The Dos and Don'ts of Painting a Chandelier

DON’T try to spray-paint a chandelier while it’s hardwired into the ceiling

Take it down by detaching the wires from the electrical box. You can leave the canopy and parts like the mounting bar attached to the fixture until you rehang it. 

DO be precise about taping off wiring, bulb sockets, and plugs

Spray paint on and inside electrical components is difficult to remove. 

DO hang the chandelier temporarily to paint it

Suspending the fixture gives you 360° access, which makes painting easier. Dangle it from the ceiling of a garage (with the garage door open for ventilation) or from a plank set between two stepladders.