OK, there are painted chandeliers everywhere these days. And y’all have to admit that a bright pop of color can bring an old brassy ‘typical’ chandelier into the 21st century, and seriously brighten up any space! So when Molly asked us to brighten up a couple chandy’s for her new photography studio, we thought this would be a great opportunity to throw down a tutorial!
When you’re planning to paint brassy-ANYTHING, it’s important to sand lightly to remove the glossy factor and allow the prime to have something to ‘grip’ to. See the difference? You’ll just know.
Next, I gathered some empty toilet paper rolls that I had been setting aside, and to my pure delight… they were a PERFECT fit to protect the candlesticks. Hallelujah! Every once in awhile it pays to be a hoarder!
Next we just ever-so-slightly ‘misted’ on oil based primer using our paint gun… (for info and instructions on paint guns and air compressors, click HERE)! You could also use Kilz Spray Primer. Paint the top side of your chandelier FIRST (right side up), and after it’s dry to the touch, flip it upside down and paint the under side. This is important! You want the underside to be flawless because that’s the part people will see when it’s hanging on your ceiling.
After letting this dry overnight, we whipped out the hot pink (!!) latex paint that Molly picked out for her sweet studio! You can use oil OR water based. It doesn’t matter.
Using the same techniques as we did with the primer, we painted! Top first, then bottom. We misted it so lightly with paint that it took several coats… but it was worth this extra time, because drips are a huge no bueno!
Molly was awesome enough to snap some photos of them all installed in her studio!
That’s all! Simple, no? And such a fun way to bring a pop of color to a space without it being overwhelming. And these outdated brass chandy’s are ALL OVER CRAIGSLIST. Molly found hers for 25 bucks a pop!
If you wanna see some other pieces we’ve done for Molly’s Photography studio, check out these links!
And for fun, here’s a little reminder how how tiny the twins were when Molly Photographed them as newborns. Seems like so long ago, and just like yesterday at the same time. Mostly I just like to find sneaky ways to show of my best DIY project ever.
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I want to do this only I want to put it outside. Do you know what makes it so it can be outside? I know that you can buy ones that go outside and they are expensive and not very attractive.
Karen, if you use a good oil-based primer like Kilz, and an oil-based paint, I think you should be fine! Be sure to seal it with polyurethane! I don’t think you’ll have any chipping issues at all. Hope this helps! Send pics! 😉
Hi there! This is fantastic! I have a brass “frame” around my fireplace that I’ve been wanting to paint. I’m assuming it’s the same principles here. My biggest concern: I don’t have a paint sprayer. Is it ok to use a brush? Also, it HAS to be an oil based primer, right? Just making sure I get it right before I dive in!! Thanks for everything!!
Hi Jamie Lynn! Yep same concept. Brushing it on is fine, you just may need to do more coats to get rid of the brush strokes. And yes, I would use an oil based primer. Good luck! 🙂
Hi!
I am a new follower..I found you from a link on a blog post on Young House Love. Looking forward to following your blog (:
Britt
Hi Beth,
I love your blog! Both you and Nick are so creative and talented. And your girls are PRECIOUS! I love all the updates on them. Just saw your feature on YHL, I love the technique you used on that piece!
Have a good day,
Sandy
I have a $20.00 CL find in my garage right now waiting for spring to get an orange make over.
YAY!!! ORANGE!!!
We have almost the exact same chandelier in our dining room. We painted it red. It’s going to be getting makerover #2 sometime in the near future. Red no longer matches our kitchen/dining room. It sticks out BAD! I call it Rudolph these days.