Chandelier Re-Do

While I was still living in Houston, I was looking for a new chandelier to hang in my dining room.
I knew that I didn’t have a lot of money to spend so I thought I’d try to create my own chandelier.  I went to the Local Assistance Ministries to see if I could find a chandelier to makeover. I had taken a newer chandelier from our living room and put it above our kitchen table which is why I need a new one.

That left me with an ugly ceiling mount shade which was of course driving me crazy!

Well, low and behold, I walked outside and SCORE!  They had two chandeliers, which I quickly scooped up.  Here are some pictures of the two chandeliers that I purchased.

First I taped off all of the tops of the sockets to protect them from the spray paint.  Next, I sprayed the chandelier with two coats of primer.  I used regular primer.  I’m sure that there is a specific type of primer for metal but I was trying to use what I had on hand.  I let the primer dry over night.  Living in Houston, we have very high humidity, so I wanted to make sure the primer had plenty of time to dry.

The next day, I used my tried and true, favorite spray paint, Oil Rubbed Bronzed. I gave the entire chandelier several light coats of paint.  I find that using several light coats keeps whatever I am painting from getting drip marks.  I had to turn the chandelier several times, different ways to make sure that all surfaces where painted.  I sprayed the chain as well.  I also allowed longer periods of time between the coats of paint because of the humidity.  I’m sorry I don’t have any pictures of these steps but I got so involved in my project that I forgot to take pictures!  My ADD kicking in once again!!! lol

Once the chandelier was dry, I had my husband hang it in the dining room.  I added light bulbs, some hanging    crystals that I purchased at Lowe’s and some shades that I also purchased at Lowe’s.  Here are pictures of the final product.  Everyone that has seen it, is amazed by the fact that it used to be an old shiny brass chandelier!  I am often amazed by the makeovers that can be created by using a little spray paint.  I have to say that I am proud to have this chandelier hanging in my home.  It makes me feel good to know that it is something that I created.  I’m sorry that I don’t have a final cost of the project, (I’m terrible about keeping receipts!).  I do know that the shades were the most expensive part of the chandelier.  I hope you like the makeover and that it inspires you to create something for your home!

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