What finish to use when updating brass lamps?

Question

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?

Z · Answer

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.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

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.

Sandra rich · Answer

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

Becky P · Answer

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.

SusieJen · Answer

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 :)

CK · Answer

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

Holly McCord · Answer

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.

Lori Jackson · Answer

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.

Linda Embry · Answer

Spray paint with antique  mirror  paint.

Duv310660 · Answer

Spray and chalk paint (sealed) work well. I personally prefer Rustoleum, but it is very humid here.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

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.

Danielle · Answer

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.

Angela Roberts · Answer

The 'hammered' spray paint finishes look really nice. I did a couple of lamps in my house with it.

LindaK · Answer

I've sprayed my swing-arm brass floor lamps twice. They are now 'Wrought Iron' black and continue to look great.

Cheryl · Answer

I used Rustoleum bright gold & put a little bling on shades. Love the burnished gold that spray paint gives. They are holding up perfectly!

9530106 · Answer

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.

Sandi Reynolds · Answer

I do not like brass. rustoleum has beautiful colors. where are they going? bedroom, living room? lots of color choices! teal....antique rubbed bronze....

Diana skaggs · Answer

Lowes.  Home Depot

Diana skaggs · Answer

Lowes and. Home Depot

Lainey Howell · Answer

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!

Barb · Answer

How do you know if it is plated or solid?

Pam-ella · Answer

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!

Joanne Costello · Answer

Mine was just plated so I spray painted it

M ramirez · Answer

You can use krylon looking glass paint. It literally makes the item you paint look like glass!

Anne fenske · Answer

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 · Answer

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

Rachel L Bell · Answer

I sprayed mine with a hammered bronze. One is the light above my table and the other is the ceiling fan minus the blades.

What finish to use when updating brass lamps?

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What finish to use when updating brass lamps?

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