Best metallic paints & colors for re-doing lamps?

13 years ago

I posted this in the Paint forum last week and didn't attract any interest, so I decided to try here.

I have two metal floor lamps that I'm planning to re-paint with a metallic finish. Both are made of steel and have a small amount of rust. The lamps aren't valuable, but they have nice shapes. One is a vintage lamp, probably from the '40's, that has a fluted column and an ornate base, and the other is more modern. If it weren't for the rust, I'd leave them as is, but I really have to do something to make them presentable.

I thought I'd paint the older one a mid-tone bronze (not ORB) and the modern one a satin nickel. I was thinking of using a spray paint but I don't mind using a brush-on. Is there a preferred brand for metallic paint? The stores around here carry Krylon and Rust-oleum. Both companies have several lines of metallic paints, which I find very confusing. I called Rustoleum and the person I spoke to wasn't at all helpful in sorting them out.

Any recommendations for specific paint colors? The color choices are completely different in the various lines. Somehow I don't trust the accuracy of the colors on the plastic caps on the paint cans, and neither the Krylon nor the Rust-oleum site has real-life photos of their metallic paints.

For the vintage lamp, I was thinking of using one of the following:

* Rust-oleum American Accents "Classic Bronze"

* Rust-oleum Metallic "Burnished Brass"

* Krylon Premium "Gilded Brass"

and for the modern lamp:

* Rustoleum American Accents Designer Metallic "Satin Nickel"

* Rustoleum Stops Rust Metallic "Matte Nickel"

* Krylon Premium Metallic "Sterling Silver"

* Krylon Brushed Metallic "Satin Nickel"

Has anyone here used any of these colors? How did they turn out?

Finally, what primer should I use? I'm not really changing the orginal colors of the lamps, but I have to do something about the rust. Should I use a black or dark primer for the bronze lamp?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

dilettante_gw
Original Author

13 years ago

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely sand off the rust. It's not too bad, but it's the main reason for painting, so I don't want it to ruin the job.

I never thought of going to a craft store to look for paint. Great idea, especially for the vintage lamp, since none of the colors I've seen so far seems exactly right. I'll also get a can of the Rustoleum "Hammered Bronze" to test because it got 2 recommendations here and has good reviews on Amazon. It may be a little too dark, though, so I'll probably test at least one other color.

There doesn't seem to be as much variation in the nickel shades, so I think I'll go with the Rust-oleum "Stops Rust" paint in Satin Nickel because (according to Rust-oleum), you don't need to prime and it's supposed to be corrosion-resistant. The directions also say that you can paint directly over rust, which means I won't have to be a perfectionist about removing it. I'll do this lamp first because it's a simpler project and I know where it will go (my office).

Thanks again!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (26)

sweeby
13 years ago
We used a 'Hammered Bronze' paint on some plastic flower pots and it was SO BEAUTIFUL! Really, really nice -- a gorgeous, semi-smooth (hammered-looking) metallic finish in a rich deep brownish-bronze color. I'd use it again in a heartbeat. I think it was Rustoleum, but might have been Krylon. According to Hubby, they're both good --
paintergirl94
13 years ago
There is a no-prep metallic spray, and I think it's Krylon.

