How to Paint a Chandelier
Do you have an outdated chandelier? These things are not cheap but I’m going to share how you can give your chandelier a quick update for less than $50.
This chandelier hung in a bedroom at the B&B that I operated. It’s been waiting for an update for several years. The style doesn’t really fit with my current Craftsman style home and my husband isn’t a fan. I wanted to change his mind. Paint can make anything look new again. .
Why do you care? If you see an outdated plug in chandelier at a flea market or a garage sale that doesn’t sing to you. Buy it! It’s so inexpensive to transform them. It’s much cheaper than buying a brand new chandelier.
If you have are interested in lighting projects, be sure to read to the end to see all of the other great lighting ideas.
Supplies you need to paint a chandelier
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I like to use spray paint for things with this many curved edges. My favorite spray paint to use is Rustoleum. This chandelier update only required paint and new shades, both of which can completely change a light fixture’s look and style.
- Rustoleum black spray paint
- Krud Kutter degreaser
- Navy blue chandelier shades
Steps to paint a chandelier
The first step before you paint the fixture is to be sure that it is working properly. There’s no point in painting a chandelier that doesn’t turn on.
Before you spray paint anything like a lamp or a mirror you need to make sure there is no dust on the item. Wipe it with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. If it’s been sitting in a garage or you aren’t sure where it’s been, use a degreaser like Krud Kutter. You can read more about the best way to clean a chandelier below.
The next step is to lay cardboard down where you want to spray paint your fixture. Be sure it is a well ventilated area.
In order to spray paint anything that is curved you will need to spray it from every angle. The easiest way to do this is to spray paint all of the surfaces you can see and wait. Come back in 30 minutes and the light fixture will be dry enough to rotate and spray paint another round. You may need to do this three or four times.
I decided to spray the crystals the same color as the fixture. If you have an accent that you want to paint a different color you can put layers of cardboard between the beads and the fixture or remove the beading before you paint.
Once the fixture is dry, it’s ready to hang up. This was a plug in chandelier, which hangs from a hook. If you have a chandelier that is hard wired you can paint it in place with lots of cardboard shields or remove it from the ceiling first.
If you want to read more about chandeliers for your home, click to read how to tell what size chandelier you need. Or learn how to decorate your chandelier.
This project is entered into the Between Naps On The Porch Metamorphosis Monday.
Now it’s time to see all of the other great lighting projects.
Basement Lighting – Creating a Moody Speak Easy with Light!
How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier
How to Install Wireless Under Cabinet Lighting
How to Create a Mercury Glass Lamp Base with a Twist
Christmas Light Project from White Arrows Home
I hope you enjoyed the lighting project tour.
What a great transformation! I would never have thought to paint it black, but I LOVE your finished product!
I love “hopping” with all of you creative people!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Oh gosh, I’m so sorry that you had such challenges with your chandelier! I love what you did with it and it looks fantastic. Wonderful hopping with you!
It looks beautiful Andrea! What a great transformation. I need to do this to one of my chandeliers. And I love the black. Happy to be hopping with you!
I am going to have my eye out for lights now to change just with paint! So inspiring! I want to hear more about the bed and breakfast when we get together this spring! I also notice you are a butcher box member, we are too. My steaks are thawing right now!
Wow – that turned out gorgeous – I’m sure you HAVE convinced your husband! 🙂 Thanks for the tips – I have a couple chandeliers packed up and waiting for their turn !:) Happy Sunday my friend!
What a great transformation! It is so much more modern now. I love that you painted the beads the same color. Spray paint (actually just paint in general) is one of my most favorite tools. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing!