My $5 thrift store lamp hack totally backfired

Everyone says to spray paint old lamps, so I grabbed a can of matte black for a brass one. The paint wouldn't stick right and now it's all sticky and peeling after two days. What's a better way to update old light fixtures on a tight budget?

2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

2 Comments

barbara3995mo ago

Ugh that sticky spray paint thing is the worst lol. Sanding the brass first is key, even a quick scuff with rough sandpaper helps the paint grab. A cheap can of primer made for metal before the color coat makes a huge difference too. Honestly sometimes just cleaning and swapping the shade gives an old lamp new life for like two bucks.

3

nathanbennett5mo ago

Maybe it's just a lamp, @barbara399, not a museum piece. A quick wipe and a new bulb usually does the trick for me.

4