If you go to Michael's (or a similar craft/art store) they sell the smaller cans of spray and carry the metallics you may be looking for. It's a little more creativity-inducing than a big-box store. They even sell the small tubes of no-prep metallic paint as another option.
And, you're right, do not trust the color of the cap! You will have to break down and buy a couple of samples.
As for the rust on the lamps, you may be able to just do a light sanding or a simple cleaning, if it is a raised surface. Or, just leave it and paint/spray right over it. Withou seeing it, can't say for sure.
Related Discussions
What can I do with this living space....paint? re-arrange?
Q
Comments (3)
That looks like a lovely space--plenty of light, large room, fireplace, nice wood floors. Some questions first. What are the primary functions of the room? TV watching, sitting and chatting, eating, listening to music, reading, entertaining guests, watching the fire? Make a list of all the things you want to do in this room. Then consider whether you can do them in the room as it currently is, or if you need to add/replace any pieces. For example, if you'd like to use this room as a cozy reading spot, is there a comfortable chair with a good lamp and table nearby, or is reading frustrating because the only place to sit with good light isn't comfortable for reading for long periods of time and there's no place to put down the book or a cup of tea? Second, traffic patterns. Most of the furniture looks pushed up against the window wall. Is that to leave a clear path to the doorway at the upper left? There are ways to arrange furniture to avoid the "bowling alley" effect. Could you post a drawing of the surrounding rooms so we can see the traffic flow? And is there a space outside the window that you access from this room? Third, what's that box hanging from the ceiling? Is that a projector? Where's the screen? As for style, cozy doesn't have to be cottagey. With the furniture you have now, I'd consider getting a large area rug or two. They would help define the space, and add some warmth, even if they are a modern design. A throw in a vibrant color. Dress the window in plain white sheers, maybe on a cable system from Ikea. But I really feel that rearranging the furniture will create a better feeling of coziness. I'd create two separate areas in the room. One up by the fireplace, with maybe a loveseat facing the fireplace, with an end table or two and a lamp. Or two chairs with a round table between them. Anchor that grouping with an area rug. Then a second, larger grouping in front of the windows, centered on the TV, using the sectional. I'd consider a different coffee table, or painting the one you have. Again, with a large area rug to anchor the seating area. As for colors, orange always seems like a modern color to me. So I'd consider swapping out the orange in the room for another color that would go with the brown. And ideally, I'd replace the huge speakers with smaller, wall-hung units, but that would be expensive. This post was edited by camlan on Sun, Jan 13, 13 at 10:36
...See More
Re-Doing Lamps on a Budget
Q
Comments (10)
juliekcmo, yeah, I've seen the metallic lamps. The problem is that my house is still sort of "eclectic", leaning towards the vintagey-country side and I'm not sure that would work. Juleecat, what color is the ORB? Does it look black. Sure would love to see pics of your lamps. I actually have some old Stiffel brass lamps up in my closet that I had tired of years ago. I wish I could be more "modern", but I just have a real bent towards the country-cottagey look, so thought maybe a green or something would look good.
...See More
Living Room Re-do...What Do I Do First?
Q
Comments (7)
Let's see: 1) Really sit around the whole room -- in every chair and seat. Look. Look. and Look Again. How do you want the room to feel? Warmer? Cooler? More Open? More Cozy? b) Really write down any issues with the room at this point ... seating for how many? tables? shelving for storage? Is the room too dark (or have dark corners?) too light? c)HOW do you want the room to work for your current needs? TV? Reading? Conversation? 2)Measure Everything. And write it down. Really. Measure the room, walls, windows and doors. AND hallways -- too many folk have bought a wonderful sofa/armoire/shelves -- only to find that their perfect item won't fit through the front door or down the hallway! :) 3)Start collecting inspiration photos from all kinds of sources. Really examine photos -- and decide WHAT and WHY something takes your eye .... color? shape? texture? arrangement? 4)Find a starting point. Usually start with a larger item -- like a sofa. Then decide on your needs for additional seating options -- chairs? loveseat? 5)Keep an eye on your local stores -- and search your local Craigs List. 6)Find the next item -- usually a rug or additional seating. Choose one -- and then -- look for the other one. 7)Once the main items are in place -- look again. What tables are needed? 8)Lamps. Lamps. Lamps. Table ones. Standing lamps. Always have lighting options! :)
...See More
when re-painting over existing paint do you need to prime first?
Q
Comments (9)
For some reason washing surfaces before painting seems to have become unpopular and is not always done. ANY paint adheres better to a clean surface. If TSP is still available in your area (some places restrict it since it has a lot of phosphorous) it is still the best heavy duty cleaner for surfaces to be re-painted. It does take a wash and a separate rinse, but makes the surface clean to accept a new coat of paint.
...See More
franksmom_2010
13 years ago
Rustoleum makes a primer for rusted metal, called "Rusty metal primer" or some other very obvious thing. I think it's black. I would still sand off as much as you can. I've used the Krylon satin nickel, and it turned out great. I've found that cap color is actually pretty accurate to what's in the can, but if you're really particular about an exact shade, I'd just buy a can of each so you can test them all.
mzdee
13 years ago
Another vote for Rustoleum hammered bronze. DD had metal shelves in her bathroom and of course they rusted from the moisture. Just wiped them down and used the hammered bronze. They are beautiful. Try it. You won't be sorry.
User
13 years ago
When I'm taking rust off something with a lot of indentations or details, I like to use one of those brass kitchen type brushes, a pot brush, and definitely not something heavy duty like the grill cleaning wire bristle brushes.

