A project that I need some tips for

I want to paint one of my walls in my basement with glow paint so that I can draw on it with a laser. I saw something similar to this when I was at Electric Forest Festival. So I researched a bit and I realize that some wavelengths work better. I'm looking at violet lasers to buy. I believe it was 405nm? Anyways I'm not sure what power I should get get. They range from 5mw-50000mw and I don't know what's best for me. I want a powerful laser that lights the glow paint up and but I also don't want something that will burn my eyes out. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Check out laserbtb, and look at their 405nm pens. Any power will activate the paint, but I wouldn't get anything more than 50mW.

Hey Mcjones, I think I can help you. I actually painted one of the walls of my room with glow paint! Surprisingly, ~5mW works best, so I don't think you'll need any more than 15mW. The 5mW pointer on this page should work just fine for you: LP 405nm 5-80

cool! I think I'm gonna get a 10mw.

Mcjones92 said:

cool! I think I'm gonna get a 10mw.

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Be careful not to look at the dot too closely Mcjones92! It's only 10mW's, but 405 is extremely dim which can trick you into thinking it's not as strong as it really is

-Alex

Yup, Alex is right. 405nm can sneak up on you, so just be cautious no matter what.