How to spray paint ceiling fan

This guide will help you to spray paint your ceiling fans with the best results and shine which will make your mood happy.

This complete step-by-step guide is for those newbies who wanted to do this job by themselves.

Follow each step explained in this guide which I have written and guided you through my words.

Whether you’re doing some remodeling or just trying to update your home for a new look.

It is always a good idea to keep in mind that you don’t have to replace the whole ceiling fan when really what you may want is an updated look for your current fan.

One way to have your old ceiling fan feel like new is by simply painting it!

This option can be both budget-friendly and efficient as painting can be completed in just one more afternoon rather than having to spend money on buying a brand-new one.

Remember, by taking the time out of your busy schedule to repaint now, you’ll save yourself from both stress and money later on.


How to spray paint ceiling fan?

Wear protective gear

The most important thing before painting any surface whether it’s a wall or a house or even a fan you need to protect your own self first in order to paint the surface.

Wear gloves for the protection of your hands then wear a protective suit if you have one with you.

Then wear goggles for the protection of your eyes and also wear a face mask in order to protect your lungs from paint fumes.

For more protection spray paint your fan in a well-ventilated area not congested.

Disassemble the fan for painting

You should always start by removing that light kit. First, unscrew the thumbscrews holding the glass shades in place and let them rest safely below as you remove the assembly.

Once the assembly is off, you can remove the motor by loosening it with a Phillips head screwdriver and then screw it into the hole where the light kit fitter was placed previously.

You might be thinking of painting an accent wall with ceiling fans. Then have a look at this guide to painting accent walls in your home.

Afterward, use your drill to firmly fasten those screws halfway in place before tightening them onto their corresponding threads for a stable fit.

That will stand up to anything trying to get through any elements coming through your window!

Remove the fan blades

Begin by removing each blade from the motor housing. They will most likely come off together.

But if that does not happen a gentle tap of your hand might be needed to loosen them up enough so they can slide out from the center shaft.

Keep each blade and its corresponding bracket separated for now and set them along with their screws aside for a moment.

So you can find a space for them all under or near the fan housing assembly where there are no small children or wild blades about.

Removing the canopy

Unscrew the screws holding the canopy in place. Slide the canopy down, disconnect the wiring and remove it from your ceiling.

Now that you’ve done that, you can remove your ceiling fan from its position on top of your ceiling.

Leaving behind only its mounting bracket mounted to the outer framework of your ceiling.

Start disassembling the body of the fan

From the ground up, start disassembling each of the fan’s components.

Once you have access to them, place them on a tarp or newspaper in your work area until you get a chance to paint them later.

When you’re finished with this step, continue onto the following one–remove each blade from its bracket before moving on even further by getting inside.

And removing any screws that may be holding things together. Follow that up with installing the screws into their respective spaces.

Clean the fan properly

Cleaning the fan can seem a bit confusing at first, but it’s an easy job that you could easily do yourself.

It’s important to remove dust and dirt from the blades, along with mildew or general build-up for a sleek finish.

It’s best to use a multi-purpose cleaner and water. If the paint is your preference then make sure it’s only on dormant parts of the fan casing.

Such as corners or sides to avoid overspill since dry time will be lengthy.

Let it dry in the open air or wipe it with a cloth before using. It’s wise to have your fan in fine condition before painting.

Any particles of dirt carried by paint fumes will clog fans which may lead them to work incorrectly so ensure all parts are free from dust and debris beforehand.

Sand the fan for the spray painting process

It’s not necessary to strip the blades, but if you want your blades to look as clean and beautiful as possible after sanding, it’s a good idea.

If your fan is new, you may want to leave this part out.

To make this task quicker and easier, consider using 120-grit sandpaper to get rid of any leftover dirt or grime that may be left on your fan blades.

This will make the remaining steps go smoother because you won’t have residue building up on other materials that can be stubborn.

After removing all remnants of residue from the blades with a clean cloth, use a bit of water.

And soap on the rag in order to give the parts an extra bit of cleaning – this will help them dry much faster (if needed).

Prime the fan before spray painting

There are a couple of important steps in preparing your fan for painting that you want to make sure you follow so that your finished project has an awesome, professional finish.

The first step is to spray the hardware and blades of your ceiling fan with white primer using spray paint designed for metal.

Preferably in a light breeze or air-conditioned room because this stuff gets messy fast.

spray painting ceiling fan

This will ensure the best finish on the metal and make your color coat last longer, look brighter and prevent rust from damp metal. If you’re working with bare wood, paint it white too.

Now start spraying the ceiling fan with spray paint

The white-colored primer is dry now, so we can start painting the blades first.

It’s best to use spray paint because it dries faster and is easier to work with but you have a choice (it’s not mandatory).

The trick here is that you need to get your can 6–8 inches (15.2–20.3 cm) away from the parts before letting it loose.

You should make an even coat at least by moving your nozzle in a side-to-side motion.

The color of the paint that you use depends on what you like but if you are looking for something neutral, then white or grey would look nice.

If you want something more unorthodox then try painting this part in green or blue – as long as these colors fit into the overall decor of your room!

People also tend to like different shades of metallic finish like copper or nickel for example.

With these finishes, your ceiling fan will become more modern looking and thus match just about any interior design style possible.

When the first coat of paint is dry, another coat should be applied to all parts. Let it dry, and inspect for missed areas or lines that need extra work.

If only a small section was missed, we gently suggest going in with a permanent marker to touch up the area if necessary.

