Fluorescent colors are very striking colors that are often confused with phosphorescent colors. Instead, phosphorescent colors are composed of pigments that glow in the absence of light.
Both colors share the process of emitting light and being conspicuous, which is why, as well as perhaps because of the similarity with the name, the terms are commonly confused. They both absorb ultraviolet light, but there is an element that differentiates them – the ability to store energy.
Fluorescent colors emit light while there is an illuminant, while phosphorescent colors emit light when there is an illuminant and also after lighting, since they have stored energy that they release gradually. An example of a phosphorescent color would be the one applied to emergency exit signs.
As far as the automotive sector is concerned, it is most common to find fluorescent colors in emergency services vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, medical services, road maintenance… All linked to situations in which they are required to be seen from afar and attract a lot of attention. The most common colors in this type of vehicle are yellow, orange and red, due to their brightness and hazard warning meaning.
These types of colors are also used in racing cars and motorcycles and in the tuning sector. On the other hand, car manufacturers do not offer these colors in their catalogues.
Characteristics of fluorescent colors
Due to their chemical nature, fluorescent colors require special protection with varnish and ultraviolet filters. Otherwise, luminosity and attractiveness quickly deteriorate.
Fluorescent RAL cannot be formulated by mixing a tinting system, since these are colors that are outside its range of action and require special pigments, so that they are sold specifically as such. Since this type of color is mainly used in fleets of public services vehicles, it is offered within the Roberlo Disolac system.
Variety of fluorescent colors
The fluorescent colors that Roberlo offers are the colors contained in the RAL chart, for instance, RAL 1026, 2005, 2007, 3024 and 3026.
Fluorescent colors to attract attention
As we have seen, due to their nature, fluorescent or fluorescent colors are categorized within the range of special pigments. Their use is not widespread and they are only used in special cases when one wishes to attract attention.
