How can I paint bamboo candle holders?

Hi Yvonbe, I think they would look lovely painted. They need to be cleaned first (this article will show you how - https://www.doityourself.com/stry/cleaning-bamboo-furniture-8-maintenance-tips) . When it comes to painting them, spray paint is probably the easiest since it will get into all those nooks and crannies.

I love them natural! They’re really cute.

It will be hard to spray paint them perfectly - since you will see the inside from the opposite side and it will be hard to paint.

I like them natural too.

Bamboo has a natural silica layer that protects it from moisture damage. Unfortunately, this layer may disintegrate due to wear and time. A solvent or polyurethane sealant can protect bamboo for years.

First sand it and it you want a very light stain can be applied. A few coats of matte poly will protect the beautiful finish.

I highly recommend Rust-Oleum 2X spray paint. I personally like a pop of color. They are really cool either way.

Thank you for including a photo. Those are the sweetest candleholders. I love Rustoleum 2X in any of the beautiful colors. I suggest the pop of color so they will be eye catching all year long. That requires a commitment to a specific color scheme, too, but even coral or turquoise can be blended or become a Christmas focal point. You can seldom fail with natural materials, of course, and most of the comments here are on the bamboo side or the color side. Good suggestions, but at some point you have to make a choice. You can always turn to colored paint later, if you want to keep the bamboo look first. Whatever you choose, please write a project article with at least four photos, showing your hands in at least one to personalize your directions, if possible. Best wishes! Jewell

Someone already said to be careful cleaning them because of their natural properties but I agree so I just use a solution of vinegar and blue dawn dish soap and spray on a rag and wipe down but don’t press to hard. Just remove the surface debris.

as far as painting them? I think these would look gorgeous with a Beachy vibe using the chalk paint, dry brush a light coat and then sand to revel some of the natural color! They’ll look “weathered” but also keep some of that gorgeous bamboo showing. If you’re gonna do something like that I recommend cleaning it a little better or even sanding them with a 120 grit paper to get the paint to stick especially if the bamboo is slick or shiny... if you’re painting it anyways it won’t matter how you clean it to be honest. Can’t wait to see what you do!