LumiLor is an electroluminescent coating paint system designed by Darkside Scientific. This paint is very, very different from other paints because it is actually wired into the motorcycle?s electric system. The paint is then powered by an electrical current that makes it light up. Darkside has been working on this system for more than four years.
How Does It Work?
LumiLor makes use of electroluminescence, a property of specific materials. When these materials are hit with an electric field, they emit light. This process is due to what is called radiative recombination or spontaneous emission. When an alternating electrical current hits phosphorescent substances, those substances emit light and only light, no heat is produced in this process. While electroluminescence has been used in products for more than 40 years, it has never been widely used in three-dimensional applications.
Using LumiLor
LumiLor can be added to just about any surface and, since it's paint and not a decal, it easily curves, corners, and goes over awkwardly shaped areas. When you are ready to show off your cool design, just flip a switch and the electroluminescent light is created. The whole area lights up with a bright light that can easily be seen from a distance. When you're done, the area looks fairly normal, you can't even tell that it's a special type of paint.
Because it does use an electrical current and is part of your bike's electrical system, there is some wiring to be done. Installing it does require some knowledge of wiring, but Darkside includes all of the instructions needed.
Adding LumiLor to Your Bike
Currently, LumiLor is available through LumiLor Labs, a company created solely to offer LumiLor art to bikers. Some artists and other shops may also offer LumiLor, the company is currently looking for businesses and individuals who want to learn how to install LumiLor. Finally, manufacturers can also collaborate with Darkside to offer LumiLor on brand new motorcycles. The LumiLor paint is not currently sold by itself.
Remember that the design does have to be wired, so you have to make sure it is done in an area where the wires can be hidden.
More than Just Motorcycles
While Darkside premiered LumiLor on motorcycles at Daytona Beach, the coating system can be used on just about anything. Plastic, metal, anything that can be airbrushed. The designs are airbrushed on just like normal. Other vehicles, signs, helmets, even entire homes could be lit up with LumiLor.
