Best Charging Options for your AGT™ Glow Stones

How to Charge Glow in the Dark Stones, Gravel & Sand: The Best Light Sources for AGT™ Products

Charging glow in the dark materials isn’t complicated, but the type of light source you use makes a huge difference. Whether you’re energizing AGT™ glow stones, glow in the dark gravel, or fine glow sand, the right lighting produces a brighter, longer-lasting glow.

Below is the definitive guide to how to charge glow in the dark stuff, including whether LED lights charge glow in the dark products, what works best, and how to get the longest nighttime glow for your project.

Best Light Sources for Charging Glow in the Dark Products

If you're wondering how to charge glow in the dark items, here’s the efficiency list and ranked from strongest to weakest:

  1. Direct Sunlight – Highest / Best for Glow Stone Charging: The full UV spectrum charges AGT™ glow stones and glow sand the fastest. Even a few minutes of direct sun delivers a powerful glow performance at night.
  2. Daylight:  Glow stones will still charge on cloudy days because UV light penetrates cloud cover.
  3. Black Light Tubes (UV-A):  A top artificial option. These charges glow in the dark surfaces extremely fast.
  4. UV LEDs:  Efficient and compact. Great for indoor glow projects.
  5. Fluorescent Tubes: Naturally emit UV light, making them far better than regular bulbs.
  6. Compact Fluorescent (CFL): “Daylight” CFLs perform well at charging glow in the dark materials.
  7. Incandescent Bulbs: Provide some glow-charging capability but are not very efficient.
  8. White LEDs: Lowest Efficiency

Glow in the Dark Charging Comparison Table

Light Source

Charging Efficiency

Time to Reach 80–100% Charge

Glow Brightness & Duration

Best Use Case

Direct Sunlight

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest / Full UV Spectrum

Full charge naturally during the day

Brightest, longest glow (12+ hours)

Outdoor glow pathways, glow in the dark driveways, glowing trails

Blacklight (UV Tube)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Second Best

80% in seconds

100% in ~10 min

Extremely bright, long-lasting glow

Indoor glow projects, glowing countertops, glow sand art

UV LED Lights

⭐⭐⭐ Very Good UV Output

~10–20 minutes

Strong, consistent glow

Indoor spaces without sunlight

White LED Lights (Do LED lights charge glow in the dark?)

⭐ Lowest UV Output

30+ minutes, lower max charge

Dimmer glow, shorter duration

Only when no sunlight or UV light is available


Proven Performance Backed by University Research

Independent testing from the University of Florida’s Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering confirmed that AGT™ ULTRA Grade glow stones are the brightest and longest-lasting glow aggregates available.

Researchers compared multiple glow stone brands to measure:

  • Brightness (luminance)
  • Glow duration / decay rate
  • Performance in concrete and asphalt

Key Finding

“Ambient Glow Technology’s stones glowed the brightest and had the slowest decay rate.”

This makes AGT™ ULTRA Grade glow stones the top choice for glow in the dark pathways, glowing driveways, trails, and concrete/asphalt projects that require maximum nighttime visibility.

Source: University of Florida – Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Commonly Asked Questions

Do LED lights charge glow in the dark?
Yes, but very slowly. White LED lights produce the least UV, so they charge glow in the dark stones the slowest and to a lower brightness.

Do LED Lights Charge Glow in the Dark?
This is one of the most common questions we get—“Will LED lights charge glow in the dark?”

Blacklight LEDs and UV LEDs absolutely do. White LEDs will charge glow in the dark, but:

  • They take longer
  • The glow won’t be as bright
  • The charge will not last as long

If you're relying on LED lighting indoors, choose UV or blacklight LEDs for best results.

How Long Does It Take to Charge Glow in the Dark Stones?
AGT™ glow products reach their maximum glow charge from artificial light in about 20 minutes.

Under UV/blacklight:

  • 80% charge in a few seconds
  • 90% charge in 30 seconds
  • 95% charge in 2 minutes
  • 100% charge in ~10 minutes

Under sunlight: Full charge happens naturally throughout the day

If you’re creating a glow in the dark walkway, driveway, glowing pathway, or glow trail, daily sunlight is more than enough to keep your AGT™ glow stones fully charged every night.

Does the Size of Glow Stones Affect Charging?
Yes. Larger aggregates such as ½” AGT™ glow stones require more light exposure to fully energize but will glow brighter and longer through the night.

Fine materials like AGT™ glow sand:

  • Charge fastest
  • Reach peak brightness in ~10 minutes
  • Release light for 12+ hours

This makes glow sand ideal for glowing countertops, glowing decor, and indoor glow art projects.

What’s the Best White Light Bulb for Charging Glow in the Dark?
If sunlight or UV light isn’t available, choose:

  • Fluorescent “Daylight” bulbs
  • CFL “Daylight” bulbs

These give off more UV wavelengths and charge glow in the dark products far more efficiently than incandescent or LED bulbs.

Important Note About Glow Visibility

When judging glow performance, remember:

  • The human eye needs 2–4 minutes to fully adjust to darkness.
  • Always give your eyes a moment before evaluating brightness.

Final Tips for Charging Glow in the Dark Stones, Gravel & Sand

  • Use sunlight whenever possible, it’s the strongest natural UV source.
  • Indoors, choose UV LEDs, black lights, or daylight fluorescent bulbs.
  • Avoid relying on white LEDs unless necessary because they’re the least effective.
  • For glowing driveways and glowing walkways, daily sunlight provides perfect charging.
  • For indoor glowing countertops or glowing art, a small UV LED works great.

Want the brightest, longest-lasting glow in the dark products available? AGT™ Glow Stones are up to 65% brighter than any glow in the dark gravel or glow pebbles online.

Shop Now to get the best glow for your next project.