The Best Black Light

Few things can start an instant party like turning down the normal lights and flipping on a black light. But there are other uses for these unique lights, as well.

Perhaps most famously, black lights can be used to identify stains that may be hidden from the naked eye. You can use a black light to detect urine, mold and traces of other unpleasant substances. If you’re moving into a new place, checking into a hotel room or renting properties, a black light can come in handy.

On a more positive note, black lights are also useful in theater productions and art galleries, as well as at clubs and roller rinks, where they help create a fun atmosphere. If you’re into unique wall art, it’s tough to beat black light posters, which completely change their look when one of these lights is shined on them.

A black light emits a combination of light types. Primarily, you’ll get ultraviolet light, but a very small amount of violet light is also mixed in. Also known as “Wood’s lamp,” for the inventor of glass UV filters, it’s called a black light because that’s how the human eye perceives it. The violet light is mixed in for safety, to alert you to the fact that the light is on.

• True black light puts a room in total darkness, which is why trace amounts of violet light is mixed in, alerting you to the fact that the black light is turned on.
• Black lights use UV-A light, which is safer for prolonged exposure than UV-B or UV-C. However, if you’re concerned, limit your use and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• There are many types of black lights, including incandescent, fluorescent, LED, lasers and mercury-vapor lamps.
• Look for a black light that promises a flicker-free design, as a flickering light can be a major drawback of many black lights.
• Consider how you’ll set up the black light. Some come with mounting brackets to help you set things up, while others are designed to be used on a table or the floor with an included stand. Still others come with self-adhesive for sticking to walls, which may be best for someone who is trying to display a black light poster.
• If you plan to use your black light outdoors, look for one that’s built to withstand that type of environment. Some are waterproof, while others are simply made to handle various bumps and scrapes.
• Overheating can be an issue with any type of light fixture. If you plan to use the black light for prolonged periods of time, make sure it has features that help keep it cool.