Down the garden path: DIY glow-in-the-dark stepping stones (three ways)

21 Oct 2021

Pave the way to a sophisticated garden with these stylish stepping stones that glow in the dark. Patterned pavers are the perfect way to add interest to your garden path any time of the year and can be created by simply using a Resene testpot, Resene FX Nightlight and your choice of stencil. In this project, we show you three different ways to paint these glow-in-the-dark pavers, making them a fun and achievable DIY for any age or skillset.

You will need:

  • 3 pavers (Fleur’s are 270mm x 270mm)
  • Computer and printer
  • Craft knife
  • Scissors
  • Sellotape
  • Resene testpot in your choice of colour – Fleur used Resene Quarter Milk White
  • Stencilling brush or small piece of sponge
  • Plate
  • Pencil
  • Painters tape
  • Resene FX Nightlight

Stepping stone 1

Step 1: Start with a paver – Fleur’s are 270mm x 270mm square and are charcoal in colour. 

Step 2: The first way to make a patterned paver is to find a stencil online. Measure the size of your paver and then re-size your online image accordingly.  Print this onto normal printer paper and use a sharp craft knife to cut out the stencil. Use loops of Sellotape to attach the back of the stencil to the front face of the paver. 

Step 3: Use a stencilling paintbrush to fill in the stencil with your choice of colour – Fleur used Resene Quarter Milk White.  Hold the paintbrush like a pencil and dab it up and down to paint the paver.  Avoid smearing or wiping the paintbrush from side to side as this will push paint under the stencil. If you don’t have a stencilling paintbrush, then a small piece of foam or sponge works well. 

Step 4: When the paint is dry, use the same painting method to apply 2-3 coats of Resene FX Nightlight, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next coat. Carefully remove the stencil as soon as you have finished applying the last coat.

Stepping stone 2


Another way of doing this project is to fold a square piece of paper that is the same size as your paver and cut it out with scissors like you would to make a paper snowflake.  Again, use loops of Sellotape to hold the paper in place and use the same painting method as described above.

Stepping stone 3


Lastly, for a really simple method, trace around a plate with a pencil and use painter’s tape to tape around the circle, adding random lines and shapes across the circle. Repeat the same steps for painting the FX Nightlight as above.

Project and images Fleur Thorpe

Published: 21 Oct 2021