Frequently Asked Questions
You've got Q's, we've got A's:
What makes a glow stick "glow?"
The light is produced when two solutions are allowed to mix, causing a chemical reacton. One of the solutions is kept in a thin tube of glass which, when the tube is bent or flexed, allows the mixture to take place. In order to initiate the glowing reaction, squeeze the shape until all the inner tubes have been broken, then shake vigorously while keeping the front face down.
Are chemical glow products safe?
Our products do not emit heat or sparks and are completely safe for normal use. Glow products are safe even in the presence of combustible liquids and gasses where standard light sources might become fire hazards. We cannot recommend our products for children 5 and under; adult supervision is recommended.
Are glow items affected by temperature?
Temperatures between 60°F-80°F provide an optimal amount of light emission. Any temperature above 80°F will cause the light to be brighter but burn for a shorter duration. Conversely, if the temperature is below 60°F, the light will be dimmer, but last proportionally longer. As a rule, when temperature decreases so does intensity of the light, while output time increases.
What if I accidentally rupture a glow stick?
Our products contain non-toxic chemical solutions that will not inflict injury to the eyes or skin. Discomfort may be caused by direct contact to the eyes, but thorough rinsing with water will relieve any temporary affects. Glow solutions have been known to soften and varnish paint and stain fabric. Dry cleaning, however, may remove these stains. Again, we recommend against using glow products with children under 5 years of age and please remember to use common sense when dealing with these or any other similar products.
Are glow products waterproof?
All products are completely waterproof and can be used in rain, pools, saltwater and freshwater.
Are some glow colors better than others?
Yes, certain colors hold certain properties. Bright colors such as pink and yellow will burn extremely bright but last a comparatively short amount of time. Classically duller colors such as blue and red will burn less brightly but seem to last longer. Overall we recommend choosing a color based on your preference and palette as the longevity difference is not incredibly significant.
How long will my glow product last?
Depending on the size, type, and manufacture of the product, it can be expected to glow 2-24 hours. Our Super Bright Shorties (used in Cool Glow Products) are engineered to burn very brightly and so use up their fuel fairly quickly while our 6" light sticks should glow for quite some time. This is just an example of how certain types of sticks or brand names can vary.
What is the estimated shelf life of glow products?
Quality control studies have confirmed that as long as the outer foil wrapper has not been compromised, the product should be viable for one to four years, depending on the particular product. NOTE: store all products in their package until they're to be used.
Can a glow stick be "turned off?"
Due to the chemical nature of their glow, the reaction cannot be stopped once activated. It can, however, be delayed by placing the product in a freezer or other similarly cold place for up to several days. It will glow once again when brought back up to room temperature.
Shop Online:
Click on over to Glowsource.com and browse our extensive catalog of LED light up and glow in the dark party supplies or give us a call at our toll-free number (inside the USA): 1-877-456-1969 today!