Frequently Asked Questions
We've tried to list some of the most frequently asked questions. If you don't see your question answered, feel free to email us at info@stars-so-bright.com and we will do our best to provide you with an answer. Your may also want to visit the Benefits and Features page.
What makes a Stars-So-Bright Planetarium special?
You will be creating a real planetarium with all the major stars in the right place. This is not a toy, and it can't be broken. It will last for decades. Because it is accurate, you can use it to teach yourself and your children how to find the constellations. Once you learn indoors with your planetarium, it's much easier to see the constellations outdoors, especially with the star chart and astronomer's flashlight that come with your kit.
One of the things that makes our planetarium so magical to both kids and adults is the way it seems to appear out of nowhere. The stars are invisible in the light, but in the dark, you'd swear you were outdoors in the country on a clear, moonless night.
Our instructional video teaches you the techniques to create a realistic, twinkling, beautiful night sky. The techniques are surprisingly easy, especially with the special paint dispensers we provide.
Finally, the star chart, astronomers' flashlight, audio CD and educational DVD make this a complete package that not only gives you a beautiful planetarium, but also provides you with an opportunity to teach your children about science, history and the myths behind the constellations. We even provide two free astronomy software packages that make learning astronomy easy and fun. The Celestia starship lets you travel anywhere in the Universe and see the stars as they appear from that point. The Stellarium planetarium displays the constellations from anywhere on earth, at any time.
How long will my planetarium last?
Your planetarium will continue to provide pleasure for years to come until you (shudder) paint over it. It will delight your children from infancy until they are teen-agers getting ready to move out. We find that many of the adults who buy our kit for their children also install it in their own bedrooms. To see some reactions of kids and teenagers, go to the Photo and Movie Gallery page.
Light (natural or artificial) charges up the paint. Once you install your planetarium, it charges up from the light in your room. When it's dark, the paint glows brightly, just like the stars coming out at night. Like the real stars outdoors, your planetarium will glow all night.
Why is your Star-Brite paint special?
Our paint is much brighter and longer-lasting than any other luminous paint. The paint you get in hobby stores is very dim and only glows for about a half hour. The luminous paints you can buy on the Internet are also much dimmer and do not glow nearly as long. After charging in the light, our paint glows very brightly for several hours, and continues to glow for over 24 hours. Because it's water-based, there are no irritating fumes and cleanup is easy with just soap and water.
Can I choose the constellations I create?
Absolutely! The star projector included with the kit is very accurate, and you can choose the date and time that is most meaningful to you and your family. A special birthday, Christmas, an anniversary - any day that is of significance to you. Or, if you prefer to focus on your favorite constellation, you can make sure that the night sky you portray includes it.
Can I create a Planetarium on a popcorn ceiling?
Yes, you can. Creating a planetarium on a popcorn ceiling is just as easy as any other ceiling. You can create planetariums on any sort of ceiling: tape & texture, popcorn, acoustic panels, vinyl, fiberglass, wood, masonry, knotty pine, and any other type of ceiling.
Will the planetarium be visible during the day?
Assuming you have light-colored ceilings, no, the planetarium is undetectable during the day. If you look closely, you can sometimes make out the largest stars, but you have to know they are there and deliberately look for them. Check out the pictures and movies on the Movie and Photo Gallery page to see planetariums with the lights on and off.
What if I have a dark colored ceiling?
You will see the stars in the light, because the luminous paint is a whitish, partly translucent color. Also, in the dark, the stars will not be quite as bright, because a white ceiling reflects the light better. Except for that, it works fine.
What if I have a ceiling fan or vent?
No problem. Most of the ceilings we have painted have some sort of fixture, which seems to magically disappear and get lost in a sea of stars when the lights go out. It's very simple - just paint stars around or on the fixture. We recommend against painting on fan blades because the stars will appear to spin when you turn on the fan.
Will I have to move my bed?
You need to reach the ceiling to paint little dots of luminous paint wherever you want stars to appear. If the bed is not too large, you can usually reach to the center by moving a ladder along the sides of the bed. For larger beds, you may need to move it or get on top of it using sawhorses and plywood sheets.
Will the the planetarium keep my children awake?
Our clients have found the planetariums are actually helpful at bedtime. Children look forward to seeing the stars come out, and little ones who were afraid to sleep in the dark are reassured. One client's two year old son got rid of his night light because he wanted to see the stars better. Another client's daughter stopped crawling into bed with mom and dad because when she woke up in the middle of the night, the stars made her feel safe. The stars don't keep little ones awake, however. They create a peaceful, relaxing effect that gently lulls both children and adults to sleep.
What if I want to do the master bedroom?
Absolutely, you can do the master bedroom. Or the living room. Or the master bath or jacuzzi rooms. We've known people who have installed planetariums in their media rooms and home theaters. We also have clients with medical issues who install planetariums to provide a therapeutic, relaxing environment. We provide enough Star-Brite paint for at least 300 square feet. That is enough for two good sized children's rooms (12x12) or a master bedroom (20x15) plus a little extra so you can practice. However, we also sell additional paint so you can do larger spaces or additional rooms if you so desire.
Do I need any special brushes or other equipment?
We provide all the applicators you need. You will need to provide your own ladder, flashlight, drop cloths and paint rag. An inexpensive ($10) black light, although not essential, is very helpful. See the List of Items You will Need.
Will my pets like the planetarium?
Our cat is delighted with our planetariums. They provides her with just enough light to make her night time explorations more fun. I think other types of pets also find the gently glowing stars soothing.
Is the Star-Brite paint safe?
Star-Brite paint is water-based, so it can be safely applied in any room of the house. It does not create the fumes that are characteristic of solvent-based paints, and it contains no dangerous heavy metals or lead. Use it the way you would any water-based paint.
We're so confident that you will love your planetarium that we'll refund 100% of the purchase price if you aren't completely thrilled!