Just like the products that we’re famous for, there’s been plenty of color on our journey.
From the early lives of our inspirational founders to the moments when we’ve shaped the world around us through breathtaking DayGlo shades. Our history is a testimony to the power of color to make lives everywhere better and brighter.
Just like the products that we’re famous for, there’s been plenty of color on our journey.
From the early lives of our inspirational founders to the moments when we’ve shaped the world around us through breathtaking DayGlo shades. Our history is a testimony to the power of color to make lives everywhere better and brighter.
In 1931, the Switzer family relocated from Montana to Berkeley, California, after investing in their family-owned pharmacy. Bob Switzer began attending the University of California as a pre-med student, while his brother, Joe Switzer, found a passion in creating amateur magic shows.
An injury to Bob led curious magician and chemistry student, Joe, to experiment with pharmacy supplies and various solutions. The aim was to achieve colors that would glow under black light. A mixture of eye wash, alcohol and white shellac created a fluorescent yellow substance under black lights.
After accidentally dipping silk fabric into a combination of alcohol and fluorescent dye, the brothers discover the secret to daylight fluorescents.
World War II placed new demands on DayGlo color, including painting military aircrafts and supplying troops with fluorescent fabrics to ensure visibility and safety.
Realizing the impact they created, advertisers increasingly demand the use of fluorescent colors to ensure their displays get noticed.
Fluorescent colors begin to take over the fashion world when incorporated into fabrics. A new trend is born.
DayGlo fluorescent colors are used in a variety of packages and other applications for consumer products. P&G began using fluorescent colors for their iconic ‘Tide’ bottle.
DayGlo Fire Orange becomes the standard of safety in aviation by increasing visibility on aircrafts.
Records began to tune in to fluorescent colors for psychedelic, attention-grabbing results.
Switzer Brother, Inc. officially changed its company name to the iconic DayGlo Color Corp. that we know it as today.
With the popularity of fluorescent colors growing, big brands began to incorporate them into their traditional products to keep up with current market trends
DayGlo continues to push forward in research and development by inventing new and improved products for specific markets. We announce a major breakthrough with the Z series pigments.
DayGlo aerobics apparel colors illuminate the 80s with bright, neon activewear and leotards. Celebrities like Olivia Newton John and Jane Fonda help push this trend into the spotlight.
The Nalco Chemical Company of Oak Brook purchases DayGlo Color.
Confirming our position as the leading global manufacturer of fluorescent colors, RPM International Inc. acquires DayGlo Color Corp. from Nalco Chemical Company.
‘The DayGlo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors’, by Chris Barton, tells the story of how DayGlo came to be.
