Thursday, October 31, 2013

Spray Paint Light Fixtures

Spray painting a fixture can give a room a new look.


Spray painting a light fixture is an inexpensive way to give the fixture a totally new look, and you can complete the project in one day. It's important to use a spray-on primer first, to give the spray paint coat an even look and ensure that it's long lasting. Select a clear, mild day without much wind for your spray painting project, so the spray paint can dry properly.


Instructions


1. Remove the light fixture from the wall, ceiling, or whatever spot in which you have it hanging. Remove any shades, bulbs, or other detachable pieces that you won't be painting.


2. Lay a piece of cardboard or drop cloth over your outdoor work area. Set the light fixture on the drop cloth so you can reach all parts of the fixture with the spray paint.


3. Wipe the fixture down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Apply masking tape over the light bulb sockets, and over any other part of the fixture you do not want painted.


4. Begin spraying on the primer. Shake the can and hold it 8 inches from the fixture's surface. Move the can slowly back and forth over the whole fixture, applying an even layer of primer. Let the primer dry according to the directions on the can, then apply another light coat if you can still see through the primer. Let that coat dry as well.








5. Apply the spray paint in the color of your choice in the same way you applied the primer. Apply two to three light coats to achieve the desired color saturation, instead of one heavy coat that may run. Let the coats dry between applications.


6. Remove the masking tape, replace the detachable parts, and reinstall the light fixture.

Tags: light fixture, spray paint, drop cloth, masking tape, Spray painting