how to paint a gold lamp base
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I bought this lamp at a yard sale for $2.00 over the summer. IF you own a lamp like this I apologize for insulting your lamp, but I think it is really ugly. I’ve never been a fan of gold.
How to paint a gold lamp base
Here she is ready for her makeover, as I show you how to paint a gold lamp base.
Protect the lamp socket and wiring when painting
I covered the socket with a plastic bag.
I also put the cord in a baggie—hindsight, I should have painted it too! 
This is after one coat of primer. Using my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer makes all of my painting jobs go so much quicker!
Crisp White Linen by Glidden.
Don’t forget to paint the small finial on the lamp
I stuck the cute little finial on a twig to paint it.
It already looks a LOT better, don’t you think? (except for the gold cord) I used my Homeright paint sprayer making this a very quick and easy makeover. (You can get the same look with some spray paint if you don’t own a paint sprayer)
Glazing (antiquing) a white lamp
I glazed it with some Jacobean stain, applying it then wiping it off. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a picture with your left hand while holding the camera with a rag because you have stain all over your hands?
Don’ you LOVE fall? Look at all those leaves!
This lamp didn’t have a shade. This is a shade I had laying around the garage. I have NO clue what type of shade this is, or what type of shade would look good on this lamp.
I’m open to suggestions about the shade.
What style/color of shade would you recommend? Do you think I improved the lamp? Or would you have left it gold? Perhaps you would have painted it a different color? In any case, don’t pass up an ugly $2 lamp!
UPDATE:
This is the current shade on the lamp. did you can see the tutorial for the repurposed fence sign, I Love You A Bushel and a Peck?
gail
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so much better! love.
I have a lamp similar to the one you just repurposed. I found your article because I was searching for lamps painted gold. I’m going to turn my drab lamp into the ugly gold one! It will be strikingly beautiful in my bedroom.
I love it! I’m so happy you found my article helpful Pamela.
Don’t be a stranger,
gail
Looks good! Definitely needs a colored shade. I just spraypainted some ugly lamps too but mine are line green…hopefully I will get them finished this weekend and post the project. I love spraypaint! 🙂
jamie @ sewrockin.com
You hit it right with the lamp! Love the crackle, too. Can you invert the shade? I usually try something like that before I get frustrated and throw it out or really mess it up with tacky embellishments. Now, I wait for it to talk to me and tell me what it wants to be.
Great find, a steal for $2. I’m not a fan of gold either but I love the shape of the lamp. It looks fabulous with the white finish.