Repurposed Shell Oil Canister Turned Shell Lamp

Rocky
by Rocky
2 Materials
This lamp was originally my Gulf Oil Canister re purposed lamp until i could locate an Shell Canister to match the light fixture. While at the Dixie Gas and Oil Show i found one just like i was searching for.
First i disassembled the Gulf Lamp and prepared the Shell canister to fit the light fixture.
The original light found at my local Habitat Resale a few weeks earlier. When I found this light i knew if I could find an shell canister would be perfect one of a kind lamp. So I started my search.
Walking around at the Dixie Gas and Oil Show i came across the exact Shell Can i was looking for and it happened to be the only one at the entire show.
Shell Canister prior to clean up. For cleaning i used linseed oil and then added two coats of Semi Gloss Poly.
Next i assembled the light fixture and fitted the goose-neck to the spout with locking hardware which was already on the light fixture.
Prior to painting to match the canister i applied two coats of Kilz Odorless Primer.
Tapped hole in the back side of the canister to run the wires thru. I found an rubber grommet to fit the hole to protect the wires.
I was able to use the wiring from the original light fixture and it was the perfect length for what i needed.
Searched several stores and finally found this color that seemed to match very close.
Shell shade after 4 coats of paint and 2 coats of Semi Gloss Poly
Finished product. I am very happy with the outcome. What are the odds of finding an random lamp and then an oil canister match as meant to be together combined into one awesome light
Suggested materials:
  • 1960s shell 5 gallon oil canister   (Dixie Gas and Oil Show)
  • Kilz odorless Primer   (Lowes)
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  1 question
  • Nancy Oden Nancy Oden on May 02, 2016
    Does the gas tank smell like gas..how would u eliminate that I wonder?
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 3 comments
  • Hannah V Hannah V on Apr 29, 2016
    This turned out so cool! Great upcycle!
  • Nancy Oden Nancy Oden on May 02, 2016
    well its just as cute as it can be...what a great idea for a boy's room, a mancave...etc etc....My husband loves cars and it would look great in his room we installed in the attic over the garage....black and white floors...pictures of all his old and favorite cars...even a 1955 chev..his favorite and Im sure ill be telling our age when I say he had it in the 1950s..lol...keep up the good work..I love to see the unique things people come up with..
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