Using 365 nm UV Blacklight Floodlights in Your Theater – Safe & Simple
What they are
- 365 nm black lights make the ceiling stars glow during a movie.
- They’re not the harsh UV used for sterilizing, and they don’t make ozone.
- When set up correctly, they’re safe — about the same as being outside in the sun for just a few minutes.
How safe is it?
Running two 20-watt 365 nm floodlights for a 2½-hour movie gives about the same UV exposure as spending just a few minutes outside in midday sun.
That’s far less than what you’d normally get outdoors.
Placement & Aiming Guidelines
Front of the Theater
- Place the lights on the floor near the stage.
- Aim them toward the center of the ceiling, keeping the beam above the eyes of people in the front row.
- This is mainly an option if there are no soffits, side, or rear placements available.
Side of the Theater
- Mount the lights on the side walls or on pillars.
- Aim them toward the center of the ceiling for good coverage.
Rear of the Theater
- Place the lights at the back of the room.
- Angle them up toward the center of the ceiling.
- This is another way to give the ceiling or mural great coverage.
Extra Tip
- The lower the lights are placed, the more directly they hit the paint — both charging the glow pigments and activating the fluorescent additive for the best star effect.
Bottom line
- Keep the fixtures out of direct view from the seats.
- Always aim toward the center of the ceiling for the best effect.
- Two floodlights on during a full-length movie give no more UV than a few minutes outdoors in the sun — safe for normal use.