Painting lampshades
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Has anyone tried painting lampshades that have the silky look to them? I bought some pretty lamps for my buffet at a garage sale but the shades are a cream color and kind of clash with my light that hangs over my dining room table which is white. I could go buy new ones but really don't want to if painting them would work.
11 answers
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I have pinned some ideas on painting lampshades....not sure if the techniques work on a 'silky look"
Lizzie Music
on Mar 26, 2015
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I've painted linen shades but never silk. You might try dying them. They can either be dipped, brush-painted or spray-painted with dye. You can find directions by googling "dying silk lampshades." I also recently saw a couple of blog posts on dying with watered-down acrylic paint. This one is dying real silk with a dip-dye method: http://quillcottage.blogspot.com/2010/01/fine-day-to-dye.html This one is poly-silk, also dip-dye: http://www.shoogliecrafts.blogspot.com/2013/04/rainbow-of-ribbons-this-tutorial-is-to.html The technique I think I would use, were I wanting to dye a shade, is one of the acrylic paint methods (each uses a different paint/water ratio) with a brush, simply because I would worry the metal frame might rust. But I tend to be overcautious. Good luck.
Nancy Gramm
on Mar 27, 2015
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Paint will sit on top of the fibre, and when you turn the light on, it will obstruct the light coming through the shade. It's a good look too... just more opaque, where more light comes out the top and bottom of the shade and less through the shade (depending on how thick the paint application). If the fabric is cotton, silk or rayon, you have a shot at either dyeing or using discharge to remove all colour - as long as there is no protective coating on the fabric. Polyester, however, will not be affected by either dye or discharge.
Duv310660
on Mar 27, 2015
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You might experiment on ribbon. Find a color close to that of your shades and try both methods: dip and brush. I'm thinking poly and silk will react differently but it would be a place to start and should give you an idea how many coats you'll need for full coverage. Best of luck to you.
Nancy Gramm
on Mar 27, 2015
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i suspect that the shade is made of a polyester, or some other man made fabric. if that is the case, it will resist taking dye or paint. they're very interesting lamps... I think you scored when you found them. if the dye doesn't work, you might consider purchasing shades in the same shape as your overhead fixture. matching them might be the update you are looking for!
Erin
on Mar 27, 2015
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I just painted one that was silk (silk like). I used acrylic paint to which I added a fabric paint additive. The paint was watered down in consistency. I had to do multiple coats to get complete coverage but it is fine now. I can tell use that it worked better with a bristle brush. In did experience some pilling however it has held up fine. The color I used a deep steel some it required a lot to cover it thoroughly. I love it now.
Michele Peetz
on Mar 27, 2015
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You could remove all the fabric and replace it with a more sheer material like organza. That way you get the color you want and can control the amount of light that comes through the shade.
Kelly S
on Mar 27, 2015
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I have spray painted poly lampshades and they looked OK in daylight when they weren't on, but I found them mottled when the light was turned on. I think it is hard on a poly, but wish you luck. I have had better luck painting the lamp bases!
Susanne
on Mar 28, 2015
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You can try a spray tool called Master Design or Design Master (forgot the exact name). It can be bought at A.C.Moore or Michaels.It's used on cloth or silk flowers etc.
Maggie Giambrone
on Mar 28, 2015
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I seen the coolest thing using sharpies and alcohol. You could try something like.
Bev
on May 17, 2015
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I see you already painted them, just wanted to let you know that I have just used Acrylic paint and painted many small lampshades. It does take more than one coat usually but they turn out beautifully and you get the color you want. I even mix colors to get the shade I want. (Just be sure to mix plenty so you have enough for a couple of coats)
Sharon Hemmingsen
on Nov 08, 2015
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