You are right. Moderate pressure to move, as in gravity is not enough to move them when turned so as to see if it will, but JUST tight enough that it won't is how it comes from the box.
I'n not experienced enough to provid eadvice on the blades but this : I'd imagine any paint is probably to heavy, and I have kept mine looking good by using Ultracote or any other iron -on covering. It's been fine so far. Doug