Painting - Spray Painting a Ceiling Fan

Hello,

My question is this. I want to paint the metal parts of my ceiling fan. It currently has a polished brass finish and I'd like to make it an antique brass finish. Any suggestions as to what to/not to do so that it will come out right and stay right?!

Tell me what you mean by an antique brass finish.

Hello for2nutmama, antique brass finish is a VERY popular treatment in my area. Regardless of the method you use to apply the finish the main goal is to dull or otherwise prepare the bright brass. You may be able to break the shine and possibly not. The first thing I would do is soak the parts in paint stripper to remove any lacquer that may be on them. Try sanding them with 220 grit sandpaper to cut the finish. If that doesn't work at least the parts will be clean enough to accept paint. In that the fan parts will not be handled beyond the install a good imitation antique brass aerosol should stay on pretty well.....Mike

If you get the lacquer off, you can use brass darkening solution to get the antique effect. You can order it here:


http://www.historichouseparts.com/paints_&_chemicals.asp

Well, according to a retailer, it has what is called a "polished" brass finish...really shiny...and I wanted to take down the shine to give it what they call an "antique" brass look.
I was debating whether to be bothered trying to do it myself like when I see furniture hardware and lamps sprayed on TV shows or just go get a new fan.
I came across a link to DIY that told how to "spruce up a chandelier". They took an old chandelier, removed the glassware, cleaned it then roughed it up with steal wool/wipe clean with tack cloth. Then use painter's tape to mask any unpainted areas before spraying a primer on. Then spray on a top coat of color. After drying, follow up with a dry brush of accent color (acrylic). I really couldn't find any how to's for a ceiling fan. I was wondering if the fact that it's motor could heat up would cause peeling and flaking of the new paint.
I hope I've explained my dillemma.

Thanks!

Thanks for all the great suggestions! :)