[SOLVED] Painting a Noctua a12x25? (frame only)

[MoreMoneyThanSense]

Up-front disclaimer: I am aware of the Chromax and Redux lines that are black/gray respectively -- but none of them have the performance of the a12x25, so I'm trying to stick with these for now. I am also aware that there are Chromax versions of the a12x25 within the next 9 months or so, but I can't wait that long.

Moving on:

I really dislike the light tan frame of the Noctua a12x25 PWM. I can live with the brown fins, but that tan frame... gotta go.

However, I am unsure how to best change or modify its color. Would spray paint suffice? Would it interfere with that small 0.5mm clearance between the fan tip and frame? Is there another way to color the frame in a way that won't mess with the fan itself?

 

[Phaaze88]

FAQ: Can I paint my Noctua fan in order to change its color?

Since even small variations in the layer of paint can lead to an imbalance of the impeller, resulting in vibrations, higher noise levels, increased stress on the bearing and thus reduced lifespan, we do not recommend painting the fan. Please note that for the reasons stated above, painting the...

noctua.at

Looks like it USED to be possible: https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/535721-painting-noctua-fans-a-guide/
Unfortunately:
"This won't work with the newer models as they have a lockring at the rear side of the bearing. You can hardly take the impeller out without breaking it."

If you can't wait: https://noctua.at/en/products/fan/industrial
Yes, they do get loud, but what fan DOESN'T get loud at over 1500rpm?
The option stands to cap the fan speed in bios.

 

[MoreMoneyThanSense]

FAQ: Can I paint my Noctua fan in order to change its color?

Since even small variations in the layer of paint can lead to an imbalance of the impeller, resulting in vibrations, higher noise levels, increased stress on the bearing and thus reduced lifespan, we do not recommend painting the fan. Please note that for the reasons stated above, painting the...

noctua.at

Looks like it USED to be possible: https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/535721-painting-noctua-fans-a-guide/
Unfortunately:
"This won't work with the newer models as they have a lockring at the rear side of the bearing. You can hardly take the impeller out without breaking it."

If you can't wait: https://noctua.at/en/products/fan/industrial
Yes, they do get loud, but what fan DOESN'T get loud at over 1500rpm?
The option stands to cap the fan speed in bios.

I mean I figure I can always just wrap the fan itself with plastic wrap to protect it while I paint the rest of the frame, I just don't know what painting method is appropriate

 

[Phaaze88]

I'm also not sure, and don't think it's worth the hassle.
If you slip up and actually get paint inside the fan motor, you're boned.
There's a reason Noctua put that lock in there... it's too bad they're taking so long to adopt multiple Chromax Black products.

 

[MoreMoneyThanSense]

But surely I can spray paint just the outside after taping / wrapping the rest?

 

[Phaaze88]

Sure you can... just seal off that gap in the back, as you can't afford to get any paint inside the impeller.
It'd be hella easy if you could take it all apart, but Noctua put in a countermeasure with that lockring.