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!