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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That’s awesome! It looks so great.
You definitely did right in changing the color of the lamp. Really do like the white with brown stain. A drum lamp shade in a nice brown would make this really pop. You need something round to make the bottom stand out more.
The transformation is perfect, now for a new shade-how about a dark brown color or other dark color coordinating in the room?
It looks great!
I think you could do a color for the shade! Maybe a nice dark blue, or even a rich brown.
I love what you did!! There are some inexpensive lampshades at Walmart – they are a burlap-like background with script written on them. I think that would be perfect on your lamp.
xox
Wow, an amazing transformation on the lamp, but if I am being completely honest, I am not a huge fan of the shade. Painting definitely updated the lamp, but the shade…not so much. It looks a little to small for the lamp, IMO. I think a nice basic drum or even a rectangle shade in either white or a dark color to compliment the stain, would look nice.
I know shades can be pricey (try Ross or Marshall’s…great prices) and you may not want to invest, but since you asked…I had to offer my opinion, for whatever that is worth, lol!
ugly no more! it looks lovely!
Hi, Gail
I love the lamp, it turned out lovely!
Vanessa
Wow this looks sooo much better! I like that you glazed it too after painting, lovely!
Perfecto now Gail! That gold had to go.
Your paint job really brings out all the details on that lamp. Like you, I’m not sure about lamp shades, the flare seems to suit the curves of the lamp base.
Nice lamp for the guest room!
I love it! I’m not a huge fan of gold either.