Revamp the Lamp! Spray Painted Buffet Lamp Bases

Armed with only a few minutes and a can of spray paint, a complete lamp transformation can take place.

Two bed side lamps from about 20 years ago, while cute, just weren’t cutting it as buffet lights. One of the lamps had a broken shade so I was on the hunt for something better. I needed something with more height to it to help elongate the feature wall. Fortunately, I found two lamp bases at a local store, along with the finials and shades. Unfortunately, the lamp bases were not in perfect condition. While in the store, debating if I should purchase them, I had an idea.

Look at the difference between the two types of lamps. The tall one draws your eye up and creates a sense of overall balance.

Are These Lamps Worth Purchasing?

First of all, the lamps were only about ten dollars so the price was right. Secondly, they met the lamp height requirement. Thirdly, the imperfect red accent line (Why? I’m not sure I understand that design decision.) and the white transferred paint marks were superficial. Add all of these reasons together and I knew I could update these lamps to fit my vision. The bonus was that I already owned the spray paint. I LOVE accomplishing a project where the cost and time spent are minimal. As a side note: I wanted lamps that added to the overall look of the space, but that did not take attention away from the accent wall. I worked way too hard on that accent wall to have attention diverted to a pair of lamps. Ha ha.

The imperfect red accent line painted on the lamp and the white scuff marks will easily be eliminated with a fresh coat of paint.

Let’s get painting!

Seriously, this project does not take long and is very minimal in cost. Even better, use a lamp that you already own. Way to be earth friendly. Now go use an aerosol can of paint. Yeah, ok, so maybe that last bit cancels out the being green. Excuse me while I go water my plants with collected rain water. Yes! That balances things out, right?

Supply List

Lamp(s)
Masking Tape
Spray Paint- Rust-oleum Metallic Paint and Primer in One, Soft Flat Iron
Cardboard, scrap wood, or tarp
gloves

Instructions:

Step 1:

Dust or wipe off lamp base to remove any dirt or grease from the surface to be painted. Outside, in a well ventilated area, place a tarp or piece of cardboard/wood down.

Step 2:

Remove finial(s), lamp shade(s) and harp(s) from the lamp base(s). Apply masking tape around the cord, near the lamp base and around the light socket. Tape the cord, right up to the lamp base. Place lamp bases and finials on the work surface.

First, apply masking tape to the cord, being sure to get all the way up to the base. Next, be mindful that the cord is covered for at least six inches to avoid over spray. Finally, cover the socket completely with tape.

Take note that the masking tape goes all the way up to the lamp base.

Step 3:

Remember, paint on a day with little wind or breeze to allow for the best paint coverage. I like getting as much use out of one can of spray paint as possible. If half of the paint is carried away in the breeze, there goes some potential paint projects. Did you notice that this paint is the same can that I used on the hinges and pulls of the dining room buffet? Since these lamps are going on the buffet, I might as well use the same paint and give a cohesive look to the finishes.

Rust-oleum Metallic spray paint in Soft Flat Iron was used on the finials and lamp bases.

In only a few minutes the lamps and finials are covered and all previous imperfections are removed.

Once painted, let dry completely prior to removing the masking tape or touching the painted surface.

To begin painting, wear gloves to keep your hands clean, spray about 10-12 inches away from the lamp. Apply a light, even coat of paint. Avoid drips by applying more than one light coat and by using a continuous lengthwise motion as you spray. Spraying in one area for too long will cause an overload of paint that produces drips. If you get an unsightly drip, let the paint completely dry and then sand with a fine grit sand paper before attempting to repaint.

Step 4:

Once the lamp base and finial are painted, let dry completely. After they are dry, remove the masking tape and discard. Return the harp to the lamp base, add a light bulb, attach the shade, and top with the finial. Plug in the lamp and you’re good to go.

Looking good! One would think this is the original lamp finish.

Utilizing spray paint to update a lamp is such a quick and easy make over that too often gets overlooked. It’s amazing what a little spray paint can do. Since the lamps only had superficial damage and I got a great deal on them, it took minimal effort to maximize their value. The dining room is one step closer to being finished. That means my house is one step closer to being a home that reflects me. Let’s face it, none of the males in my house really care. They like the finished product but I think that is mostly just because they like to see me happy. Mostly, they like that it is a welcoming place with food, but I think down deep they also like the design elements. Really down deep. So deep they don’t even know it.

On the bright side, the lack of input allows me freedom to do what I think looks good. I confidently make a house a home whether they realize it, or not. 💙