Yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores are a great place to find good lamps. Usually lamps are discarded because the style is out of date. Sometimes they simply need a new, jazzier shade. With a few paint techniques, you can make an old lamp a new and elegant part of your home.
Choosing a lamp: Look for lamps that have some interesting detail in the base. Try to imagine how it would look with one of today's popular finishes. If the lamp doesn't work properly, don't worry too much. Most lamps can be rewired quite easily.
Copper Patina Lamp
Cindy Piccoli found a plaster lamp with a faux wood "Mediterranean" style base. By using a copper paint that contains real metal flakes, the $7 lamp looks like it came from a department store.
Steps:
- Follow the directions on the copper paint shaking the bottle well to mix the flakes.
- Tape off any areas of the base that you don't want painted.
- Apply light even coats of paint to the lamp. It may take several coats to get an all-over coat. To get down in any crevices, use a foam brush.
- While the last coat is still slightly tacky, apply the patina solution. Use a sponge and dab it on as directed. Tip: It helps if the base is set flat so that the puddles don't drip.
- Use a sponge to wipe up any drips and redistribute the solution. Allow to dry. If you want to apply more patina solution, let the first coat dry for at least 24 hours.
Resources Copper Topper and Patina Green Metallic Finishes
Modern Options Inc. / Triangle Coatings
Website:
www.modernoptions.com
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