A ceiling fan is a crucial part of any home as they circulate air and keep your rooms at a specific temperature. While most ceiling fans are designed to last for an average of 20 years, some may give out with consistent use. When this happens, you may notice that the paint is chipping off, and scratches appear.
Yes, you can paint a ceiling fan using specific types of paints. Painting your ceiling fan can provide a newer appearance. However, you’ll need specific types of paints such as enamelled spray paint, primers, and brush-on paints
Don’t fret, as this is perfectly normal for most homeowners. If you didn’t get a top-tier ceiling fan, then there is a high chance that you’ll need to do some touch-ups. So, if you’re wondering, can you paint a ceiling fan? Yes, you’ll be able to paint and retouch your fan to get rid of the outdated look to improve its appearance using the proper materials.
Table Of Contents
How to Paint a Ceiling Fan Without Taking it Down?
If you don’t have the equipment or lack the knowledge to unwire and remove the ceiling fan, you should just remove the fan blades instead.
Of course, this means that you’ll likely have a hard time if you need to paint the fan’s main body. However, if you’re repainting the ceiling fans, this is a good alternative.
On some ceiling fan models, the main body has a cover that can be removed. If your model does, you can unbolt it, take it down, and spray paint it. However, not all models allow you to do this, so be careful you don’t damage it in the process.
Once you have all of the blades and the main body cover down from the fan, you can take the materials outside and spray them. Make sure that you spray both sides of the fan and that the colors match.
Since you aren’t taking down the ceiling fan’s main body, use a color that either matches or compliments the color. This way, your ceiling fan won’t look like it’s too out of place.
Read our guide about what color ceiling fan you should have.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Ceiling Fan Blades?
The type of paint you use will be highly dependent on what you want the end result to look like. Generally, you’ll want to use high-quality enamel spray paint for the fan blades. The reason for this is because enamel paint will dry hard. What this does is help provide a durable, long-lasting finish.
You may want to ask yourself the following questions before starting:
- Are you matching the paint to the original color?
- Do you want to redo the color completely?
- Do you want a finishing spray to help prevent it from deteriorating?
- Do you need any weatherproof coatings?
- Etc.
Depending on what you need, you’ll use a wide range of different paints. The most important are as followed:
- Semi-gloss primer
- Glossy or enamelled paint spray
- Gloss brush-on paint
The semi-gloss primer helps ensure that the newly applied paint will stick to the materials evenly. Using a thin layer of semi-glossy primer will create a ‘new’ effect similar to other ceiling fans.
As for the glass paint spray, you can get any color you like. This will be the main color that you want to use on the ceiling fan blades. You can apply this after the primer has finished drying.
Lastly, the gloss paint gives a slick and contemporary look. Of course, this isn’t required if you’re touching up your ceiling fan. However, it can help liven up an old piece of furniture and adds a reflective appearance.
Can you Paint the Metal on a Ceiling Fan?
Yes, you’ll be able to paint the metal body of a ceiling fan using spray paint.
The ceiling fan’s main body often uses metallic colors, so it’s best to find enamelled spray paint in that range. If you can’t, then you may have to go with the next best color.
Remember, the main body of a ceiling fan adds much ambiance to a room. If you’re choosing to paint it a new color, make sure that it matches the room’s style. That way, you can add a complementary color to the room.
How to Paint Ceiling Fan Globes
If your ceiling fan has a lighting kit, you can also repaint the ceiling fan globes. Similar to other household electronics, a ceiling fan globe can become dirty and dingy over repeated use. Maintenance and cleaning can help prevent this, but sometimes it may be better to touch up the globes for a refreshed look.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to paint your ceiling fan globes:
Step 1
Before you start, put down two to three layers of newspaper underneath where you’re working. Make sure that it’s laid on a proper flat surface. Additionally, make sure that there are enough newspapers to prevent paint from sinking through onto the flat surface.
Step 2
Observe the globes on the ceiling fan. Most twist off, but each model is different. Look for screws that may be needed to take off the globe.
Step 3
Set the globe onto the newspapers and spray it down using a glass cleaner while using latex gloves. This will help get rid of any dirt or grime that has been building on the exterior. Spray on the glass cleaner and wait a few minutes.
Step 4
After that, go ahead and wipe down the globe with a damp towel using warm water. Dry the globe by wiping it down with a fresh dry towel.
Step 5
Once the globe is dry, then set it upright on the newspapers.
Step 6
Grab your high-temperature spray paint can and position it at least 4 inches from the globe. From there, press down on the spray can and spray paint your globe evenly. Allow the spray to sit for at least 10 minutes before applying a second coat.
Step 7
Let the globe sit on the newspaper until it has completely dried. Once it’s dried, then you can move it and put it back onto your light fixture.
Conclusion
Painting your ceiling fan can change up its aesthetic and also improve its exterior. Over time, a ceiling fan may be prone to chipped paint and scratches. Repainting your ceiling fan is your next best option when it comes to improving how it looks.
Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand a bit more about how to do just that. As long as you follow our tips, you’ll be able to repaint your ceiling fan without much of a hassle successfully.
