How To Make A Glowstick: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Glowstick PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: May 1, 2025

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  • Using TCPO (Multiple Colors)
    • |
  • Using Luminol
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 794,810 times.

Those glowing Mountain Dew videos with peroxide and baking soda are all hoaxes. To truly make a glowstick without breaking an already-made glowstick and shoving its contents into a tube (also known as cheating), you need to let your inner scientist out (along with a few dollars). If you're still curious, read on.This is fun for anyone and everyone.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Using TCPO (Multiple Colors)

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  1. Step 1 Wear clothing to protect your eyes and skin. 1 Wear clothing to protect your eyes and skin. Some of the chemicals are carcinogenic and incredibly dangerous when used improperly. It should also be noted that these are expensive and often difficult to obtain chemicals, best bought in bulk. They are not conducive to only making one or two glow sticks. At the very least, you should have:
    • Latex gloves
    • Ventilated goggles (lab goggles)
    • Long sleeves
    • Face mask
    • A clean, tidy work station
    • Clean glass tubes or containers with matching lids.
  2. Step 2 Start with 10mL of the solvent Diethyl Phthalate (DP). 2 Start with 10mL of the solvent Diethyl Phthalate (DP). This is your base and makes up the majority of the liquid in your glow sticks. It will hold the chemicals that actually glow and amplify them. Start with 10mL of DP, but know that you can double or half this for bigger or smaller sticks. This looks like water, but the chemical reaction necessary for glowing won't work in water
    • You may have to dig around a bit online to find these chemicals. Chemistry giants Alfa Aesar[1] and Sigma Aldrich[2] are two great resources.
    • If you double the solvent, then you should double the rest of the ingredients below.
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  3. Step 3 Add 3 mg of your chosen fluorescent dye to add color. 3 Add 3 mg of your chosen fluorescent dye to add color. You cannot use normal or additive dyes; make sure you're using fluorescent dyes. These dyes will not be the same color un-mixed as they are when they glow, so trust the guide given below to make your colors. There are a variety of different dyes you can use, depending on the color you want:
    • 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene for green
    • Rubrene for yellow
    • 9,10-diphenylanthracene for blue
    • Rhodamine B for red (note: rhodamine decays quickly, meaning reds tend to fade fast).
    • Mix half yellow, half blue to create white.
  4. Step 4 Add 50 mg of TCPO to the dyed mixture. 4 Add 50 mg of TCPO to the dyed mixture. TCPO stands for bis (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate, which you may need to know to purchase it. It's quite expensive to buy, but you can make it fairly cheaply if, again, you're experienced and competent around chemicals. Otherwise, making it is not advised.[3]
    • The TCPO is used instead of luminol in this method -- it's the component that makes the mixture glow and it lasts for hours.
    • TCPO is incredibly carcinogenic, and should be handled with care. Never inhale TCPO.
  5. Step 5 Add 100 mg of sodium acetate to the mixture. 5 Add 100 mg of sodium acetate to the mixture. If you don't have sodium acetate, an even mixture of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium salicylic can effectively be used instead. When added, put the lid on and shake the bottle well.
  6. Step 6 Finally, add 3 milliliters (0.10  fl oz) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. 6 Finally, add 3 milliliters (0.10  fl oz) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. It's important to do this step last, as it creates the chemical reaction. Put the lid back on, shake it up well, and turn off the lights. You should have a quite impressive stick/tube/container glowing ferociously in front of you.
    • The hydrogen peroxide is an activator, not part of the reaction, so you won't need much.
    • When you buy glow sticks, the "crack" noise to activate them is breaking a little glass vial of hydrogen peroxide.
  7. Step 7 Add larger quantities of TCPO and Sodium Acetate to make the reaction go on for longer. 7 Add larger quantities of TCPO and Sodium Acetate to make the reaction go on for longer. If you so desire, mess around with the recipe to see what warrants the best results. This reaction works because TCPO and Sodium Acetate release energy when combined, as they start to decay. This energy is picked up by the florescent dyes, which can convert energy into light. More of each leads to more energy and a longer reaction.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Using Luminol

