Greetings and happy Wednesday! Today I’m proud to announce I am officially a resident of North Carolina and a licensed driver. After 2 ½ brief hours at the DMV, here I am! Anyway….this a bit of a recap of how to clean and paint a chandelier since my last post of this nature is apparently lost in “the cloud”. Wherever that is.
A few weeks ago I shared my tips on how to clean and paint a vintage chandelier. This chandelier is going to someone very special. I finished it up today (after the DMV fiasco) and it is wrapped, packaged and ready to go to the post office tomorrow! This is how this little beauty looked when I purchased it. It was dusty and dirty and was missing a little piece in the center. But, it has lovely bones and I knew it would be beautiful once again with a little TLC!
The missing piece in the middle probably once held a screw-in crystal ball, but I had this sweet acorn shaped finial in my stash and it fit perfectly. You can see how dull the finish had become due to age and neglect. I had an electrician put it on a plug for me first. TIP: Usually an electrician will put a chandelier on a plug for you for as little as $15-$25. It’s well worth it since hard wiring a fixture is often not an option. Plus, in this case, the recipient can take it with her wherever she goes in the future!
After wiping down the entire chandelier with a damp cloth and a bit of WD-40 I used my favorite paint called Rub ‘N Buff in Gold Leaf. ( Rub N’ Buff Gold Leaf Paint here ) It’s not very expensive and a small tube goes a long way. I like to dab the paint on with my finger or use a dry brush method. (Also, if you use your finger, be sure to wear a glove. Your fingernails will thank you.)
You can see the difference once the fixture is painted. It has a beautiful and realistic gold leaf finish and really makes the chandelier shine! And the little acorn finial looks like it belongs right where it is. Karma.
When I use gold leaf paint I like to leave a bit of the dark patina so it stays authentic looking. The chandelier looks fresh and updated but still has a vintage vibe, which is the goal.
After a good cleaning, and fresh paint job, this little fixture is ready for the bling!
And 48ish crystals later and here is the finished chandelier! Rescued and ready for another generation! I hung the chandelier from a hook on the loggia in order to attach the crystals. This time I used glass crystals with O-ring type hooks so they would stay in place better. (Not only better for shipping purposes, but they should stay in place better with everyday use). Doesn’t it have the prettiest shape? So girly!
Oh, how I love the sparkly goodness of glass crystals and gold leafing!
I’m so pleased with the way this petite chandelier turned out! I put in low-wattage lights but it can accommodate a bit more. The plug is also on a switch but not a dimmer which is why I chose the lower watt bulbs. I think it will make a lovely addition to a very special little girl’s room.
A quick before and after. Isn’t it amazing what a bit of paint and some crystals can do? I can’t even say this was a labor of love since this IS what I love to do. And I love the recipient so it was so much fun for me to do this as a surprise! I can’t wait for her to get it! Shhhh. Don’t tell.
Another happy chandelier and happy me! This has been a chandelier week really. I had several installed in our house and now this fun project! I hope to get some good pictures of our new chandeliers. I’ve been told the pictures don’t do them justice so I’m working on my photography skills! I hope you have a lovely evening! Let’s chat soon? xo Dell