This little fan was a dumpster save, and a quick filler project in between these larger furniture restoration projects I’ve been working on from my grandmother’s home. Like, real quick, from 24 hours start-to-finish quick. Here’s how I made this midcentury junk fan into a modern industrial accent piece.
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This little guy hadn’t worked in probably decades, and was rusted pretty badly in some spots. My friend Sarah, who sparked my newfound appreciation for “old things” was ready to toss it, resigned she would never take the time to do anything with it. This particular model, a McGraw Edison Eskimo 10″ Oscillating Fan Model 101004, is from the 1950s-1960s, and goes for anywhere from $15 to $285 on eBay in good working condition. So, I don’t feel at all guilty for what I did to it, knowing it wasn’t even working.
First thing I did was take it apart and cut the wiring, especially the long stupid cord that would never be plugged into a wall again. I didn’t remove the motor (I’m too lazy for that mess). Then I gave it a quick sanding, blew off the rusty dust, and wiped it down with alcohol. And then I painted it with my favorite outdoor textured paint, Rust-Oleum 7220830 Textured Spray Paint, 12 oz, Black. Spraying several coats, I still used less than one full can. This paint is very forgiving on surfaces that have already sustained rust and/or are imperfect to begin with.
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And he’s done! I have plans to display him atop my 1920s Hoosier cabinet once I restore it, so for now he’s in our bedroom just sitting there looking all cute and stuff. What do you think?
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