Introduction: Glow Sneakers
Do you have a pair of Converse? Maybe. If you have a pair, do you love them? Of course you do. You know what would make them even cooler? If they glowed. Yup. Glowing. Sneakers.
**Please use caution when using paint of any kind. Make sure to wear a mask as to not inhale any paint fumes. As always, be safe and have fun making!**
Side Note: I've been a big fan of Instructables for a long time, thank you to everyone for the positive response that this project has received. It really means a lot to me, everybody. (-:
Step 1: Quick Science Lesson!
Have you ever wondered why Ultra Violet Lights make certain things glow? Often called a black light, these are light bulbs designed to emit ultra-violet light. The reason they're sometimes called "black" is because if you look at the actual bulb it doesn't seem very bright (like a a dim violet color) and if you take a black light into a dark room it doesn't really brighten it that much... the room remains almost black. Thus, black light. However these bulbs do emit lots of light, it’s just that we can’t see it! Certain materials have the special ability to absorb ultra-violet light and re-emit the light at lower frequencies that our eyes are able to see. This is called fluorescence. These materials are sometimes found in jackets, shoes, shirts, and when we walk near a black-light they seem to "glow" because they are translating the invisible ultra-violet light into easy to see colors. What we are doing with these sneakers is coating them with paint mixed with phosphorescent pigments, which when combined with a black light give it it's cool glowing effect.
Step 2: Here's What You'll Need
Your rad pair of sneaks'
Glow in the dark paint (mine dries clear)
A cotton swab
A black light (to add to the awesome)
Step 3: Prepare the Swab!
Dip (or spray) some paint onto the swab. In this step you're going to glaze over the logo-patch. Cover the whole circle by swabbing it gently. Depending on what paint you use, use light pressure when covering because too much pressure might erode the logo. Do this with great care so that you don't get any on the canvas as well.
Step 4: Rubber Toe and Walls
That swab will not be needed anymore. Put some painters tape where the canvas and rubber meet. Make sure to cover the rubber evenly so that later when you try them on in the dark, it all glows the same brightness. You'll want to put a few coats on, and let them dry accordingly.
Step 5: Lace 'Em Up
As a bonus, feel free to give your laces a touch of the magic! If you indeed want to include the laces in this project, I'm not sure paint is the way to do so. I would suggest drawing over them with a highlighter color of your choice, it gives the laces a cool look during the day as well. Highlighters glow under a black light, but do not continue to glow after the light is pointed away. Please keep in mind that the highlighters will color the laces unlike the paint. Whichever you choose to do, I'm sure they'll look great and I wish you the best
Step 6: Take Them Out for a Spin!
That should do; now all that's needed is an equally cool person to wear these cool sneakers! Charge them up with your black light before you leave (or bring one with you!) and enjoy. Have fun, nightwalkers!

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Make It Glow Contest
1 Person Made This Project!
- SeanaMichell made it!
43 Comments
6 years ago
has anyone made these already
8 years ago
For the laces, you could use glow-in-the-dark paracord.
It's available pretty cheap on eBay, and works much better than painting the laces. ;)
Reply 7 years ago
they sell glow in the dark laces at target for cheap :)
7 years ago
How long will the glow paint last for
8 years ago on Introduction
can u do this with nikes or not
8 years ago on Introduction
Looks easy and lovable :)
8 years ago on Introduction
Oh, I love these!!
9 years ago on Introduction
Totally awesome idea! Fiendishly simple, yet gets onlookers asking what site you bought them from, and how much they were. :)
9 years ago
Haha I have that spray paint as well! Didst thou goeth tither and yon to Michaels by chance? XD
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
:0)
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
:/
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thou hast gone to ye local Amazonians!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
XD I obtainethed mine from the monsigneur Micheals shoppe yonder downe the way.
9 years ago
Where do you get the glowing spray paint?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Amazon.com, but if you're looking to buy glow paint you could probably find better paint for this job.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I have seen it at Michael's. Wait for a 40% off coupon before you buy.
9 years ago on Introduction
One word: AWESOME!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this project!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Trans4mation, I'm going to try painting my bike frame. I did a search on GITD bike and I also wound up @ an LED site for some UV LEDs. Wish me luck.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Please let me know if that works for you. It would make a priceless safety feature!
Huge heart break happened in our neighbourhood when a little boy riding his bike at night, was killed by a car driver who did not see him