When I was repainting the metal wrought iron outdoor chairs, I then sprayed a commercial product called CHEMPRIME or OSPHO on the metal. Problem with that, as I discovered, I'm allergic to the acids in them, and my hands swole up like boiled weiners. So be careful if you use any strong chemicals.

I've used the hammered bronze before, and it is very attractive. And it is very durable too.

Be sure to post your results with the nickle paints, haven't seen objects painted with that. Should be nice.
antiquesilver
13 years ago
A little OT, but I've never found a silver metallic spray that auctually looked like silver - most looked just gray. A silver leaf process over the paint worked well on my clawfoot tub feet but I don't remember the brand. I'll be interested to see the results of the nickle paint.
paintergirl94
13 years ago
Since the lamp is indoors, priming is not necessary, like you said, just a quick cleaning (careful not to do more damage), the no prime paint will be sufficient. Also, you can certainly buy a silver leaf if the silver sprays are not shiny enough. You can even buy a silver paint and brush that on. None of the hammered finishes are particularly shiny, but they are forgiving if you don't spray perfectly...
If you do get the silver leaf, make sure you have all the materials (leaf, size, brush & varnish), it may come as a kit, not sure.
The craft store may open up a whole new world for ya!
deborah1950
13 years ago
I used Hammered Bronze on two chandeliers and really liked it. I actually think it almost has a dark pewter look more than a brownish look. To me, it's one of those colors that is hard to describe. Makes it interesting!
User
13 years ago
I did 2 floor lamps that sound like yours. To clean them use PAM and steel wool. I learned this from a friend that was in the Coast Guard. They use a WD40 product and steel wool and I had the bright idea of using the PAM instead. It works like a charm and removes all rust and leaves a lovely finish w/o ruining the patina. Clean with a little soap and water and paper towels.

At Michaels they have Sophisticated Finishes. It gives a much more realistic finish than any of the spray paints will. You can feather it on and leave the lovely finish of the metal in the places where you have it intact. I have seen the lamps that are spray painted and they always look fake since the coverage is so even and complete. Oh also the SF has a wonderful silver finish that looks and is real metal. That is the other advantage of SF , it is real metal in solution, Good Luch. I can post pics of mine if you want. c
dilettante_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the tips. I don't think I want silver leaf, but I don't want just plain gray paint either. I'll have to check out the Sophisticated Finishes at Michael's. BTW, Krylon claims that their Premium Metallic paints resemble metal plating, but the colors don't look right for either of my projects.

Trailrunner, I'd love to see photos of your floor lamps. Ditto for Antiquesilver's clawfoot tub feet and any of the Hammered Bronze projects. I don't think I'd want to use Hammered Bronze alone, but it could be a good base coat under a metallic finish.

I'll try to post pictures of my lamps, but it'll probably be a few weeks before I get to them. I have a couple of other projects in the works. Priorities have a way of changing.
User
13 years ago
Hey. It is 3 lamps ...I forgot how many we did. I didn't want to cover up the "good" metal finish. That is why I cleaned them really well first and then simply added to the beauty of the metal by feathering on the finish. I am really happy with the way it came out. The SF has a clear primer that you apply and then the metals. They are not expensive. You have way more control than with spray paint. You just use a tiny amount and a little brush. Here is a link...scroll down in my photobucket acct and you will see the lamps. If you need more details or more pics let me know I would be glad to take them . Here is one for a sample :

Here is a link that might be useful: pics of floor lamps
dilettante_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
Trailrunner, your lamp came out great! That's EXACTLY the kind of look I'd like for my antique lamp. Could you give me step-by-step instructions? Is the SF primer a spray or paint-on? How long did you wait before applying the metallic finish? (The SF site says that you have to wait 24-48 hours after using a solvent-based primer, but it doesn't say if you have to wait after using the SF acrylic primer.) What kind of brush do you use for the metallic finish? Did you apply any kind of sealer over the finish?
antiquesilver
13 years ago
Clawfoot - slightly over exposed from the flash (the travertine is really a warm pink) - spray painted with a flat gray (I think) & silver leafed with a kit from Michaels. I don't remember the brand because it was done 7-8 years ago but I didn't need to prime because the feet had been professionally painted when the tub was re-surfaced.
dilettante_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
Antiquesilver, that's absolutely beautiful! I've never seen so much detail on a clawfoot! You did an amazing job! It looks like it's held up really well, too, if you did that 7-8 years ago. Did you use any kind of protective coating? Do you have to use any special cleaning products?
nicole__
13 years ago
I used SF on this old floor lamp:

