How Do You Create Fluorescent Characters Like Wristwatch Numerals?
The fluorescent numerals on most wristwatches glow when exposed to light for an extended amount of time. The luminous paint on the numerals contains a phosphor, such as zinc sulfide activated with copper, which gives it the ability to glow. With the purchase of a luminous paint from your local hardware store, and a little effort, you too can make fluorescent characters like wristwatch numerals. Use your computer’s writing program, such as WordPerfect or Microsoft Word, and create the characters you want using the font and size you desire. Print the characters onto regular printer paper. Turn the page(s) over and, with a lead pencil, shade the area of the characters heavily on the back of the page. You are creating your own transfer paper with this technique. Place the paper on the thin plywood, or other material of choice for the characters (depending on your use for them), with the printed letters/numbers facing up and the pencil shading against the plywood. With a pen, trace the outl
