A rapid combustion method was introduced into surface modification of strontium aluminate phosphors, which improved the water resistance of phosphors. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), pH measurements and photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometry were used to characterize the phosphors before and after modification respectively. Experimental results showed that compact layer of SrAl2B2O7 substance was formed on the surface of strontium aluminate phosphors by direct chemical reaction between strontium aluminate and boracic acid. SrAl2B2O7 substance is chemically stable in water and could improve water resistance of strontium aluminate phosphors effectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.