Reassemble your fan

Now Go ahead with putting the rod down again, tightening the also placed off to the side screws (Elinor is right – it’s handy dandy!).

Let go of the cover at the top and then again start putting everything back together in reverse order.

Don’t forget to connect to wires and make sure nothing moves while fixing your home fan.

Installing a ceiling fan will surely be an exciting experience in the comfort of your home.

With many advantages ranging from decreased energy bills to improved aesthetics, installing a ceiling fan is truly an investment well worth making for your family.

Secure each blade to the housing by making sure all of the screws are in place. Don’t over-tighten them.

This is just a procedural thing, and the only way to ensure that your power tools are equipped to handle assemblies and fittings properly.

If your ceiling fan has a light kit, you’ll need to re-install the pull chains.

After completing this task, you’ll be able to test if the installation works by pulling the chains and seeing if it turns on the light.

If so, great! Otherwise, you’ll have to retrace your steps and see if you made any mistakes when removing the old chains.

How do you spray paint a ceiling fan without removing it?

To spray paint a ceiling fan without removing it, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Turn off the power to the fan by flipping the switch or circuit breaker.
  • Cover the light bulbs and any other parts you don’t want to paint with masking tape or plastic sheeting.
  • Clean the blades and the other parts of the fan to be painted with a degreaser or soapy water to remove any dust or grime.
  • Use a spray paint made for metal surfaces and shake it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Hold the can 6-8 inches away from the fan and apply the paint in a sweeping motion, making sure to cover all parts of the fan evenly.
  • Allow the paint to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s drying time instructions.
  • Once the paint is dry, remove the masking tape and plastic sheeting.
  • Turn the power back on and test the fan to make sure it works properly before using it.

It’s important to use paint made for metal surfaces and to also be cautious of overspray as it can get on surrounding surfaces.

What is the best way to paint ceiling fan blades?

The best way to paint ceiling fan blades is to remove the blades from the fan and paint them on a flat surface such as a workbench or a drop cloth.

This allows you to paint both sides of the blades evenly and avoid drips and runs. Here’s a step-by-step process:

  • Turn off the power to the fan by flipping the switch or circuit breaker.
  • Remove the blades from the fan by unscrewing the mounting screws or by releasing the clips that hold the blades in place.
  • Clean the blades with a degreaser or soapy water to remove any dust or grime.
  • Sand the blades lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and help the paint adhere better.
  • Apply a coat of primer specifically designed for metal surfaces, and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Apply the paint, using a paintbrush or roller for larger surfaces and a small foam roller for tight spaces. Make sure to apply the paint in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
  • Once the paint is dry, reattach the blades to the fan and turn the power back on to test the fan.

It’s important to use paint specifically made for metal surfaces and to also be cautious of overspray as it can get on surrounding surfaces.

Also, be sure to paint in a well-ventilated area and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a mask.

Can you spray paint a ceiling fan metal?

Yes, it is possible to spray paint a metal ceiling fan. However, before doing so, it is important to thoroughly clean the fan and remove any dust or debris.

It’s also important to use paint that is suitable for metal surfaces and to apply the paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips and runs.

Additionally, it is recommended to use spray paint specifically designed for metal surfaces and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.


FAQ’s of How to spray paint ceiling fan

Most fans are painted with interior latex paint, though some may use oil-based paint. A solid color paint or paint with a slight sheen is ideal. Avoid metallic or pearlescent paints. Metal blades will collect the paint as it runs down the blades, and it may flake off onto your ceiling.

Yes, you can. But I have one word of caution: Please be careful while applying chalk paint on blades, top and bottom of the fan. The ceiling fan blades are made up of wood, and wood absorbs paint, which makes it a little difficult for you to get a smooth finish. You can use sandpaper to smoothen the paint. After 2 to 3 coats of chalk paint, you can also use varnish to make it feel like natural wood. You can use any kind of paint to paint the ceiling fan as long as you apply it in thin coats and let it dry between each coat.

Yes, you can spray paint a plastic fan by using alcohol. First, you will have to ensure that it is cleaned properly. So, you will have to spray some alcohol on a cloth and clean it thoroughly. Then, apply some primer after cleaning it. Let it dry out. Then apply several coats of spray paint.

Whitewashing your blades will help to prevent rust buildup and preserve their color. Whitewashing is easy to do and only takes a few minutes in the evening. All you need is a bucket, a spray bottle, and water. The first step is to fill up a bucket with a half-gallon of water. Next, pour in the amount of metal polish that the directions recommend. Then, add in the number of metal cleaning pads the package recommends. Lastly, drop your fan blades into the bucket. Now you can use the metal pads to rub down your blades. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water for a lighter touch. After you have scrubbed all the blades, take them out of the bucket and use a rag to dry them off.

Summary of How to spray paint ceiling fan

Here it is guys! The complete step-by-step guide on how to spray paint your home ceiling fans your own self at home without making any issues.

Don’t worry if you didn’t understand any step explained in this guide just let me know in the comments section and I will be here in no time.

Newbies should not miss any point explained in this guide or else they may mess up the surface of the fan while painting.

Once you’ve installed the ceiling fan, turn on the power and check to make sure the blades are turning properly.

Once that happens, take a look at that ceiling fan! You did it! Sometimes installing a new ceiling fan seems intimidating, but with these easy steps, it’s something almost anyone can do…

Even on their own! If you still have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our experts who knows everything there is to know about fans.

And if you got this far without giving up, then good luck out there – we hope your home gets cool real soon!

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.

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