
Glow / Emission

- After the lights go off, the stored energy is gradually released as visible light (the “glow”).
- Brightness decays over time, but the sign remains readable as long as designed.
- Many safety codes require at least 90 minutes of visibility after a power loss for exit/egress signage.

Note: Actual performance (brightness, duration) depends on the pigment type, coating, thickness, and how well the sign is charged (lighting level, cleanliness).

Specification

Model	Glow Time*	Thickness	Surface	Note
Lux-G4	~4 h	0.20mm	Glossy	Entry Level Glow
Lux-G8	~8 h	0.35mm	Glossy	Medium Grade
Lux-G12	~10 h	0.40mm	Glossy	High Brightness
Lux-M30	~6 h+	0.46mm	Matte	Durable Finish
Lux-M70	~12 h+	0.79mm	Matte	Premium Performance

* These are typical glow durations under optimal charging conditions.

Features

Flame resistance
Resistant to cleaning agents & detergents
Temperature tolerance: –20 °C to 55 °C
Strong mechanical strength
Indoor service life: up to ~6–9 years

Caution: Outdoor use is less recommended due to weather, UV, and thermal effects reducing glow performance.

Applications

Used where glow signage is critical:

Ships, cruise liners, aircraft — cabin, corridors, escape routes
Shopping malls, airports, office towers
Factories, warehouses, industrial complexes
Public buildings: stairwells, corridors, exits

Materials

Sticker Sheet/Roll
Acrylic Sheet
Aluminium Sheet
Stainless Steel Sheet

>> When you order our Photoluminescent Sign, we will provide a digital visual (artwork) mock-up preview before processing it for printing. (Click here to learn more)

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