How to update an old tabletop Fan
INSIDE : Learn how to take an old oscillating fan and give it a fresh new modern look. Tips for how to update an old fan that you’ll want to keep in your home forever!
This post contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure.
Sometimes it is the littlest things than can really perk up your room. I inherited this old fan when I got married and am pretty sure it was used by my husband’s family for numerous years! Today, I am sharing How to Update an old Fan and give it a new look and feel.
This fan had been sitting in our bedroom, unused and it was dusty, gross and old.
I decided it needed some cleaning up and while I was cleaning, thought… I could totally paint this guy and make him nice to look at! So, I did.
What supplies do I need to update an old fan?
How to easily update an old fan
To update this fan, first I was able to take off the front face with this knobs. Then I wrapped the inside parts of the fan, as well as the remainder of the fan base and cord in aluminum foil to protect it from spray paint.
Ever wonder what a fan basically wrapped in foil looks like? Ha, now you know.
I gave the fan cage a few coats of my very favorite gold spray paint. I had planned to paint the fan blades, but I could not get them to come off easily – so they stayed as is.
Gold Fan
Next, I unwrapped the fan base and then wrapped the fan cage with my aluminum foil. I waited until it was completely dry, so there were a few hours of in-between time here.
I used a flat white spray paint for the fan base and although it is hard to tell a huge difference in the picture, it made a big difference. I painted the ugly brown stripes, the logo, the high/low button, all of it. I love how it all turned out.
Spray painting an electrical cord
Then, I covered the whole fan and gave the electrical cord some gold love. It went from a dark gray to a bronze gold color.
A few simple screws to reassemble and he was done! This fan now looks clean, simple and oh so much better.
How to clean an oscillating fan
In general, oscillating fans can get really dirty over time. Sometimes you can see in the fan cage that there is dust and grime that collect on the blades. It’s a good idea every few months to clean off your fan and here are the best tips to do that.
Start by always unplugging your fan for safety reasons. Using a microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment to dust off the blades.
If your fan has lots of grime, mix dish soap with warm water. Dampen a cloth, not soaking, and wipe the fan and blades.
For a really dirty fan, remove the front grate and wash it in the sink with soapy water.
Finally, dry everything thoroughly before reassembling the fan and plugging it back in.
As I said, sometimes its the simple things that bring us joy and this simple fan is now my favorite.
If you loved this simple update, then you will love these also…
- How to easily update a Glass Base Lamp
- How to create Easy Painted Luggage
- Desk Lamp Update
- Create a simple Decorative Mirror
Looking for other beautiful gold leafing project ideas? Check these out.
I PROMISE you that i am doing this within the week. I have three metal , black fans that i use all the time and they are going to be silver, and gold and ??? the other one. Never thought of this. You are a genius. I cant wait.
Oh so fun, Victoria! I’d love to see pictures of how they turn out. I used my fan for a few more years and finally it just completely stopped working. But oh I loved it’s new clean modern look!
I got 3 really old fans ‘vintage” form grandma when she passed away. I thought they were so much more appealing than the new techno one’s, so I kept them. But wait!!! A way to love the look & vintage style & also give them a little newly done “WOW” Now that’s my next project. Thanks for such wonderful inspiration & a way to keep grandma’s fan’s going through another generation!
I love gold paint! But I’ve not had much luck with it staying gold looking.
Exactly what kind of gold paint did you use? I’m very excited about painting two small desk fans that have rust spots. You are one clever crafter! Can’t wait for more ideas from you!! <3
Sandra: Oh my very favorite gold paint is Rustoleum! I use it on all of my projects and haven’t had any issue. I’ve added a link in the post for your ease.
What do you mean by adding “gold love”?
I just meant, I painted the fan with gold spray paint. 😉
Making this today! Thanks for the idea 🙂 Simple & easy…my kind of projects!
Ah, how cool! Send a picture along, I’d love to see how it turns out!! [email protected]