First of all—thank you so much for stopping by! It means the world to me that you’re here, ready to add a little glow and a lot of fun to your creative toolkit. This DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk is one of my favorite projects for turning ordinary sidewalks into nighttime masterpieces—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make a whole rainbow of it!
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What Is Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk?
This magical chalk is just like your classic sidewalk chalk…but with a twist! It charges in the light and glows after the sun goes down. Perfect for backyard playdates, summer nights, or even indoor chalkboard fun with a black light. You can make it as sticks or as paint—versatile, right? I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Why You’ll Love This Chalk
✨ Easy & Fun: A simple craft that feels like science magic!
✨ Customizable: Choose your colors and level of glow.
✨ Kid-Approved: Safe, hands-on, and oh-so-satisfying to use.
✨ Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive, easy-to-find supplies.
What Does It Look Like?
In the daylight, it’s vibrant and colorful—perfect for hopscotch or sidewalk murals. But when dusk hits or you shine a black light on it? Boom! Your art comes alive with a neon glow that’ll delight kids and adults alike. The paint version is especially fun for glowing murals on dark paper or the driveway!
Benefits of Making Your Own Glow Chalk
✔️ Encourages outdoor creativity long after sunset
✔️ Teaches kids about glowing pigments and light
✔️ Perfect for parties, sleepovers, or glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunts
✔️ Makes unique handmade gifts for friends who love to draw!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Chalk Sticks
1 cup plaster of Paris
1/2 cup warm water
2–3 tbsp glow-in-the-dark pigment powder
Optional: food coloring or liquid watercolor
For Chalk Paint
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup tonic water (the quinine makes it glow under black light!)
A few drops of neon or fluorescent paint
Tools
Mixing bowls & spoons
Chalk molds (silicone ice cube trays work great!)
Whisk (for smooth paint)
Measuring cups
Fun Additions & Swaps
🌈 Want bold colors? Add extra neon or fluorescent paint to your chalk paint.
🌟 Prefer a pastel glow? Use less pigment and more plaster.
⭐ Shape it up! Use fun molds—stars, animals, flowers—to make chalk sticks extra special.
How to Make DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk
🧡 For Chalk Sticks
1️⃣ Combine 1 cup plaster of Paris with 2–3 tbsp glow-in-the-dark pigment powder in a mixing bowl. Stir well.
2️⃣ Slowly add 1/2 cup warm water, mixing until smooth. Add food coloring or liquid watercolor if you’d like!
3️⃣ Pour the mixture into molds. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
4️⃣ Let dry for 12–24 hours. Carefully unmold once solid.
5️⃣ For extra glow, cure another 24 hours in a cool, dry place.
💚 For Chalk Paint
1️⃣ In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup cornstarch with 1/2 cup tonic water until smooth.
2️⃣ Add a few drops of neon or fluorescent paint—mix well!
3️⃣ Use immediately to paint sidewalks, paper, or driveways.
4️⃣ For a next-level glow, shine a black light on your masterpiece.
How to Use Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk
Create glowing hopscotch at night!
Make secret messages that appear under black light.
Paint murals that pop in the dark.
Draw glowing stars on the driveway for backyard campouts.
Pro Tips & Variations
⭐ Try mixing colors for a rainbow chalk stick.
⭐ If your molds have detailed shapes, lightly oil them first for easy release.
⭐ Keep chalk sticks dry and stored in a box when not in use.
Storage Instructions
Store chalk sticks in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. For chalk paint, mix fresh each time—leftovers don’t store well because the cornstarch settles.
General Info
Glow pigment works best when charged in direct light—sunlight or a bright lamp. For extra wow, pair your chalk with a portable black light for nighttime fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use glow sticks instead of pigment?
Nope—glow sticks use chemicals that aren’t safe to mix. Use glow-in-the-dark pigment powder instead!
How long will the chalk glow?
The glow fades after a while but can be recharged under a bright light. The chalk itself lasts for months if stored properly.
Can I make it without plaster of Paris?
Plaster is key for firm sticks. For paint only, you can skip it—just use the cornstarch mix!
Final Thoughts—Light Up Your Imagination!
I’m kicking myself for not having shot my last batch of these—it looked incredible under the backyard string lights! This Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk is your ticket to endless, magical art after dark. If you try it, I’d love to see what you make—snap a photo, share it on Pinterest, and tag me so I can cheer you on!
Ready for more nighttime fun? You might also love:
DIY Glow Jars for backyard decor
Homemade Suncatchers to catch that daytime sunlight
Easy Sidewalk Paint for colorful daytime murals
Approximate Nutritional Information
Zero calories—except for the smiles you’ll create! 😊
Happy glowing, crafty friend! 🌙✨
