I'm a Big Fan

19 long years ago, I decorated our master bedroom in burgundy and hunter green. It was 1991, people, don't judge me unless you were there. I chose a stunning brass ceiling fan with red blades. It was bold and very out there.

The problem is, it's still IN there. It still worked, so how could I justify replacing it with so many other expenses? 

Our room is also horribly neglected. It's been largely storage for the past year, which I'm about to remedy big time, but we'll start here:

 

Let me know when you're done gagging and we'll get on this.

First, for God's sake clean this monstrosity.

Take it apart as you go. Quick tip: if this is your first time disassembling a piece, jot down reverse assembly instructions for yourself. This is a good idea if a project is a little complicated. 

Make sure all the parts are dust and grime free.

Clean the fan blades as well.

 Now comes the fun part. Say good-bye to this brassy mess.

First, prime the blades and allow that to dry. Then give them 2 light coats of gloss white.

Now, meet your new best friend, Rub 'n Buff. I procured mine on line at Art Supplies Wholesale

for $2.87 a tube, and after doing this whole fan, there's a tiny dent in the tube! That's it! It was seriously economical, like under $1. I used the Silver Leaf for this project.

The product is also ridiculously simple to use. You smear it on with your finger. And it washes off of skin with soap and water.

Savannah said it was as much fun as finger painting.

 It dries almost immediately, so we were done in a half hour!

Next, we just took a paper towel to buff up the shine.

Touch up any small details with a Q-tip, then reassemble the fan.

 Hang your baby back where she belongs.

What did that look like 2 hours ago?

 

And now?

I also strung aqua ribbon on the broken fan pulls and then tied seashells to them.

The shells were already broken and not usable for display, so they were the perfect finishing touch for this.

The finish is so smooth and  looks like brushed nickel. I could not have gotten this result with spray paint *gasp!*

So, got a fan you'd like to love again?

Or something cool but in the wrong metal?

This whole project came it at less than $3 with paint.