How-to: Light Up a Drab Lamp

Step 1

Remove and discard the old shade and the finial, if the lamp has one. Tape off the harp, bulb socket, base and cord with painter’s tape, then spray-paint the lamp gloss white. Remove the tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.

Step 2

Tape off where the lamp meets the base with delicate-surface painter’s tape. Paint the base gold with liquid gold leaf. Remove the tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.

Step 3

Using a flat 3/4-inch paintbrush and black crafts paint, create a brushstroke pattern all over the lamp as shown. Let dry.

Step 4

Add a new shade and finial.