Painting a chandelier

by Martinigal

Answered

I want to change this from silver to bronze. I'm trying to avoid spray paint.Any suggestions. I'm replacing the light blue shades with deep red.

q panting a chandelier, how to, lighting, painting

3 answers

Lisa Wood on Mar 08, 2015
I've sponged paint on fixtures before, then sealed it with a coat of poly. The projects turned out great.

Helpful Reply
- See 5 previous
- Martinigal on Mar 08, 2015
  @Lisa Wood Thanks so much Lisa! So instead of using a brush (would think it would cause brush lines), you used a sponge? Any alternative to spraying it is so welcome.
  
  Helpful
- Lisa Wood on Mar 08, 2015
  @Martinigal Yes a sponge works great. You can get the sponge like brushes as well. And you can create a very custom look. :) I agree with Dennis...always scuff up your finish first to let the new paint adhere.
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 08, 2015
  @Lisa Wood Hi Lisa! Now one more question....what kind of paint did you use? I was thinking chalk paint, but not sure where to order a bronze color.
  
  Helpful
- Lisa Wood on Mar 08, 2015
  @Martinigal actually...I used the craft acrylic paints that you can find at Michaels. They are super inexpensive and you don't need a lot. They have bronze. :)
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 08, 2015
  @Lisa Wood My goodness! Thank you so much. Now would you like to actually do the project! Totally kidding. I just really appreciate how willing you/people are to share their expertise. I will post the results here so you can see how I did. I'm very excited now, the whole spray painting issue was going to be difficult. I'm so happy with all the feedback now I feel confident that I can do this. Thanks again Lisa!
  
  Helpful
- Pamela Sandall on May 09, 2015
  my trick for painted finishes that don't look too painted is layers of color. Pick out the bronze color you want for the final then maybe a little gold for highlights and dark brown for some low lights (kind of like the hairdresser :)!). I actually like brushes better, but use those cheapo ones with short bristles? Brown first in the deep crevices, bronze dry-brushed (or sponged) over the whole thing but don't go into the deep spaces too much, then hit a few areas with a brighter gold. You can always go back over any place that doesn't look right with one of the three. The results when layer is great...looks much more natural. Good luck and post a picture when you're done!
  
  Helpful
D & K on Mar 08, 2015
I agree with Lisa and to add to that I say be certain to scuff and prime the existing finish before doing anything. It always works out that the only thing worse than the way something looks now is the way it looks when something is done improperly and incorrectly.

Helpful Reply
- Martinigal on Mar 08, 2015
  @D & K I thought I had replied to you but don't see it here. Yikes, my worst fear, that it looks worse than when I started. I like Cherie's feedback below about using Rub n' Buff. Sounds perfect!
  
  Helpful
Cherie on Mar 08, 2015
Rub 'n Buff!! It's one of the easiest products I've ever used to change metal from one color to another! I changed our brass bath light fixtures to silver about 6 years ago and they still look great! Find it at Home Depot or Michaels and other hardware stores and it comes in about 12 different colors! You put it on with your fingers, believe it or not, and just rub in on - no sanding required just a clean surface.

Helpful Reply
- See 13 previous
- Martinigal on Mar 08, 2015
  @Cherie Wow, thanks so much! I'm a complete newbie to painting metal. I've done a lot of decorating, painting, etc., but having done a lot of DIY. Did you spray them silver or paint them? Thanks so much for your feedback.
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 09, 2015
  @Martinigal Rub n Buff is just that, you put a tiny bit (it goes a long way) on a rag & rub it on.
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 09, 2015
  @Katrina Warren I was able to find Rub 'n Buff at Michael's, but they only had it in 3 colors, not bronze. I tried HD and Lowes, but nothing there. So this isn't a primer, it's an actual paint? You just rub it on the metal and volia - done? Thanks for your help!
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 09, 2015
  @Martinigal yes it's a cream type paint. Unfortunately most places don't carry a wide variety of colors. :( You can find them online though. Here is an ebay site that has it, I think the color you would want is Spanish Copper to imitate bronze. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amaco-Rub-N-Buff-Wax-Metallic-Finish-for-Crafts-12-colors-to-choose-from-/330965720355?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6390
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 09, 2015
  I'm curious, why do you not want to spray paint it? If you do spray paint it, I would go over it with a medium or fine steel wool to give the surface more adhession for the paint, cover the electrical sockets with aluminum foil, & then spray it. With all the arms & angles it has you would have to be patient spraying at one angle letting it dry, turning & spraying from another angle etc... & would be easiest if you had some place to hang it from while spraying but with patience & several thin coats of spray you can get a great finish! I think the bronze with red shades will look awesome when you get it done! :) Good Luck!
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 09, 2015
  Oh Katrina, I so wish I had a place I could spray it. I live in an apartment which has a balcony, but it's very small. My dad would never allow it in his garage (which is carpeted) and I really don't want to do it anywhere that I may spray something unintentionally. I thought about making a "house" out of cardboard in which I could spray it, but it was getting really complicated. On top, I'm disabled and getting on the ground to spray it would be very dangerous. This way I can put it on a work table and paint it at a level that won't hurt me. Also there are so many pieces, some I can remove, some I can't. The Rub 'n Buff sounds especially great! I found the color on amazon, but the shipping is more than the product cost. I'm going to call my local Michael's and see if they will bring it in. I'll be sure to post the finished product here! Thanks for the compliments on how you think it'll look. I can't wait!
  
