Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Update Brass Fixtures

Update your brass light fixtures with spray paint.








If your home has many brass or brass-covered light fixtures, you probably last redecorated in the 1990s or earlier. Your brass fixtures' shiny, yellow-gold surface is also high-maintenance and easily tarnished. Update your brass fixtures and reduce the time you spend maintaining them by spray painting the fixtures. Paint all your outdated brass fixtures the same color, or use different paint colors for a more eclectic effect. Either way, you can turn your brass fixtures into modern, vibrant pieces.


Instructions


1. Combine 2 tbsp. each of salt, baking soda and lemon juice inside a cup to create a brass cleaning solution. Dip your cloth into the solution and use it to clean and polish your brass fixtures. Clean hard-to-reach crannies with a soft toothbrush. Wipe the brass clean with a dry cloth.


2. Tape over any areas of your brass light fixtures that you shouldn't paint, such as switches, pulls or wiring.


3. Lay out your drop cloth. Place your brass fixtures on top of the cloth, or suspend the fixture, such as from a tree branch.


4. Spray your fixtures with an even coat of primer. Allow it to dry thoroughly.


5. Spray two coats of paint onto your fixtures, using short, even strokes. Allow for drying time between the coats, according to the can's instructions. Add slightly more time if you're working in high humidity.


6. Turn over your dried fixtures, and check for missed spots. Apply more spray paint where necessary.

Tags: brass fixtures, your brass, light fixtures, your brass fixtures, brass fixtures, brass light, brass light fixtures