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  1. Step 1 Put on protective glasses. 1 Put on protective glasses. In addition, wear gloves to protect your skin. It's also a good idea to not wear your Sunday best. Throw on some old clothes or put a smock over clothes you want protected. Some of this stuff is dangerous -- this experiment is not meant for children!
    • Listen up, kids: You'll be working with a solution that's near a 12 on the pH scale. That basically means don't swallow it, don't put it in your eyes, don't bathe in it, and don't really expose yourself to it directly at all. Got it? Moving on.
  2. Step 2 Combine 50 milliliters of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a liter of distilled water in a mixing bowl. 2 Combine 50 milliliters of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a liter of distilled water in a mixing bowl. A ceramic bowl will work best, but plastic works too. Use funnels, measuring tubes, and basters to keep everything well-measured and well away from you.
    • Hydrogen peroxide is used to replace the luminol's nitrogen atoms with oxygen. When that happens, all the substances create a rave and start partying and electrons fly everywhere and what results? The glow.
  3. Step 3 Mix .2 grams... 3 Mix .2 grams of luminol, 4 grams of sodium carbonate, 24 grams of sodium bicarbonate, .4 grams (0.01 oz) of copper sulfate, .5 grams (0.02 oz) of ammonium carbonate and 1 liter (0.3 US gal) of distilled water in a second bowl. It is important not to touch the luminol. Use a funnel to make everything safe and easy. Unfortunately, these hazardous chemicals will not float freely in mid-air like this graphic suggests.
    • Yep, unless you're a coroner or some sort of crazy spy/criminologist you probably don't have this stuff lying around the house (hopefully not...). If you're dead set on starting your own glowstick business (worse ideas exist), try websites like Alfa Aesar[1] or Sigma Aldrich[2] for supplies.
    • Mix everything well. Don't use your hands -- use a metal or plastic utensil of some sort.
  4. Step 4 Clean the containers and dry them thoroughly. 4 Clean the containers and dry them thoroughly. It's important to use sanitary, clean tubes for your glowsticks. The last thing you want is other substances interacting with the reactions you're depending on to make the substances glow.
  5. Step 5 Set the correct lid next to each container. 5 Set the correct lid next to each container. This enables you to seal the containers quickly after filling. It's not like the glow will get up and run away from you, but still.
  6. Step 6 Combine equal amounts of the first and second solution in the container and close the bottles. 6 Combine equal amounts of the first and second solution in the container and close the bottles. Shake them up once the lids are on tightly. Then turn off the lights!
    • If it's not already glowing, something went wrong. Do over!
  7. Step 7 Watch as the chemical compound creates a colorful glow. 7 Watch as the chemical compound creates a colorful glow. Take your glowsticks to the party and charge your friends loads of money for them! But act quickly...the glow won't last very long. Expectations crushed? Method one to the rescue!
    • The reaction that the luminol and hydrogen peroxide creates doesn't last long at all -- maybe a couple of minutes. For something that lasts hours, go to the next method (which is a lot easier to facilitate if you have access to a laboratory, but it's still worth mentioning).
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is it dangerous for kids? FALLON MARTIN FALLON MARTIN Community Answer It can be if you're not careful. Make sure you have the supervision and help of an adult. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 48
  • Question Is there another way to make it without using those chemicals? Community Answer Community Answer You can use the ink from fluorescent highlighter pens as well. Check out Method 2 in this article. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 33
  • Question How do you make glow in the dark paint? Community Answer Community Answer Choose a glow in the dark powder or phosphorescent powder, and stir a small amount into your choice of paint (white would work the best). For more information, check out How to Make Glow in the Dark Paint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 14
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Video

Tips

  • Luminol is the chemical that makes blood glow. It can be found at a scientific store, on the Internet or in a kid's spy kit. Thanks Helpful 49 Not Helpful 20
  • Sodium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, and copper sulfate pentahydrate are white powders. They can be found at science stores. Thanks Helpful 42 Not Helpful 17
  • It's much easier and cheaper to buy glowsticks unless you're buying these products in bulk. Thanks Helpful 46 Not Helpful 24
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Too get a little more light out of a dying glow stick, turn your faucet on hot (but not too hot) and put the glow stick under it. Just be careful not to use water that's hot enough to melt the glow stick.
  • If kids are making these, they need adult supervision.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Children should be supervised when using glowsticks. It may be tempting for them to break the stick apart and play with or ingest the contents, which can cause serious injury. Thanks Helpful 82 Not Helpful 27
  • Always wear protective glasses when working with chemical substances. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • These are very serious methods of create glowsticks. Nothing simpler is described because it does not exist. Leave the glowing to the pros if you're only looking to mess around -- this stuff is dangerous. Thanks Helpful 67 Not Helpful 39
  • Wear gloves. Do not touch luminol or consume it.[4] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Copper sulfate is toxic. Again: be careful. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

Using TCPO

  • 10mL Diethyl Phthalate
  • 3mg of fluorescent dye
  • 50mg TCPO
  • 100mg sodium acetate
  • 3mL 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • Clear, resealable containers
  • Protective glasses
  • Gloves
  • Funnel and other measuring devices

Using Luminol

  • 2 large ceramic mixing bowls
  • Clear containers like test tubes or glass jars with lids
  • 2 liters (67 fl oz) of distilled water
  • 50 milliliters (1.7 fl oz) of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • 0.2 grams of luminol (do not touch it; use the container to pour from and wear gloves)
  • 4 grams of sodium carbonate
  • 24 grams of sodium bicarbonate
  • 0.5 gram of ammonium carbonate
  • 0.4 gram of copper sulfate pentahydrate
  • Protective glasses
  • Gloves
  • Funnel and other measuring devices

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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.alfa.com
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html
  3. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViJknvEEEOA
  4. ↑ http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/story/55-glow_stick.html
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tItOOpyJP5k

About This Article

Amy Guerrero Co-authored by: Amy Guerrero Arts & Crafts Specialist This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 794,810 times. 45 votes - 61% Co-authors: 71 Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 794,810 Categories: Featured Articles | Plastic and Adhesive Projects | Lighting Article SummaryX

To make a glowstick, start by putting on latex gloves, goggles, and a face mask since you'll be working with dangerous chemicals. Then, mix 3 milligrams of fluorescent dye with 10 milliliters of solvent Diethyl Phthalate. Next, add 50 milligrams of TCPO and 100 milligrams of sodium acetate. Finally, add 3 milliliters of 30 percent hydrogen peroxide and shake everything together so the mixture starts to glow. To learn how to make glowsticks using luminol, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Oliviaa Rayford

    Oliviaa Rayford

    Oct 29, 2016

    "It is really fun to mess around with this to see what will work and can't work. Also, I recommend get a bendy..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Amy Guerrero Co-authored by: Amy Guerrero Arts & Crafts Specialist 45 votes - 61% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 71 Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 794,810 Oliviaa Rayford

Oliviaa Rayford

Oct 29, 2016

"It is really fun to mess around with this to see what will work and can't work. Also, I recommend get a bendy..." more Soumya Varma

Soumya Varma

Aug 12, 2016

"Thank you so much, it really helped!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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