BRIGHT IDEA: GLOW-IN-THE-DARK PANELS FOR FIELD RADIOS

Every once in a while I am asked how I make glow-in-the-dark panels for my backpacking rigs. Here's how:

1. Go to your local art supply store. Buy a small bottle of glow-in-the-dark paint. This paint is especially easy to find this time of year because folks are making Halloween decorations with it.

2. Spread two thin, even coats of glow-in-the-dark paint on a piece of stark white paper slightly bigger than the panel you intend to cover. Let it dry thoroughly between coats. This will become the panel backing.

3. Create (draw) a computer generated overlay of the controls and labels for the panel itself.

4. Make a mirror image of your overlay.

5. Change everything to a negative image. That is, the lettering will become white and the background will be black.

6. Print your drawing on a piece of Mylar or other clear plastic, preferably with a laser printer. If all you have is an ink jet printer, be sure to use the special Mylar sheets designed for ink jets. These sheets are intended for use as overhead transparencies.

7. Use spray adhesive (photo mount) to glue the panel to the painted panel backing.

8. Trim to size. The glow-in-the-dark paint will show through the lettering on the Mylar sheet when you expose it to a bright light for a few seconds.

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Bill Jones, KD7S, an expert builder, outdoorsman and QRPer, is a former contributing editor to The ARS Sojourner living in Sanger, CA.