  Helpful
- Cherie on Mar 10, 2015
  @Martinigal No, it's not a spray. It's a rub on and it really truly works great!! Check the link that Katrina sent you and you'll see it pictured along with various colors it comes in. I think your lamp would look great in that Spanish Copper she mentioned! It's actually a wax (which might scare you off) but it goes on like magic and covers any metal completely with just a little bit! The tube is small, but it covers a lot! I used about 1/2 tube covering 2 double light fixtures so.........
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 10, 2015
  @Cherie I did see it in Spanish Copper on Amazon! I've run into another glitch with this light fixture. I've spent so much time on researching everything and thought I was all set, but I just found out I got some bad info from a lighting guy and the glass shade replacements that are available will not fit. Ugghhhh, I keep turning corners, get really excited and then let down again. So now I'm contacting a local metal guy to see if he can make the piece I need. I'll definitely keep you all posted! This is a bear of a project, but I've learned so much for all of you. Thanks so much Cherie, if this is a go I'm definitely using Rub 'n Buff!
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 10, 2015
  @Martinigal I used to have a full workshop with all the tools & space I needed but now I do not. So I can certainly understand your frustrations at not having a place to hang it to paint it. It does sound like rub n buff will be perfect for you to work with, it's super easy & works great! Also don't let the small size of the tube fool you it goes a LONG Way & one tube should be more than enough for your light fixture! How frustrating that your new globes don't fit the fixture, hopefully you can get that fixed. :)
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 10, 2015
  You could also check Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn's if you have those stores in your area, but they are not likely to have a better color selection than Michaels either. I'm not sure I've never checked for it at one but possibly even a hobby shop that primarily deals with train sets, etc...... might have it, I really don't know but couldn't hurt to call & see if there are any in your area.
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 10, 2015
  @Katrina Warren Thanks so much for your encouragement. I know, I was so frustrated yesterday I actually started crying over something else that was so silly! I hope these guys who work with metal can create the pieces I need. Will find out today. If not the new glass will simply slide off the fixture. Everyone here has been great. Love it!
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 10, 2015
  Aweeee....... I'm so sorry it's been so frustrating, & I know how it is when you have your heart set on a certain look! I had trouble with a chandelier I was trying to put new globes on before, got the globes home & they were too big at the base to fit down in the socket fixtures! Fortunately the glass was heavy enough that I was able to grind them down & make them fit. Hang in there! Is there a brand name on the light fixture anywhere? Maybe you could google information on it & possibly order the globes that fit it in red & return the other ones.
  
  Helpful
- Martinigal on Mar 14, 2015
  Katrina, it's wonderful how you talk to one person who leads you to another person. So I spoke to a welder who referred me to another metal shop and they are going to cut me the right piece which should enable me to buy the shades and make them work....So there may be hope! Never give up, right!?
  
  Helpful
- Katrina Warren on Mar 16, 2015
  That's Awesome! Sometimes it can be so frustrating but if you keep looking there's generally a solution to be found! =D
  
  Helpful

Related Discussions

Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets?

Lauren of Mom Home Guide Answered on Nov 30, 2023

I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ... See more

q should i paint or stain my kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, painting, painting cabinets, My oak galley style kitchen

341

See Answers

How to paint a metal front door?

Ginny Wathen Answered on Mar 26, 2024

How do I paint my front door? It's metal.

See Answers

How to paint tile floor?

Lisq Answered on Oct 05, 2023

Can I paint a tile floor?

See Answers

How to paint grout?

Ann7680670 Answered on Sep 22, 2023

How do I paint grout to change the color? The grout is in great shape, but the color - meh.

See Answers

How to whitewash a brick fireplace?

Chris jenne Answered on Sep 22, 2023

What is the best method to whitewash bricks surrounding a fireplace?

q how do i white wash my brick fireplace , fireplace makeovers, fireplaces mantels, painting, This is the fireplace I would like to whitewash I m planning on removing the insert

See Answers

DRESSER BEFORE AND AFTER: KEEP OR LOSE THE BACKBOARD?

Porta Verde Studio Answered on Feb 26, 2024

Opinions Please! I got this very plain damaged dresser and was at a loss to what to do with it. I was inspired to glam it up. The top is stained and the finish is a b... See more

dresser before and after keep or lose the backboard

279

See Answers

Am I the only one?

KrysFL Answered on Jan 06, 2024

I don't want to sound like a total "hater", but am I the only one who doesn't like distressed furniture? I see so many beautiful pieces of furniture that would look o... See more

am i the only one, Paint w glaze minor distressing just enough to accentuate the piece To me this looks great image from frenchcommode com

235

See Answers

Painting a chandelier

Suggested Project Book

12 Incredible Home Hacks Using Salt

Other

More

Painting a chandelier

Suggested Project Book