Step 1

Step 1- Remove Blades & ShadesLoosen the nuts and remove the old glass light shades and bulbs so you can get to the body of the fan easier. Next, using a screw driver or drill with the appropriate bit, back the screws out and remove each blade arm from the fan body. Then flip each blade over and remove the screws that hold the arm in place. Wipe down each blade with a damp paper towel to remove dust. We will use the reverse side of these fan blades, which are white.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 1

Step 1- Remove Blades & ShadesLoosen the nuts and remove the old glass light shades and bulbs so you can get to the body of the fan easier. Next, using a screw driver or drill with the appropriate bit, back the screws out and remove each blade arm from the fan body. Then flip each blade over and remove the screws that hold the arm in place. Wipe down each blade with a damp paper towel to remove dust. We will use the reverse side of these fan blades, which are white.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 2

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 1

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 2

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Remove Blades and Shades

Loosen the nuts and remove the old glass light shades and bulbs so you can get to the body of the fan easier. Next, remove screws and each blade arm from the fan body using a screwdriver or drill (Image 1). Flip each blade over and remove the screws that hold the arm in place (Image 2). Wipe down each blade with a damp paper towel to remove dust. 

Step 2

Tomas Espinoza

Image 2

Tomas Espinoza

Image 1

Step 3- Add Decorative TapeCraft stores sell a variety of decorative and washi tape in coordinating sets so even if you don’t have an “eye” for mixing and matching patterns, it’s easy to find a good looking combination packaged together. Place first piece of tape across the blade, aligning the edges of the tape where the painters tape was previously- this will help hide any imperfections if the paint line isn’t super crisp. Don’t get too heavy handed with the tape, as too much additional weight on the blades can throw the fan out of balance. PRO TIP- Washi tape, in particular, will look bolder with a WHITE background, so keep that in mind.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 3

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 2

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 1

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 3

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Paint Blades

Wrap the tip of each blade in painter's tape, then drop down a few inches and wrap the blade again so you end up with a white stripe near the middle of the blade. Make a note of the location and thickness of the tape strips so you can replicate your design on the other blades (Images 1 and 2). Spray paint each blade using a light, sweeping motion (Image 3). After a few minutes, gently remove the painter's tape from each blade.

Step 3

Step 3- Add Decorative TapeCraft stores sell a variety of decorative and washi tape in coordinating sets so even if you don’t have an “eye” for mixing and matching patterns, it’s easy to find a good looking combination packaged together. Place first piece of tape across the blade, aligning the edges of the tape where the painters tape was previously- this will help hide any imperfections if the paint line isn’t super crisp. Don’t get too heavy handed with the tape, as too much additional weight on the blades can throw the fan out of balance. PRO TIP- Washi tape, in particular, will look bolder with a WHITE background, so keep that in mind.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 1

Step 3- Add Decorative TapeCraft stores sell a variety of decorative and washi tape in coordinating sets so even if you don’t have an “eye” for mixing and matching patterns, it’s easy to find a good looking combination packaged together. Place first piece of tape across the blade, aligning the edges of the tape where the painters tape was previously- this will help hide any imperfections if the paint line isn’t super crisp. Don’t get too heavy handed with the tape, as too much additional weight on the blades can throw the fan out of balance. PRO TIP- Washi tape, in particular, will look bolder with a WHITE background, so keep that in mind.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 2

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 1

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 2

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Add Decorative Tape

Pick up a few sets of decorative tape that are packaged together, or pick your own patterns and colors. Place the first piece of tape across the blade, aligning the edges of the tape where the painter's tape previously was. This will help hide any imperfections if the paint line isn't super crisp. Add more strips of painter's tape, but don't get too heavy handed as too much additional weight on the blades can throw the fan out of balance. Cut slits in the tape when you reach the curved end of the blade, and tuck under (Image 2). 

Step 4

Step 4- Re-install Blades & NEW ShadesOnce all blades are updated, reinstall each blade arm onto each blade, then secure the blade arm to the fan body using a screwdriver or drill. If using a drill, go slow and be careful to not strip any of the screws. Add new shades, too if your old ones were looking dated.

Tomas Espinoza

Step 4- Re-install Blades & NEW ShadesOnce all blades are updated, reinstall each blade arm onto each blade, then secure the blade arm to the fan body using a screwdriver or drill. If using a drill, go slow and be careful to not strip any of the screws. Add new shades, too if your old ones were looking dated.

Tomas Espinoza

Image 2

Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 1

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Image 2

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Updating a Ceiling Fan

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Re-Install Blades and Shades

Re-install each blade arm onto each blade, then secure the blade arm to the fan body using a screwdriver or drill (Image 1). If using a drill, go slow and be careful to not strip any of the screws. Replace the shades or install new ones with a screwdriver (Image 2).