by Brianna Crandall — December 28, 2018 — Bambu Way, a subsidiary of disruptive technology company Bambu Global, recently launched its line of Cereus photoluminescent paints, which provide light without electricity. Inspired by the candle-like species of cactus that blooms at night, Cereus paint can be used in any dark, challenging environment, such as for wayfinding, safety, egress, and emergency lighting and disaster recovery. In addition, the ability to deliver effective photoluminescent light in a variety of colors opens up uses in advertising and specialty markings, where color is important and informational.
Using its proprietary patented phosphor technology, Bambu Way creates luminescent paints, inks, and tape products to provide light in darkness. Bambu Way has a patented method of color formation that provides a uniquely broad spectrum of high-intensity daytime and nighttime colors.
Whether for emergency lighting, egress or wayfinding, Cereus photoluminescent paint provides light without electricity for 10-12 hours, exceeding safety standards. Image courtesy Bambu Way
Unlike simpler and less-resilient glow-in-the-dark products, Cereus photoluminescent products are said to be brighter and longer lasting, and can be applied to many different surfaces, including wood, plastic, asphalt, cement, metal, and fabric; and used in many different applications, such as on roads, pathways, stair treads, railings, sport and safety apparel, and even promotional billboards.
The paint is available in both solvent and water-based formulations for optimal application in indoor and outdoor environments.
After charging for only 10 minutes in natural light, the paint will illuminate from 10 to 12 hours, depending on applied thickness, says the company. Off-the-shelf paint is available in vibrant colors (white, green, yellow, blue, red and orange), along with a wide range of custom colors. Design options abound, as it is possible to create similar or dissimilar daytime and nighttime color schemes.
Photoluminescent paint reportedly offers several advantages over standard emergency lighting back-up systems. Safety standards require that emergency lighting last for 90 minutes in the event of a power outage. Cereus paint is designed to easily surpass that requirement by many hours, giving facilities managers (FMs) peace-of-mind that their staff, occupants and patrons will be safe in the event of an emergency.
In addition, Cereus paints use zero energy and require no maintenance.
CEO Robb Osinski stated:
Our mission at Bambu Way is to transform light and color into applications that enhance and save lives. Today, protecting your facility or venue and the people in it means that they can easily find their way out in dark or emergency conditions. Our photoluminescent paint achieves that goal by dramatically improving visibility and reducing accidents under these conditions, while doing so in a way that saves energy and is safe for the environment.
Cereus paints are also unique in that they are available in a wide range of colors, thereby providing not only safety, but messaging capabilities. The different colors open up a world of usage possibilities limited only by imagination, such as for commercial or advertising purposes.
Bambu Way says its technology was created by a team of world-recognized experts in the development of photoluminescent materials. Bambu Way’s patented formulations are said to be unique in that they convert the light energy emitted from phosphors without added pigments. Added pigment can retard the charging of phosphors and block emission of light; without it, Cereus paints reportedly shine longer and brighter.
The company says its phosphor materials are completely inert, nontoxic, nonradioactive and nonflammable, and offer brilliant photoluminescent effects with potentially unlimited future applications, both indoors and out. Cereus paints are manufactured in the US.
