You don't have to call a handyman if you have old light fixtures in your home.With a bit of motivation and creativity, you can update your light fixture and bring a new look to your home without spending a lot of money.
Step 1: A cardboard box is big enough to hold your light fixture.
If you want to prevent spray paint from ruining carpeting or furniture, use an empty cardboard box as your working area.The open end of the box should be facing east or west.If you don't mind making a bit of a mess, spray paint a garage.You need to spray paint the fixture to protect your lungs.Wear protective eyewear.
Step 2: There is a piece of foam under the light fixture.
You can easily move your fixture by dragging the foam's corners if you Line the bottom of your box with foam.There is a soft floor that won't scratch it.As you paint, you can keep rotating the foam to get all sides of the fixture.The spray paint won't melt the foam so it's ideal.TVs and furniture are usually packaged with this kind of foam.If the spray paint is applied too close to the foam, Styrofoam can easily melt.Light coats of paint reduce the chance of foam melting.
Step 3: If the light fixture is not a flat bottom, raise it with a stick.
A popsicle stick or toothpick can be used to hold up a light fixture that doesn't have a flat bottom.Rest your fixture on the top end by sticking one side of the stick or pick into the foam.You can use the stick to move the fixture.It is easier to spray paint a light fixture from every angle if you hang it from a wire.You could hang the light fixture from a tree or beam in your garage.
Step 4: If the fixture is covered in lacquer, wash it in hot water.
Most light fixtures are made of brass and come with an outer coating of lacquer to prevent oxidation.If your fixture is in this category, cover it with hot water and place it in a sink basin.It will be easy to peel off once cooled down.If you have a small piece, you can boil it in hot water using a non-aluminum pot.
Step 5: To clean and dry your brass light fixture, use a cloth and water.
Afterwards, you can use a cloth dipped in water and soap to clean your brass fixture.If you don't know if your fixture is brass, put a magnet on it.It is most likely iron or steel if it clings to it.
Step 6: The copper is clean.
A soft cloth should be dipped into the mixture of white vinegar and salt in a bowl.Rub the light fixture to clean it.Half of a lemon can be sprinkled with salt.Rub the fixture with the salted side.Baking soda and lemon juice can be put on a cloth to clean.
Step 7: Polish steel
For light polishing, add 1 quart of warm water for every 2 cups of water.Clean your fixture with a soft cloth or paper towel and always wipe in the same direction as the grain.White and cider can be used to clean your light fixture, but ciders leave a pleasant smell.It is more acidic than other types of cleaning, so it is best for light fixtures that have tough stains.One or two shots of olive oil, around the size of a dime, will work if you don't have vinegar.
Step 8: Pick the paint type you want for your light fixture.
General purpose stray paint is designed to dry quickly and is your best bet.It comes in many different finishes.If you're willing to invest a bit more money for higher quality, professional paint is great because it's designed to resist fading and cracking.The professional paints can dry in 15 minutes or less.Special use paints can be used for decorative designs like glazed pottery, glitter surfaces and fluorescent paints.
Step 9: You can spray a coat of primer on your light fixture.
The products help paint adhere to metal.Give them enough time to dry before you apply paint.Home hardware stores can sell metal primer.Before painting your fixture, make sure you cover the wires and light sockets with painter's tape or plastic.The electrical parts of the fixture will be protected.
Step 10: Light and spray paint can be applied to your light fixture.
If you apply spray paint, always apply light coats of paint.The appearance of your fixture can be ruined by heavy coats.Wait for the paint to dry before applying any more.Keep your application up to date.When the paint rises from the underlying surface of the coat, it's known as paint blistering.It's a good idea to shake your can every 2 to 3 minutes.Wear a mask to avoid breathing fumes.These can be purchased from local hardware stores.
Step 11: Dust and dirt can be picked up by using a tack cloth.
You'd be surprised at how much dirt and dust can return after you've cleaned your light fixture.It's a good idea to keep a tack cloth handy to wipe any dirty or dusty surfaces.Purchase tack cloths at your local hardware store.
Step 12: There is a ceiling light cover.
Buying a ceiling light cover is a simple solution for old light fixture that stick out like a sore thumb.You can choose from many shapes and sizes of home hardware and furniture.To cover your light with a piece of fabric, use some thumbtacks.A fabric that lets light through is attractive.You can put a tack into each corner and secure it to the ceiling with a square piece.Make sure it's big enough that it hangs low to avoid heating up and posing a fire hazard.
Step 13: A shade can be created from a plastic basket or bin.
You can find a small laundry basket or bin if you want to use it as a shower caddy.Try and find one that matches the theme of your home or space.To puncture the "X" shape in the center of the basket or bin's bottom, cut the handles off using a box cutter.You're good to go if you slide the opening over the light fixture.There are glass domes that get in the way.You can add more style to your space by covering the basket or bin with fabric that matches your decor.You can spray paint the bin or basket.
Step 14: A chopping board can be used as a cover.
Glass covers can be replaced with chopping boards that are flexible.You don't have to worry about fires because they are heat resistant.To slide a hole into the center of your light fixture, use a knife or box cutter.If you want to cover the base circle piece, spray paint it or use electrical tape.Light will be allowed through the chopping board you choose.A textured chopping board can diffuse the light.
Step 15: A plain drum lamp shade can be used to cover your fixture.
There are affordable lamp shades at local furniture and home hardware stores.Pick a shade that is big enough to fit your light fixture.The ribbons should be secured using a glue gun or fabric glue.Many furniture and hardware stores have specific shades for chandeliers.Depending on how you want your shade to look, the amount of pieces you cut varies.A maximum of 4 is recommended, but 1, 2, or 3 pieces can also work.If you want a multi-colored design, use different colored ribbons.
Step 16: For a chandelier design, flip the arms of a light fixture.
If you have a standard light fixture that hangs its bulbs downward, many come with flexible arms that can be turned upward for a chandelier design.Before you do this, take off the bulbs and then screw them back on.Purchase new ones that make them feel different.Electric candle lightbulbs add to the chandelier look.You can use the bulbs in your fixture for a farmhouse or industrial look.
Step 17: Wrap your chandelier in rope or twine.
It can be difficult to wrap a chandelier with rope or twine, but it is a great way to give it a new look.Put some hot glue on the bottom of each arm and then wrap it with rope.Once the strings reach the top of the bulbs, tie them off with hot glue.Pick a material that can be wrapped around your light fixture.Twine is less dense than most rope.
Step 18: If it's a chandelier, put beads around it.
If you have a chandelier, or a light fixture with arms that can be inverted for the same effect, string some beads around it.You can spray paint it in a color that matches your beads.For a more rustic look, use wooden beads or acrylic crystal beads.