This article was taken from the September 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
If your desktop fan isn't exciting enough for you, Kip Kedersha, AKA Kipkay, has a solution -- the Amazing Neon Glow Fan. Inspired by a rainbow fan, Kipkay takes things further, with a little neon paint and a black light.
Gather supplies
You'll need: a box fan (five-bladed works best); several shades of glowing acrylic paint; a paintbrush; a screwdriver; sandpaper.
A black light is also needed to make your fan glow, and a variable-speed light dimmer switch can be used to remotely vary the fan's speed, which will change the light patterns.
Sand and paint
Unscrew the grille. If the blades are a light plastic you can leave it off. Thoroughly scuff the blades with the sandpaper so the paint will adhere to the fan's surface. Paint each blade a different colour: "They'll need a few coats," warns Kipkay.
Prepare the fan
Hook up your fan to the dimmer switch and connect it to the power supply. Turn the room's "normal" lights off, then focus your black light on the fan. Depending on the fan's speed, different glowing effects can be seen. The blades should appear to turn, flash and pause in space. Like, groovy, man.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
