Back to life-size decor for the day around here.

So to answer your question: yes, you can spray paint lamps.

Several months ago, I picked up two mismatched table lamps for our living room.  I really liked the shapes of the bases.  Well, I mostly liked the prices, but the shapes were very nice as well.

It’s amazing how much different old lamps can look with a little makeover.  Here is what I did to refinish mine (get ready for some sub-par photos—I just get to excited to do the projects that forget to plan the photos well):

How to refinish dated lamps (Little Victorian)

The one on the left is all metal and the one on the right is a combination of metal, wood and glass.

I gave them a good cleaning and sanded them with some fine sandpaper.  Then primed them.

How to spray paint lamps (Little Victorian)

And then put them on display in the living room for several months, because I couldn’t decide what color to paint them.

Last week, I finally finished them up with a can of gold (Metallic Caramel Latte by Krylon, my favorite cool, light gold—it’s the same one I used for spray painting my cork board).

And they are topped off with new shades from Target.  I can’t remember how much I paid for them, but I’m sure they were either on sale or I had a coupon.  Or both.  The total for the two “new” lamps was under $30.

spray paint lamps from thrift store (Little Victorian)

And as usual, the one that was less attractive in the beginning ended up being my favorite.

spray painting lamps from goodwill (Little Victorian)

So, if you have any dated lamps that you aren’t crazy about anymore, try spray painting them.  You might end up liking them more than the brand new, expensive ones you’ve been wanting.

PS: I’ll be back Wednesday with a full page of resources, inexpensive products that I recommend and lots of DIY tutorials for the dollhouse contest.

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13 Comments

  1. they look great and at least you remembered to take photos! Generally I forget, then I feel bad because I always want to go into detail about how I did things, I like reading about the process on other peoples’ blogs.

    PS the photos look pretty good anyway

    Reply

    1. I’m the same way too, keep forgetting to take pics while I craft, it takes time to put down your craft and clean your hands to take a picture, but I always regret not taking more when I post. I also like reading the process.

      Reply

  3. So I have a pretty unattractive floor lamp (all brass) with a very ugly shade. I love the lamp because it has a three way bulb and it’s pretty tall. I can spray that and get a new shade? I was going to give it away! It is perfectly good other that the way it looks so dated. I will try your method and send you some pictures! Thanks!

    Reply

    1. You sure can. I think you might know someone who could help you through the process too!

      For your floor lamp I’d recommend Krylon’s metallic oil rubbed bronze.

      You should definitely send some pics when you’re done, I’d love to feature them.

      Reply

  4. Really nice! I should give another go with the spray painting, I had such an awful results when I painted the night stands that I’ve been avoiding the spray painting for a while (and I have one job waiting).

    Reply

    1. Oh that’s right. I love spray paint, but only for small, textured and/or shapely projects like these.

      Your night stands turned out so well once you used the liquid paint on them. 🙂

      Reply
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