This blog post is about how easy and inexpensive it is to update your light fixtures with a press of a nozzle, also included are the why's behind this project. In this example a switch out of the pendant's glass globe was done for the finishing touch!
Whether you are selling and in need of an update or simply want a fresh new look for your light fixture, this basic project is a cost effective way of re-purposing what you already have. Many people are not confident in doing this themselves but don't second guess yourself anymore, you CAN do this!
This is my own home lighting update to illustrate the ease of this project and why I would switch out a perfectly good light fixture.
Listed below are the two paint products I used in this project.
1 - RUST-OLEUM PRIMER - for use on bare metal, previously painted and rusted surfaces.
2 - RUST-OLEUM METALLIC - for wood, metal, plastic and masonry. OIL RUBBED BRONZE (notice the easy on the hands trigger spray for those with joint pain this trigger spray is great). The metallic in this paint was perfect for this project, it was just enough to keep the finished product form looking flat!
The pendant lights were taken down. Be sure the breaker is turned off before removal of the fixture and if you are unsure of this step please get a professional to help you with these matters!
Pick a non windy day for this project as you will want to spray outside to avoid the paint fumes. To avert drips keep a steady motion and spray going with a back and forth motion barely covering your layers. Keep the can about 12' to 16' from the surface while you are spraying. Don't forget to shake your can before you start ;)
I let the primer dry 24 hours before using the finishing color which I also let dry 24 before the install. Don't forget to spray any exposed hardware used in hanging the fixture.
The down rod is primed and ready for the finishing paint.
The ceiling caps are dried and ready to be installed.
Before
As you can see the pendant lighting looks fine, in fact the downpoles were very smart looking. As beautiful as this island is, it appears to be floating and it needs to be anchored. The brushed nickle finish didn't complement the beautiful cherry island the and the stark white globes did not complement the cream cabinetry that the pervious owners had installed. The dark tiles on the stove backsplash helped but this kitchen needed at least one more design element to warm up this kitchen.
AFTER
The darker lighting now anchors the island and the new globes give the kitchen an transitional look. The cost of this light update project was $13 for the paint / primer and $11 dollars a piece for the globe.
Updating your lighting fixtures really is as easy as a press of the nozzle!
Redesigned Spaces www.redesigned-spaces.net
Specializing in Owner Occupied Homes, Floral Design, Custom Art Work, Display Work
Cynthia Bartch ~ cell: 404.509.6046
Granville, Ohio
if you want to use a photo or some copy just email me... more than likely we can work it out
This is a very informative article! I love the pictures to go along with it! Thank you for sharing.
very good Idea!! I would have never thought about that I would go out and purchase more!! Thank you!
Hi Tamra @ Arizona Realty, Thanks and yes I have to agree with you, pictures really help with visualization of a project!
Hey Ken, LOL...since I saved $$ on this lighting fixture I was able to replace the other one in the kitchen that was not to my liking and couldn't be saved with a makeover! Thanks and I hope you can use this in the future.
I want Re-Blog to work...
Meet for lunch sometime?
Re-Blog doesn't work Maureen??? I've not been on AR regularly lately.
Yes, lunch sounds good and I'll be looking forward to it!!! I emailed you.
Hello Cynthia:
Nice touch and the photos were essential to make the post come alive. I didn't think the kitchen needed anything, but the made-over are handsome.
Hi Brian, I agree the lights would not be a major sticking point in selling the home, but it is something I would mention to a client. I want them to have every advantage they could in these times. I also do Redesign and these kind of fixes are so simple...think old brass fixtures!
When I first walked into the kitchen I felt that beautiful island was disconnected from the rest of the kitchen and knew the lighting had to be switched out. Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated!
GREAT update in a beautiful kitchen!! Sometimes those small updates make for a BIG difference!!
I love your easy-to-follow instructions Cyn -- thank you! This kitchen does look stunning with the update. What a difference your clever and cost-effective idea made!
Cyndee, Excellent project for the DIYers!
Would
Rustoleum
Exclusively
Apply
To
Help?
Pretty cool my friend. Hope you have been doing well.
Cyndee--Paint is my best friend. I love what you did and I especially love that the old light fixtures get a new life and are not shipped off to the landfill. Nice photos; great post.
Leave it to my bud Bill Spear.................gotta love it. Cythia the Great, love the post and the informamtion, but you know what I'm waiting for.............and have been for a long time. Great to see you back...................now think "wreath".............
Excellent post - I so appreciate the time you took to create. The difference in the before and after is amazing!
Kathy
Hi Kathy B, thank you and I agree those small updates can make a difference, especially when when you make them in multiples...they add up to a BIG one!
Hi Maureen, loving your new photo!!! Thanks, I've got to make the instructions easy to follow because most clients are already in a tizzy when they decide to sell. I want to reassure them the project is child's play.
