Transform a plain light fixture into a stylish chandelier with crystals and spray paint. Hanging crystals from the arms of the light fixture and from bobeches that you can add around the light bulbs will give your old fixture new life. Take it one step further and update the color of the fixture from brass to a sophisticated black or an old world oiled bronze. You can find a variety of metallic spray paints at your local discount store to help you make a quick transformation. Look for crystals at online wedding and chandelier parts suppliers.
Instructions
1. Order hanging crystal prisms and crystal strands to update your light fixture. You may have a crystal supplier locally, but still compare prices online to find the best deal. Crystal prisms come in an array of colors and sizes to suit any décor style. Crystal strands are available in 3-foot lengths that you can join together or take apart to fit your light fixture. Look for bobeches, glass trays that fit over the light sockets, for additional places to hang crystals. Each bobeche has six holes for clip on crystals.
2. Remove all the light bulbs from the light fixture. Spray paint the fixture in your choice of color. Apply the spray paint in light layers so the paint will not run. Follow the directions on the can for drying times. It will likely take more than one coat to cover the old finish. Let the paint dry.
3. Cut several 2-foot sections of 24-gauge craft wire and spray them the same color as the base of your light fixture. This wire is to make hooks for the hanging crystals.
4. Hang the light fixture in a doorway or from a low ceiling hook so that you can reach and work on all sides easily.
5. Cut the painted craft wire into 2-inch sections. Wrap a piece of wire around the arms of the light fixture wherever you plan to place a hanging crystal. Make the wire loose enough so that you can clip the hanger from the crystal between the wire and the light fixture.
6. Add the bobeches over the light sockets, and replace the light bulbs. Clip the crystal strands so that they drape between the arms and/or between the bobeches. Clip the crystal prisms onto the wires and the bobeches.
Tags: light fixture, light bulbs, your light, your light fixture, arms light, arms light fixture