Asked on Aug 31, 2014

Heat resistant paint for a lamp shade?

Natty Bee
by Natty Bee
I would like to darken this plastic shade of this lamp. It gives off quite a bright light. I can't change the shade because it is a lightweight lamp and the shade just snaps on. So a glass shade won't work with it. The shade also gets pretty warm to the touch. I am wondering if there is some type of paint made specifically for hot surfaces like this lamp shade.
The aluminum foil inside shields the bright light. However, it is not very attractive.
  7 answers
  • Jill Valeri Jill Valeri on Sep 02, 2014
    It might be easier to experiment with lower wattage light bulbs or colored light bulbs.
  • Jac Jac on Sep 02, 2014
    There is spray paint specifically for high temp items - grills, stoves, fireplace surrounds to name a few. I've used it in matte black many times but I don't know about other colors. Hope this helps.
  • If this is getting hot then I would be looking at a cooler bulb like a LED. Many of these lights were deemed fire hazards if they had halogen bulbs in them. some lamps only take 60W and below too. I personally would not have a lamp or electrical appliance that gets hot-I have been through a house fire 17 years ago so I have a fear of all things hot and electrical. good luck
  • Xie Xie on Dec 25, 2014
    Switch to LED bulb. You won't have any heat plus a lower electric bill. I've systemically changed almost every bulb and my bill is seriously lower. Well worth the upfront cost.
  • Natty Bee Natty Bee on Dec 27, 2014
    Thanks all for your helpful advice. The LED bulb works well. It gives off very little heat. I also tried the special spray paint for plastic. I only sprayed the outside and the LED bulb doesn't cause problems with the paint.
  • Barb Barb on Sep 25, 2015
    I think I would put heat resistant paint on the inside. It gives off a nice glow and you could keep the pretty outside.
  • Fran Fran on Feb 14, 2016
    Since there's no place for a question I am putting it in your answer area. I'm in the process of doing the same lamp and shade and was wondering what could be done to liven-up the plastic shade. What was the outcome of your shade? Thanks.