I have a quick and simple spray paint project to share with you today. Neutral colored fans can be so boring. This customized painted plastic fan is perfect for back to school or someone who is wanting to match their favorite color in their décor.
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I have two boring white clip on fans similar to this convertible desk and clip fan on Amazon. When it’s really hot and humid, having a small fan to stir the air really makes a difference. I thought, why not change up the plastic white fans with a fun new color for the camper. Spray painting a plastic fan to get a custom color is much easier than it sounds and perfect for a dorm room or small apartment.
All you need to do is inspect your electric fan to see how the guard is secured. This one had some small tabs there were easy to push on to disengage them.
Dismantle Plastic Fan
After you remove the guard, look to see how the blades are attached. These fan blades were simple to remove from their housing. All I had to do was to tug on the blades to remove them from the pin. Notice the air holes under the pin.
Spray Paint Plastic Fan using Light Coats
The Small Spray Shelter from Homeright was perfect for this quick spray paint job. I used clamps on the front and back to hold it onto my work table. I prefer not working on a spray paint project on the ground.
Follow the directions on your can as far as dry time. All brands are different on the window of opportunity of coverage. On some, it’s within 20 minutes or after 24 HOURS. I don’t want you to have to wait that long to finish your project. This paint is Sea Glass by Krylon.
I sprayed all the pieces on one side, let it dry then shifted them to get the opposite sides. You can see I wrapped the white cord in a baggie. I secured the baggie with painter’s tape.
Cover air intake holes of fan with painter's tape
There were a couple of intake areas (for air). I chose to tape those up so I could get a good coverage of a base coat.
The small fan blades worked best resting on the lid of the spray paint can. I was able to keep the baggie (cord) from resting on the fan.
Here you can see where I taped off the air intake. I removed the tape and carefully shot the spray paint from the side with a light coat to keep it from getting on the motor. Continue doing the other air intake holes the same way.
Use caution when spraying paint around fan motor
These air intake slots were also taped, then sprayed lightly from the side.
A small portion of the cord received some spray paint by accident. I suppose you could paint the cord as well if you desire.
Pretty spray painted plastic fan
I seriously LOVE the new Sea Glass color-who knew you could change up a plastic fan so easily with spray paint?
You should pin this to share it with your friends, then you’ll have the tutorial handy when you are ready to tackle this project.
How to spray paint a Box Fan
Click here to Pin this for later!
- Dismantle Box Fan
- Use Painter's Tape to Cover Motor (stuff cord into plastic baggie)
- Paint Fan's Grills and Blades with Modern White
- Paint Box Fan Sea Glass by Krylon
- Reassemble Box Fan
Here's the new box fan resting on the newly painted outdoor rug.
You can also paint a plastic frame.
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Susan
I bought this fan in black after seeing it on your video. I clipped it to my treadmill. No need for paint because the treadmill is black and the fan is perfect! Thanks for the recommendation!
Gail Wilson
Happy the fan helped you Susan! I have four, but who's counting? LOL
gail
Jennie
Thatās really cute. Perfect for Linna Pearl. I think you probably voided the warranty. š