Then later went back and spray painted it:

Here's what it looks like today:
{{!gwi}}
User
13 years ago
Hey just checking back. I didn't have to do anything really time consuming or special on any of the 3 lamps. I took them outside and sprayed on PAM. I then put on gloves to protect my nails and scrubbed the metal with PAM saturated steel wool...used very fine. I next used paper towels to get off the rust and oil residue. I used a spray grease cutter to get off the PAM after that. The finish was so pretty at that point so all I did was put in the milky looking primer...it dries clear and you can then coat it with the SF. I didn't wait at all. It dries very fast. I used a tiny brush like from a kid's watercolor set. The SF dries very fast also. I didn't seal it. You can use as much or as little as you want and feather the edges. Use less and then look at it and see if you want more coverage. The original metal will probably be so pretty that you might not use much so clean 1st. Good Luck. c
antiquesilver
13 years ago
Dilettante,
The kit may have included a clear spray for the top coat - franky I don't remember. To clean, I dust them with a dry paint brush & wipe down with a damp sponge but they set far enough under the tub that they don't get very dirty.
antiquesilver
13 years ago
I hit enter before I finished!

Nicole, I love that lamp, although, to me, it's much prettier as a torche with all the Egyptian motif exposed. I'm assuming the glass shade is original because it looks to be perfectly matched to the lamp design. But then, I'm a sucker for a torche!
antiquesilver
13 years ago
Spelling correction. Torchiere
dilettante_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
Great lamp, Nicole! I agree with AntiqueSilver that I'd want to show off the original diffuser -- it's so unusual and is so perfectly matched to the lamp (even though using a lamp shade is more historically correct with that kind of lamp). Your pictures reminded me that I have similar lamp (but nowhere near as nice) that's been in my attic since it got accidentally knocked over and broken. I need to figure out how to fix it (but that's would be another thread -- I'll post it in Metalworking).

Thanks for tips, TrailRunner & AntiqueSilver.
nicole__
13 years ago
antiquesilver & dilettante....I'm glad you like it! It started it's life as a FREE CL lamp, not a torchier. The top was a huge clunky normal light base with no harp. Sooooooooo......I took a fruit bowl, also free...probably from hobby lobby...inverted the base, which is made from red clay, put the glass bowl on top, rewired it, then attempted to get a color I could live with. :0) I'm into the drum shades at the moment and need a light I can read by....so this works right now. :0)
antiquesilver
13 years ago
Well aren't you the clever one??? It fooled me - big time!
dilettante_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
You're kidding!!! You have an amazing eye!
powermuffin
13 years ago
nicole, I love both renditions. Fruit bowl? Wouldn't have thought of that.
Diane
nicole__
13 years ago
antiquesilver, dilettante, powermuffin.....even my DH is fooled. :0) He found the fruit bowl in a site dumpster(he works construction) and swears it's an antique light fixture.....but I saw the exact fruit bowl in Hobby Lobby painted rust, on sale for $6!!! Made in China!!! lol It was something the secretaries were throwing out....

Best metallic paints & colors for re-doing lamps?

dilettante_gw
Original Author

Comments (26)

sweeby

paintergirl94

Related Discussions

franksmom_2010

mzdee

User

antiquesilver

paintergirl94

deborah1950

User

dilettante_gw
Original Author

User

dilettante_gw
Original Author

antiquesilver

dilettante_gw
Original Author

nicole__

User

antiquesilver

antiquesilver

antiquesilver

dilettante_gw
Original Author

nicole__

antiquesilver

dilettante_gw
Original Author

powermuffin

nicole__

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Best metallic paints & colors for re-doing lamps?

dilettante_gwOriginal Author

Comments (26)

Related Discussions

dilettante_gwOriginal Author

dilettante_gwOriginal Author

dilettante_gwOriginal Author

dilettante_gwOriginal Author

dilettante_gwOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

dilettante_gw
Original Author

dilettante_gw
Original Author

dilettante_gw
Original Author

dilettante_gw
Original Author

dilettante_gw
Original Author

dilettante_gw
Original Author