lamp makeover #2

Here is my second lamp makeover. After the first (see Feb 20th blog) success, I’m become maybe a little bit obsessed with doing lamp makeovers.

I found this beauty-in-disguise at Value Village for $9.99 a few months ago. Luckily, I could see past the early 1980’s soft pink glass and gold combo and really appreciate it for its design, shape and size.

I knew I was going to have to put some furniture in my new addition, so I scooped it up and it’s been sitting in “the pile” in my living room, just waiting patiently for a little lovin’.

Finally, with just a few easy steps, it now looks fresh and modern and is a one-of-a-kind.

What you need:

1 can of Tremclad spray paint (gloss white) -- $10 (Canadian Tire)
1 new lamp shade -- $9.95 (Canadian Tire)
Small piece of sandpaper
Painters tape or masking tape

Here are the steps:

1. Clean thoroughly with damp cloth. Then clean it again!
2. Use painters tape to cover the metal bracket for the shade, the light socket and the electrical cord.
3. Lightly sand the entire glass base to remove some of the existing gloss finish. Wipe clean with damp cloth.
4. Carefully and slowly spray the ceramic base, starting at the top and working your way around and down to the bottom until entire lamp base is covered.
5. Wait to dry and spray on another coat. Repeat until you’ve got a good coat of a nice, even, full paint coverage.
6. Let dry overnight. Remove tape and attach new lamp shade.


Remember these handy tips:

Spray paint is hard to control and if you hit it with too much paint, you will get runs. Be patient and add paint in layers and you will get a wonderful glossy finish of rich color you are looking for!

And, please use spray paint in a well ventilated area. Preferably outside, but not when it’s windy. This stuff gets EVERYWHERE….I’d recommend using a mask as well, because it’s hard to do any type of spray paint project without breathing some of it in (yikes).

Again, I’m thrilled with the results of my second lamp makeover. Total cost of this project was $30…you just can’t buy new large, solid, lovely lamps for that price.

I’m 2 for 2 on the lamp makeovers…and I think I’ve run out of places for new lamps in my own place, but I know you might have a place for one.

Don’t be afraid…this is a really easy DIY project you can tackle for a small amout of money and a short amount of time that has big pay off.

Go ahead. Try it!


For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com