It looks good, right?
Well it didn't before.
Well it didn't before.
Ok, it sort of did. But for a basement apartment and for my tastes it was way too dark!
It was really simple to do and I even did it on two separate occasions (the second version I think is a keeper). These new lights help to brighten up the apartment, even on dull rainy days like today is *heavy sigh*.
But enough of my griping: learn how to do it yourself!
Materials
*While the mask isn't 100% necessary, it doesn't hurt. Especially if you are stubborn like me and insist on spray painting indoor with the doors and windows open on a rainy day. Yeah, I did it. I'm bad. Don't do it. Spray outside/in a well-ventilated area, but consider using a mask too!
It was really simple to do and I even did it on two separate occasions (the second version I think is a keeper). These new lights help to brighten up the apartment, even on dull rainy days like today is *heavy sigh*.
But enough of my griping: learn how to do it yourself!
Materials
- Lamp bases
- Lamp shades
- Rough-grit sand paper (60 - 80)
- Fine-grit sand paper (180 - 220)
- Spray paint(s) in colours of your choosing
- Painter's tape
- Plastic bags or newspaper or something else to cover large areas of the lamps that you don't want sprayed
- A drop cloth or other protective surface for your working area
- Lint-free cloths
- Ventilation mask*
*While the mask isn't 100% necessary, it doesn't hurt. Especially if you are stubborn like me and insist on spray painting indoor with the doors and windows open on a rainy day. Yeah, I did it. I'm bad. Don't do it. Spray outside/in a well-ventilated area, but consider using a mask too!
For this project I used Rustoleum spray paints in the Painter's Touch line (sorry for poor-quality images!). The paints that I used were Rustoleum Painter's Touch Primer in White, Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2x in Nutmeg for the lamp shades and Rustoleum Paint's Touch in Flat White for the lamp bases.
I always use Rustoleum because I have had good results with their products and they aren't very far off in either direction of their competitors in terms of price point.
I always use Rustoleum because I have had good results with their products and they aren't very far off in either direction of their competitors in terms of price point.
Methods
1. Prepare your work area by laying down a drop cloth or spare sheet (like I did!) and laying out your supplies and items.
2. Prepare your items. I wanted my lamp bases to be a solid colour -- the same with my shades. As such, there was no need to tape off sections or designs on either the bases or the shades, although that is always an option! However, you will still need to tape off and cover the lamp base and shade hardware (where the lightbulb sits and where the shade attaches to the base).
3. Sand the lamp bases using the rough-grit sand paper. This is just to scuff-up your work surface to allow the finish on it to weaken and create a texture in order for your paint to better adhere. Wipe down the surface after sanding using a slightly damp lint-free cloth (T-shirt rags!). You may want to go over it again with a dry cloth afterwards.
4. Prime your items using a very light coat. Angle the can slightly and spray with a smooth gesture. It is good to start spraying just beside your item before you sweep your hand across so that there isn't a paint pile-up on the edge during the split-second delay before your hand actually starts moving.
1. Prepare your work area by laying down a drop cloth or spare sheet (like I did!) and laying out your supplies and items.
2. Prepare your items. I wanted my lamp bases to be a solid colour -- the same with my shades. As such, there was no need to tape off sections or designs on either the bases or the shades, although that is always an option! However, you will still need to tape off and cover the lamp base and shade hardware (where the lightbulb sits and where the shade attaches to the base).
3. Sand the lamp bases using the rough-grit sand paper. This is just to scuff-up your work surface to allow the finish on it to weaken and create a texture in order for your paint to better adhere. Wipe down the surface after sanding using a slightly damp lint-free cloth (T-shirt rags!). You may want to go over it again with a dry cloth afterwards.
4. Prime your items using a very light coat. Angle the can slightly and spray with a smooth gesture. It is good to start spraying just beside your item before you sweep your hand across so that there isn't a paint pile-up on the edge during the split-second delay before your hand actually starts moving.
5. Continue doing several light coats of primer, allowing time to dry in-between (I did three for the bases, four for the shades to let the paint really soak into the fabric). Follow the instructions on your spray paint's can for drying times. I was able to repeat a coat every 10 minutes or so.
6. Sand the bases again, this time using the fine-grit sand paper. This is just to smooth out the surface and remove any tiny bubbles that came up while spraying. Again, be sure to wipe off dusts and small particles that result from sanding using a lint-free cloth.
7. Spray paint your colour coat onto the items. I used two light coats, but you may find that you need to use less or more.
8. Let the items dry overnight, then dismantle your protective covering, setup the lamp, and enjoy!
6. Sand the bases again, this time using the fine-grit sand paper. This is just to smooth out the surface and remove any tiny bubbles that came up while spraying. Again, be sure to wipe off dusts and small particles that result from sanding using a lint-free cloth.
7. Spray paint your colour coat onto the items. I used two light coats, but you may find that you need to use less or more.
8. Let the items dry overnight, then dismantle your protective covering, setup the lamp, and enjoy!