Make: Modern Lamp Makeover

While browsing Target, I noticed brightly colored lamps bases were “in.”  Except, no way will I pay $50 (+30 for shade) for a plastic lamp.  This caused my mind to whirl.  I suddenly wanted a new modern lamp for my home, so what’s a girl to do?  I left Target and headed to my friendly, neighborhood Thrift Store where I purchased a 1980s brass lamp with a drum shade for….. $8.  Then, I stopped at my big box store and purchased a lovely shade of green spray paint.  Make sure your spray paint works with metal.  Mine cost less than $5.

My cost for this project – $13, as I already had the sanding sponge, tape and fabric for the shade.

Here are the supplies you will need for this project:

• Brass or metal lamp
• spray paint – I used Krylon Gloss in Ivy Leaf
• Cleaning cloth with warm soapy water
• Sanding Sponge
• Masking or Painter’s tape
• Newspaper

1. Clean your lamp.  I washed mine down with warm soapy water and a damp cloth.  You want to remove all traces of dirt and/or oil.

2. Afterwards, break out your sanding sponge (you have one, right?) and start sanding.  Make sure to get all the nooks and crevices.  You want your paint to stick, right?  You only need to take the shine off and rough up the surface.  Believe me, it is not as much work as it sounds!

3.  Wrap newspaper around the cord and lamp socket, then wrap with tape to secure.  I was very careful to cover all the areas I wanted protected from paint, but not to cover areas I wanted to paint.  Spend a little extra time when you apply the tape to the edges.  It will make your project look more professional.

4.  Wash your lamp again, to remove any oil from your hands.  From this point forward, only handle by the bottom and the taped up socket.  Do not touch the brass.

In the picture below notice how the shine is removed from my lamp and the surface looks scratchy and dull.  That is what you want!

5.  Take your lamp outside on a windless day (far away from your car… don’t ask my why) and apply a coat of paint.  Don’t hold the can too close or you will get drips.

6.  Come inside and set your timer for 20 minutes.  When the buzzer rings, paint another coat.

7.  Again, come inside and set your timer for 20 minutes.  When the buzzer rings, turn your lamp upside down (only touch the sockets and the bottom – not the metal!!!)  and apply the last coat.  You will probably see many spots you missed on the first two coats.  Carefully, turn your lamp right side up to dry.

8.  Come inside and set your timer for 20 minutes.

9.  Now inspect your lamp.  Even though your lamp is dry to the touch, don’t touch it.  If your lamp needs another coat, you don’t want to transfer any oils from your hands.

10.  If needed, apply a last coat.  My lamp did not need an additional coat of spray paint.  Three coats covered the brass nicely and left a nice, bright shiny sheen.

11.  Bring your lamp inside and let it sit (cure) for 24 hours.  Don’t touch the painted surface yet!!!!  No reason to possibly mar your beautiful painted surface!!!

12.  I used the 24 curing period to re-cover my shade.  I used this tutorial – http://lovelynestdesigns.com/2011/07/20/tutorial-re-cover-a-lamp-shade-revamp-your-lamp/ and some Ikea fabric I purchased in the fall when I went to Orlando.

12.  After curing the paint for 24 hours, remove the tape and newspaper.  Stand back and admire your handiwork.  Congratulations!!!!

If you redo a lamp, please share a picture.  I would love to see your work!!