If you want to renew the furniture or appearance of a room, it is not necessary to replace the ceiling fan. Whether you want to blend it in with the ceiling to make the room seem more spacious, color it to liven up the room, or just take away that 70's vibe, a freshly repainted old fan can look new and very expensive in an afternoon. a small investment and get your hands a little dirty!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Disassemble and Prepare the Fan
Step 1. If your fan also has a light, start taking that apart
First, remove the ceiling lights by unscrewing the screws that anchor them to the fan. Then remove the lamp holders again by removing the screws that secure them. Put the screws back in the holes in the engine block and screw them in half to avoid losing them.
A screwdriver will make the job much faster, but a Phillips screwdriver will do just fine too
Step 2. Remove the blades and their mounts from the engine block
They will probably take off together. Set aside the blades, supports and their screws for when you need to reassemble the fan.
It's best to keep the vines all together in a bowl so none of them mysteriously disappear. Secure the bowl to prevent it from being accidentally hit by fan blades or small children
Step 3. Remove the screws securing the ceiling rose
Slide the canopy down and disconnect the electrical wires. At this point you can remove the fan from the ceiling. Leave the mounting bracket attached to the ceiling.
Step 4. From below, start disassembling the fan body
As you remove the various parts, place them on the work area that you have covered with newspapers, oilcloth or any material that you can get dirty without problems. Here's how to do the disassembly:
- Start removing each blade from its holder. Put the screws back into the holes on the holder and screw them in half.
- At this point, remove the extension rod from the motor unit. Put the screws back into the holes in the motor assembly and screw them in half.
- After that, remove the lower faceplate of the motor assembly. Set the screws and bolts aside.
- Finally, remove the chains and set them aside.
Step 5. Clean the fan
With an all-purpose spray and a damp rag, it will become cleaner than ever. Also because, you don't want to paint over dust, dead bugs and dirt! This applies to the blades, the supports, the cover of the switch housing and everything else you want to paint (even if some things won't be painted, while you're at it, it's better to give it a good clean anyway).
When you are done, let it air dry or dry the various parts with a clean cloth. Remember, it is important not to work with wet or damp parts
Part 2 of 3: Painting the Fan
Step 1. Sand the blades with medium grit (120 grit) sandpaper
This will help you remove dirt, dust and old paint residue. This operation may not be necessary if the appliance is in excellent condition, but for very old fans this makes the job easier.
After sanding, be sure to remove any residual dust. A clean rag and a little soapy water will serve the purpose. Then, let it dry
Step 2. Paint all parts with a white primer
Wearing an old T-shirt and gloves, shake the can and test it on an old newspaper or panel. When you're ready, spray the blades and / or other items to cover them with a thin, even layer. Let it dry.
When it comes to painting a ceiling fan, it's easier to work with a spray primer. You can also use a liquid primer, but the spray is not only easier to use but also guarantees a more even result
Step 3. After the white primer dries, paint all parts
Also in this case, using spray paint is simpler (although not mandatory): for an optimal result you will have to spray the elements at a distance of about 15-20 centimeters. Move the can from side to side to have a uniform layer of paint. It is best to start with the shovels, so they will have time to dry.
- Neutral colors (gray, white, brown) are always good, but brighter colors can liven up the room and still adapt well to the decor. In addition, you can also choose metallic colors, such as nickel or copper, to give your fan a more modern look.
- If you don't want to paint some spots, cover them with painter's tape.
Step 4. Once the first coat of paint is dry, give it a second pass
Let this dry as well and check if there are any parts that need touching up.
If you have forgotten only very small points, you can make corrections using a permanent marker of the right color
Part 3 of 3: Reassemble the Fan
Step 1. From below, reassemble the fan
Start by reinstalling the extension rod with its screws (aren't you happy to find them all together in the bowl?). Slide the canopy towards the engine block. Still from the bottom, replace the front plate, supports and blades.
Step 2. Hang the fan on the mounting bracket
Once this is done, restore the electrical connections with tape and protective caps. Slide the canopy and secure it.
If you're not sure how to do this, wikiHow tells you how to install a ceiling fan correctly
Step 3. Secure the blades and brackets to the engine block
Make sure all screws are tight and straight - this will perhaps be the most boring part. It is not difficult, it is just a matter of patience.
Step 4. If the fan has a lighting system and chains, reassemble them
Once you've done that, pull the chains and turn on the light. If it works, everything is fine. If that doesn't work, you'll have to reassemble some parts and try again. Maybe you just did things in the wrong order.
With that done, you just have to sit back and enjoy your new fan
Advice
- Always follow the electrical regulations in your area.
- When reassembling the fan, make sure all parts are securely fastened.
- Always use duct tape and safety caps for electrical connections.
