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Brass Lamp Makeover

I'm working hard to make our Valley Fire Rental a "home", and chalk paint seems to be my favorite thing to make things "homey" these days!  It all started with a little kit that my friend Sarah gave me for Christmas....and now I am painting everything with this awesome stuff!  Anyway, we were in desperate need of lamps for the bedroom, and my friend Jody found these two brass beauties for us.  They are great quality....only trouble is, I don't do brass. So, out comes the chalk paint!  

For this project, you will need:

 

  • spray paint primer

  • chalk paint of your choice (there are a lot of different brands to choose from - I got mine at Michaels)

  • paint brush

  • painters tape

  • extra fine sandpaper or sanding block

 

For this project, you will need:

 

  • spray paint primer

  • chalk paint of your choice (there are a lot of different brands to choose from - I got mine at Michaels)

  • paint brush

  • painters tape

  • extra fine sandpaper or sanding block

 

First, clean your lamp with a damp cloth, and dry thoroughly.  I really had to dig into all the crevices to get out the dust.  Next, tape off any areas of the lamp that you don't want painted (such as the cord).  Then spray your lamp with the primer and let dry 24 hours.  And then comes the fun part!  Shake up your chalk paint, and with a dry brush, start brushing it on!  They key here is to use a dry brush.  If you get it wet first, you won't achieve that nice "brushstroke" look.  You can see in the photo below (right hand side), that you also want to brush on the paint with a  light hand. Too much paint on the brush = no brushstrokes. I like to let the brushstrokes show a little bit because they add texture, which you really see in the wax antiquing ps.

 

Let your chalk paint dry for 24 hours.  Then, with a very light hand, use the sanding block or sand paper (extra fine!) to rub some of the paint off the edges of your lamp.  I didn't want the brass to shine through, so I barely touched the lamp...just enough to highlight the primer color and accent all the beautiful lines of these lamps.

For this next step, you need a heavy hand.  Liberally apply the wax antiquing finish (sold with the chalk paint), and make sure it gets into all the cracks and crevices.  Then take a clean rag and wipe it off.   Let dry for 24 hours.  They also sell a clear wax or a white-wash wax, if you would prefer that look.  The antiquing wax does change the color quite a bit....but I love it!  The bottom right hand photo shows the before and after (after is on the left).

And here is the finished project!  I love the way the color works with my new paisely comforter (a Ross find - under $30).  I got the burlap lamp shades at Ross, too, for $7.99 each.  Thre's only one problem with this picture....do you see that little bit of brass bed peaking through?  That's the bed that came with our furnished rental....and that, my firends, is a project for another day.  I have plans...stay tuned!

 

Have you used chalk paint?  I'd love to see your projects....please post a photo on my Facebook page!

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