Asked on Aug 28, 2015
What finish to use when updating brass lamps?
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I bought these two brass lamps at a garage sale. I am going to take them from drab to fab. I would like to spray paint these lamp bases. The lamp shades will be replaced with drum shades. Can I use spray paint or should I use a latex paint? What has been your experience when updating older lamps?
Brass lamps
27 answers
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Brass is coming back, though for me it's classic, but the shape of these seem to call for a fun color. I'd spray paint them lime, but then then any color that matches your decor will do.
Z
on Aug 28, 2015
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I would not choose a definite color.You can possibly use an updated version of a brass color. Many to choose from.I suggest spray paint possibly a metallic.
Janet Pizaro
on Aug 28, 2015
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I had some nearly identical. ..I just sprayed with rustoleum after sanding. I havent had any peeling etc....I did use a poly spray topcoat......hope that helps
Sandra rich
on Aug 28, 2015
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I use Rustoleum 2X only, and have great results with it. I have used the metallic bronze on a lamp and it looks great. Esp combined with a new shade.
Becky P
on Aug 28, 2015
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I used a brown textured Krylane paint and then popped in a few colors from my room in buttons all over the cheap lamp shade...just have fun with it! Good luck :)
SusieJen
on Aug 28, 2015
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I've used spray paint and DIY chalk paint with great results on lamps just like these. Whatever you do for them, they'll look great. What you choose is only limited to the final look you want. To suggest a special color would be presumptive on my part, since you've not mentioned the style your home/room has. I suspect you have great creativity and were looking for what method works best. I've had great results with those I've mentioned. Nice lamps to work with! You'll have fun making them your own :-D
CK
on Aug 28, 2015
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I used Rustoleum and it worked fine - no chips - lots of colors to choose - I didn't sand before painting, but did clean very well with mild soap and water and dried completely before painting. Dry in the sun or overnight, even.
Holly McCord
on Aug 28, 2015
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I love spray painting brass lamps. Because I like chippy, I start with brown and topcoat with white. My favorite tip for distressing metal is apply a light swab of vasoline where you want paint to 'chip'. Once the lamps are dry, towel off the 'greasy' spots and viola--chippy white lamps.
Lori Jackson
on Aug 28, 2015
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Spray paint with antique mirror paint.
Linda Embry
on Aug 29, 2015
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Spray and chalk paint (sealed) work well. I personally prefer Rustoleum, but it is very humid here.
Duv310660
on Aug 29, 2015
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Would try the shade replacement first as brass is making a return. If determined, then I'd spray with a metal paint and then top with polyacrylic. For a non-metallic finish, think I'd spray with liquid sandpaper.
Marion Nesbitt
on Aug 29, 2015
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Almost every lamp in my house is a revamp. First, use spray paint. You'll get a much nicer finish than with latex. Second, the sky's the limit! Pick any color you like or go crazy and tape off different sections and spray with different colors. I have done hammered bronze, brushed nickel, gloss black, and I'm about to do a horrible brown up light , reading lamp combo that I got for $2 at an auction with glossy robins egg blue to go in our home office. IMHO pick out the shade you love, and where you're going to put the lamp when it's done and then chose your color based on that.
Danielle
on Aug 29, 2015
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The "hammered" spray paint finishes look really nice. I did a couple of lamps in my house with it.
Angela Roberts
on Aug 29, 2015
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I've sprayed my swing-arm brass floor lamps twice. They are now "Wrought Iron" black and continue to look great.
LindaK
on Aug 29, 2015
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I used Rustoleum bright gold & put a little bling on shades. Love the burnished gold that spray paint gives. They are holding up perfectly!
Cheryl
on Aug 29, 2015
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They look like a good quality brass lamp, such as Stiffel. To me some things are just classic. I too, would try new shades first.
9530106
on Aug 29, 2015
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I do not like brass. rustoleum has beautiful colors. where are they going? bedroom, living room? lots of color choices! teal....antique rubbed bronze....
Sandi Reynolds
on Aug 29, 2015
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Lowes. Home Depot
Diana skaggs
on Aug 29, 2015
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Lowes and. Home Depot
Diana skaggs
on Aug 29, 2015
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If the lamps are brass and not brass plated....don't paint them. You can make them treasures! If you use jewellers' rouge and a Dremel polishing wheel, you can very carefully polish them, then spray with a good coat of polyurethane, or several coats of wax. Solid brass is too precious to paint, and can be a family heirloom with a little judiciously applied elbow grease!
Lainey Howell
on Aug 30, 2015
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How do you know if it is plated or solid?
Barb
on Aug 30, 2015
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I had a lamp like this and I bought some pretty napkins from the Party Store and cut them up. Then I used Modge Podge to glue them to the lamp. It came out beautiful!
Pam-ella
on Aug 30, 2015
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Mine was just plated so I spray painted it
Joanne Costello
on Aug 30, 2015
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You can use krylon looking glass paint. It literally makes the item you paint look like glass!
M ramirez
on Aug 31, 2015
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I think the lamp shade is wrong for this type of lamp. They didn't have corrugated shades in this lamps era. Try a straight down or a round angled shade. The corrugated takes away from the ornateness of the lamp. Love the lamp, good luck. U can find brass cleaner, most aren't solid brass as it was very expensive and they glued felt to the bottom to keep it from scratching wood tables.
Anne fenske
on Aug 31, 2015
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Hi Cornelia S. I think they will be beautiful. Pick a color for the lamp shade that will bring it alive to u, or soothing .Make it yours, you'll know when you see it together. If it pops in the room and u like it ;thats what counts. Love it already. Have fun and enjoy. Anne
Anne fenske
on Aug 31, 2015
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I sprayed mine with a hammered bronze. One is the light above my table and the other is the ceiling fan minus the blades.
Rachel L Bell
on Sep 20, 2015
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