Painting a lamp is best done with spray paint.
Paint can give your lamp a new look. Unsightly spots can be covered, or you can simply change the color to match the lamp's surroundings. Spray paint is the easiest and quickest way to paint. It is available in various blends that suit the surface you are painting. You can find virtually any color of spray paint. Spray paint can be purchased at craft stores, online and at home improvement stores.
Instructions
Brass Lamps
1. Unplug your lamp and remove the lampshade from its base. Clean the lamp to remove dust and grease. Wipe your lamp with a soft clean cloth and Liquid TSP. Let it completely dry.
2. Put masking tape over the areas you don't want to paint.
3. Put the lamp inside a large cardboard box to stop the primer and paint from getting on other items.
4. Spray paint the lamp with primer in four thin coats. Thick coats are more likely to have uneven paint and drip spots. Allow it to dry.
5. Spray your lamp with paint designed for metal surfaces. Put an initial coat on and let it dry. Spray on three additional coats, or until you reach your desired look.
Ceramic Lamps
6. Unplug your lamp and remove the lampshade from its base. Put masking tape over the areas you don't want to paint. Put the lamp inside a large cardboard box to stop the primer and paint from getting on other items.
7. Sand the lamp vase with a fine-grain sandpaper. This will allow the paint to adhere to the surface. Clean the base with vinegar and a cloth to remove all the debris. Let it thoroughly dry.
8. Spray paint the lamp with primer in four thin coats. Thick coats are more likely to have uneven paint and drip spots. Allow it to dry.
9. Spray your lamp with paint. Let it dry. Spray on three additional coats, or until you reach your desired look.
