Kitty Bartholomew gives a tired-looking light fixture a face-lift with a fresh coat of paint and coordinated lampshades and chandelier sleeve.
Steps:
- Tape off brass areas on lamp and paint the fixture with sanded primer.
- Spray-paint a glossy white, using several light coats of paint.
- To clean the brass: Never Dull, a product made by Gillespie, can be rubbed over the brass to bring up the shine. If (and only if) the piece is solid brass, stronger products can be used. Be sure to wear protective gloves. Liquid Brass Refurbisher also by Gillespie, can be applied very carefully with fine steel wool. Finish off with Protective Coat by Gillespie.
- If the lamp has interesting grooves and detail, highlight them with an easy-to -use paint pen in a metallic color (figure A).
- Dress with chandelier sleeve and new lampshades and re-attach to the ceiling.
Rewiring
If the wiring has cracked insulation or is no longer supple, it should be replaced . Steve Gunner shows Bartholomew how it is done for a chandelier with three arms.
- Purchase lamp cord, also called zip cord because it is easily separated and stripped , from a lighting store.
- Snake the new wire through the lamp, following the path of the old cord. The wires from the three arms cluster in the middle. Check their condition, although they should be fine because they are not exposed to high heat.
- Test the lamp sockets and clean contacts where the bulb is seated with an eraser on the end of a pencil.
- Separate new wiring and strip the ends, exposing about a half-inch of copper.
- Twist the wiring from the three arms with the new wire and secure with a wire nut (figure B).
- Reassemble.
Sleeve and Shades
A chandelier sleeve has been used by designers for years to soften the look of an unsightly chain. It adds texture and interest to a room, and is easy to make.
Steps:
- Measure the length and diameter of the chain. Double or triple the length (the idea is to create a full, gathered look), and add 5/8-inch seam allowance to the diameter.
- Cut fabric--about 1/4 yard will be needed--using these measurements.
- With right sides together, run a seam up the side, leaving both ends open (figure C).
- Turn the sleeve inside out, using a knitting needle or safety pin.
- Slip the sleeve over the chain, arranging the gathers.
Matching lampshades can be made. Unfinished shades by Northland are easy to use and can be purchased at a craft store. The template is included, stuck to the top of the lamp.
Steps:
- Remove the template which is stuck to the shade (figure D) and trace the pattern out on a piece of fabric.
- Starting at the seam, place fabric around the sticky surface of the lampshade and press on securely (figure E).
- Using a craft ribbon that is sticky on the back, trim the top and bottom of the shade, centering the ribbon about half-way down its length. Fold over to secure ( figure F).
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