Sunday, January 10, 2010

How to paint a Chandelier

Here is an old chandelier that someone gave me last month. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it but I knew, at the least, it needed a paint job.

First thing was to remove the glass parts (remember in what order you unscrewed them!) and cover the "candlesticks". I usually cover them with newspaper and tape but, while rummaging through the junk-drawer I found some balloons ("Eureka! I'm a genius"...um...not-so-much...) I slipped them over the candlesticks. (The paint-covered balloons flaked all over the project when I went to remove them. Ugh. It made for extra clean-up work! So much for genius. I recommend masking tape and newspaper.)


Other styles of chandeliers will need other parts removed or masked and still others will require extra painting on wires or chains.

Sand any rust spots.

To spray paint, I like to put my project in a box. It contains the paint better and the paint has a "second chance" to land on the project while it's flying around in there. The box pictured is less than perfect size for this project. The chandelier should not really be sticking out of the box anywhere...but it's the only box I had on hand...



I used this Krylon Indoor/Outdoor flat. I think it worked fine. It's the first time I've used this brand and I liked it because it dried quickly, allowing for fast application of more coats. My favorite brand is Zinsser Stain Blocker. It will cover ANYTHING!
Spray your first coat. Let dry. Reposition project. Spray again. Repeat until you are happy with the coverage.

This chandelier came naked...that is...without any crystals. So, being that I had all my Christmas decorations out, I trimmed it with mini balls and pearl garland. I have used this painting method on metal, brass, wire and wood chandeliers. It's simple and for the cost of a $4 can of spraypaint (don't use the $1.99 Walmart brand...too thin), you can have a fresh new look on any light fixture. Try it!

10 comments:

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Rosie!!!
Love your chandelier and I bet you can change it out for Valentines!!
The mints look very yummy...trying to stay away from the sweet for awhile, say 15 lbs worth !!! LOL!
No spray painting here until it warms up.
Take care.
Warmly,
Deb :)

Fawn said...

So pretty! Love the christmas decor on it :) that balloon idea sure seemed awesome... too bad it didn't work out.

Anonymous said...

Rosie, that looks so cute all decked out for Christmas. What are you going to do with it now? You could still hang some pink vintage ornaments on it and use it year round along with the pearls.

LeAnn:)

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

What a gorgeous re-style on this chandy.
xojanis

Sonya --Dime Store Thrift said...

Hi Rosie! I am so glad you found me and left a comment! I am LOVING your blog, what a great space you have here. Hugs, Sonya

Miss Rhea said...

Hi Rosie ! :)

Gosh, I need you to come to my house and re do a few of mine :)

Please stop by my Blog, you won something !!

Hugs,

Rhea

Anonymous said...

Hi, Rosie, I'm Holly! Thanks for the spray painting tips. Your chandie is super cute! ♥

The Old Parsonage said...

Well aren't you just a smarty pants. Great idea - have fun "diving".

Leann

Anonymous said...

Love your chandelier,i have the same on in my bedroom,i found it at the consignment shop and also sprayed it.Yours looks great...Kathy

Decades a Go-Go said...

Love it! You did a great job on a fun vintage chandelier!