Painted Chandelier

This is our new chandelier for the office.

I love the way it looks now, but when it started it looked like this:

This old brass chandelier was originally hanging in the bedroom. When we put up new lighting in the bedroom we took this down. Mike figured we'd put it in the trash. Mike was WRONG. He didn't know that I had a plan for this baby involving Dawn dishwashing liquid, apple cider vinegar and four cans of spray paint.  

First I took off all of the parts that were easily take-off-able and scrubbed everything down with dishwashing detergent. Then I soaked the loose pieces in a strong apple cider vinegar solution, and applied straight apple cider vinegar to the rest of the chandelier with a cloth. I let it sit for a day or two and then rinsed off the vinegar and gave it one more good cleaning with Dawn.

Next I took it out to the backyard and hit it with several coats of white primer spray paint.  I used Krylon because it was the only brand they had at the nearest hardware store.  It worked great.

I let the primer dry overnight and then put on the color - a nice bright yellow.

I sprayed the bits and pieces separately.  It took a number of coats of paint to achieve a smooth even color. 

I threaded the tubular candle sticks on a long strip of cardboard to keep them still while I painted.

After another day or two of drying time, I put the whole thing back together.

Because I wasn't sure I had done the wiring correctly, I spliced the main cord to an old extension cord and plugged it into a wall outlet to make sure it worked.  It worked!

Mike did the installation while the Karabouts dolls looked on.

And here's the final effect.

 

Comments

[Jenn]

I love it! And I love the stack of books in the background too!

[Kara]

Thanks Jenn! The stacks of books are on a Sapien bookshelf that holds them horizontally instead of vertically. Mike put a strip light on the back of it so it gives the room a nice glow.

[Marjorie wihelm]

Beautiful! If trials ever go out of style, you two can hire out as decorator/designers.

[Kara]

Thanks Mom. I hope trials don't go out of style because decorating/designing is expensive! :-)

[Mudnyc]

You paint, you splice, you knit, you fold, you crochet...what can't you do???

[Kara]

Awww. Thanks Michelle!!! There are a MILLION things I'm bad at (trust me!). I just don't blog about them. :-) I hope all is well in your life with new baby! xxoo

[Love To Crochet]

That is absolutely beautiful. Yellow is my favorite color. It just adds a ray of sunshine into your room. Very nice.

[Kara]

Thanks Loves To Crochet. I love yellow too! The chandelier did turn out well. Now if we can just get the rest of the house in order... Take care! Kara