How to paint this light fixture?

516maria
by 516maria

I want to paint this to match the black with bronze edge look that s very popular If that can’t be done, flat black would be fine. Have no idea how to,prep or what type of paint ... or if it’s even worth it. It’s only for a 1/2 bath that no one uses except me.

Ugly gold color.

  12 answers
  • Mandy Brown Mandy Brown on May 01, 2020

    Yes you can! I’ve done it for light fixtures and even faucets! Get Rust-Oleum spray paint in antique bronze and I also used a small bottle of copper metallic acrylic paint from Michaels. Remove the glass and cover/tape off the areas where the bulbs screw in. I removed mine from the wall temporarily and covered the back where the wires are as well. If you decide to leave it on the wall you’ll have to cover and tape off a wide enough area that you won’t get overspray on your walls.

    Spray the entire fixture with the antique bronze (light coat). Wait for it to dry and spray again. Once dry use a small sponge brush or I used the tip of my finger to dab the metallic copper paint then tap the excess on a piece of paper until you have a small amount and run it along the edges you want the color to show.

  • Cindy Cindy on May 02, 2020

    Hi Maria. Take the screws off and remove the glass shades. Then tape off anything that you don't want paint on (including the wall). You can paint this fixture with a brush or spray paint Use a Rustoleum black paint for your base coat. Very light coats is key here. You could add a bronze color on the edges with a very small brush or your finger. Good luck Maria. Stay well.

  • 17335038 17335038 on May 02, 2020

    If after painting if you still want a more updated look to your fixture you can swap out the glass covers with a newer style. (examples below)


    Any replacement having the same neck circumference as the present covers should work. Some are open at the bottom, and some are enclosed.


    Also keep in mind that switching to LED bulbs from incandescent will change the color of the light coming through the glass, which in itself can result in a more refreshed look for the fixture and the whole room.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on May 02, 2020

    Oh yay!! I just did this with a wall lamp. You will want to sand it down to allow paint to adhere well. Rustoleum paints are AWESOME for metal fixtures. They work great and don't chip like spray paints do on wood. You will want to spray paint it Rustoleum antique bronze for that darker look. That has undertones of brown mixed with black. However, my new favorite is Rustoleum BLACK STAINLESS STEEL. You won't believe how pretty this one is. It has highlights of silver. You can't find it everywhere though. I couldn't get it at Home Depot, found it at ACE hardware. Before you paint, make sure you remove the shades and tape off what you don't want getting hit with paint. HAVE FUN!

  • Grace Gleason Grace Gleason on May 02, 2020

    If you switch to LED bulbs, be sure to get the ones that are rated about 2700-3200 Kelvin (a type of temperature rating). Things in the room will look "normal" to you. If you get 4000 Kelvin or higher, things will look greenish.

    • 17335038 17335038 on May 03, 2020

      Good point Grace. For those of you who are not familiar with these terms, here are a couple of pictures to illustrate the differences.

  • 516maria 516maria on May 02, 2020

    Thank you. All great ideas. It seems very doable. I certainly have the time now to do it. I will post a pic of after. Stay safe.🙏🏽





  • Craft Invaders Craft Invaders on May 02, 2020

    This post might be helpful

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/how-to-spray-paint-light-fixtures-32896108

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on May 02, 2020

    Hello if I were doing a project I would remove the fixture. Remove glass using those tiny thumb screws. Spray paint the desired color— the oil rubbed bronze paint is a very nice paint which I highly recommend it does have a hint of sparkle or shimmer into it.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on May 02, 2020

    I would definitely take the fixture down to paint as otherwise you will get brush strokes or run the risk of overspray indoors. I love Rustoleum spray paints but I now use their primer before the finish paint - even if the finish colors states it's paint + primer I've found a separate primer makes a superior finished product that lasts.

  • J Brown J Brown on May 03, 2020

    FYI. if you are going to change the glass globes check several of your thrift stores first! Finding two that match is fairly easy.


  • Janice Janice on May 03, 2020

    Many others have offered great advice, so you're well on your way. Spray paint ALWAYS is my preference when possible. Hope to see a pic of your finished light soon!

  • Spray paint will do the trick.