Black lights are often associated with spooky things like ghosts and haunted houses. But there’s more to these mysterious lights than meets the eye. This guide will help you learn what a black light is, how it works, and how to make LED lights black so that you can have some fun with these unique lighting effects.
What Is the Purpose of a Black Light?
Black lights are more than just a party trick. They are simply lights that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This type of radiation is invisible to the human eye but causes certain materials to fluoresce or glow.
We often use black lights in clubs and bars to create an eerie or otherworldly atmosphere. We can also use them for more practical purposes, such as checking for counterfeit money or inspecting hotel rooms for cleanliness.
In recent years, black lights have become increasingly popular as a tool for amateur astronomers. By pointing a black light at the night sky, stargazers can see invisible objects, such as nebulae and star clusters.
Not only that, but we can also use these lights to identify minerals and other substances. When placed against a white background, many substances will fluoresce in different colors under a black light.
The Best Way to Create Black LED Lights
Using the Remote Control
Most modern LED light strips come with a remote controller, which makes it easy to change the color of the light. Here is how to do it step by step:
Remote control infrared for RGB LED lamp or strip
1. Install your LED lights
First, you must choose high-quality strip lights for your project and install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Choose the right place, make sure the wiring is correct, and then you can move on to the next step.
2. Connect the LED lights to the power supply
Once you have installed your lights, you need to connect them to a power source. You can plug them into a wall outlet or connect them to an external power source, such as a battery.
3. Turn the lights on
Once you have connected the LED strip lights to a power source, you can turn them on.
4. Customize the LED colors
Here is come the most crucial step. You need to use the remote controller to customize the light color to black.
To do this, press the DIY color button, then hit the red button twenty-five times, followed by the blue button twenty-five times. This way, you will set the light strips to black.
Blue and purple neon light shapes
No Remote Control
Let’s face it; not all LED strips come with remote control. If you have an LED strip light without a remote, there is still a way for you to create the perfect black light.
However, this method is time-consuming, so it might not be the best option for you if you are in a hurry. Here is how to do it:
1. Count the LEDs
First, you need to count how many LEDs your lights have. This step is essential because it will help you determine the exact number of tape groups needed.
LED stripe
2. Cut the tape into groups
Once you know how many LEDs your lights have, you can start cutting the tape into groups. You will need three pieces of tape for each LED to create three color layers.
Transparent adhesive plastic tape pieces
3. Place the tape over the LEDs
Once you have cut the transparent tape into groups, it’s time to place them over the LEDs. First, place the LED strip on a flat surface to make it easy to deal with. After that, place one piece of transparent tape on the LED, then color it blue with a blue marker.
After that, put the second piece of tape and paint it blue again. Finally, put the third piece of transparent tape and paint it purple. Repeat this process for all the LEDs. These layers of tape must provide you with the black light you need.
How Black Lights Work
Black lights emit ultraviolet light waves that are just outside the visible spectrum. Although our eyes cannot see them, they can still cause certain materials to glow.
In particular, black lights cause fluorescent materials to emit visible light. Fluorescent materials contain atoms that can absorb ultraviolet light and then release it as visible light. We call this process fluorescence.
In other words, when the UV lighting from a black light hits the phosphor-containing material, the electrons in the material absorb some of the energy, become excited, and move to a higher energy level. When they return to their normal energy level, they release light in the form of visible light.
Vector diagram with the ultraviolet light spectrum UV
FAQs
Are LED Black Lights Safe?
Yes, LED black lights are generally safe to use. LED black lights emit very low-level UV radiation, much lower than the amount emitted by sunlight.
Are Blacklights Energy-Efficient?
Yes, black lights are usually very energy-efficient. LED black lights use much less electricity than incandescent, fluorescent, or white light bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.
Additionally, LED black lights are much more eco-friendly than other types of lighting, making them an excellent color option for energy-conscious consumers.
Can RGB LED Make UV
Yes. RGB LEDs are capable of producing UV LED light. To create UV light, you will need to adjust the color settings on your LED lights.
Press the button on the LED remote to enter the RGB mode and then adjust the settings until you get the desired effect. Hit the red button 25 times, then follow it with the blue color button 25 times too, and you will get the black light.
Summary
LED black lights are generally safe and very energy-efficient. You can use them for various purposes, such as detecting counterfeit money, discovering pet stains, outdoor applications, and creating unique atmospheres.
We hope this article has given you the information you need to start. Thanks for your time.