Hey STINKER Bliz, as a do it DYIer I agree!
NO, FROM MY
OUTSTANDING
WISDOM THE
RELEVANCE OF
EXCLUSIVE USE OF
A RUST-OLEUM PRODUCT WILL NOT EFFECT
THE OUTCOME OF THE
HANGING PENDANT
Hey Miss Sharon Lee, thanks and I'm doing well here in the cold and snow! Hope you are doing well too.
Hi Janet, Hey we have the same friend...PAINT, go figure! I really try to use what a client already has, they are happy to save some $ in process :~) The other glass globes are going to friend to see if they will be perfect in her kitchen.
Dear Rascally Roger, Bill is quite the brain and he made mine hurt terribly this morning trying to think of a come back! Hummm.....spring is right around the corner.....but who know sit may till next November!
Hi Kathy, Thanks so much, The before pictured is the photo my husband took when doing the walk through, I was still in your part of town. I knew from the beginning that island looked like it was floating!
Cyndee, It's not often I spend 5-10 minutes trying to figure out what to say for a 12 word comment :)
Love it Cyndee. Great information and photos to show how easy it really is. With my clients, taking down the fixture and dealing with electricity is frequently the biggest issue. I keep telling them that if I can do it so can they, but they're fearful.
Bill, well I spent 25 min on the response....you made my grey matter really, really hurt this morning!
Hey Ginger, Yes the electric part can be tricky if they are unsure. Thanks so much for the kind words and visit my California friend :~) Hope you are doing well.
Yep, I got stuck on the "H" for a bit!
Well I cheated and had the Thesaurus going in over-dive, lol! You know people have no idea what is going on....it's like a type of Klingon talk and those who understand are weird. I'm ok with that :~)
Hi Cyn, it's nice to see you again and nice to see the difference a little paint can make! The kitchen is beautiful! Thanks for the step by step, I have a few light fixtures that could use some help
Missed you girl! And you return with a vengeance! Awesome!! I'm bookmarking so I can email to clients when I need directions for them to follow.
Great post! I did the same thing to update one of my clients home. . . the spray paint worked great to update an oak framed mirror (gasp!). They LOVEd it!
Hey there Mary, good to see you too! This is so easy, once you do the first one then look out....you'll be updating everything in sight.
Hi Sharon, Thanks for the bookmarking, I was actually inspired to finally write how easy this really is by a client who had an older chandelier with beautiful crystal prisms. I told her what prisms to leave off permanently and use this oiled bronzed finish for a cool update. You know us types....we like to re-purpose if we can. :~)
LOL isn't it funny Roberta, whenever you suggest to paint over wood the look on a clients face? Nine times out of ten from my experience it's the men who are more hesitant. I bet your clients were amazed at the outcome of your fabulous handy work on their mirror!
We used this same idea on a client's cabinet hinges. Much less expensive than replacing all of them, and since they aren't handled, seem to be holding up great
!
Cynthia There is no doubt you are the refinishing guru and stager par excellence
Hi Cynthia, what a great and simple fix! Yes love it, used it for old brass chandeliers and they shine again.
Hi Kim, You that is nice to know because I wondered how it would work on hinges. Thanks, I appreciate you sharing your experience!
Well Karen you are very gracious in your comments and I thank you!
Hi Barbara, it is such a simple fix isn't it? My husband thought no way we would have to buy new, but I said "Did you forget who you're married to?"... LOL. I LOVE the idea on an older brass chandelier it looks so smart.
❧Cynthia, what a great post! And wow ~ what a difference it makes... Thanks for the tip! I'll be passing it on for sure...
Pamela
P.S - Thanks for joining our VBloggers group! Looking forward to your video blogs!!
Hi Pamela, yes please pass the info on! This comes in quite handy for my clients with shinny brass fixtures.
I had no idea your cool group existed until I commented on Sally's W. post. I'll proaby be a lurker for the most part ;)
What an amazing difference a little paint can make for a whole room! Nice!
Hey Russel, how's it going in your sunny part of the world? You are so right, paint and a bit of effort can make a BIG difference. Thanks!
I want my Re-Blog back....
Oh wait I said that a few days ago.
Maureen, you are more than welcome to copy the post.
I did look up why they disabled it, to concentrate on making other features better.
No I believe in Re-Blog. I will semi-patiently wait for Re-Blog to be undisabled to Re-Blog content from you, home inspectors and other experts.
Or perhaps at some point I will give up whining and write a post with links to the experts. Re-Blogs fit my blogging schedule and plan better.
I understand Maureen and I really like those inspectors posts too.
I wonder how long the Re-Blog will be disabled? I've found some good posts when members used the Re-Blog button.
That is a lot of bang for the buck!! WOW!!! Love it!! Thanks for sharing-I have bookmarked this!! So glad you are back, miss your Monarch!
Hi Cathy, so glad you liked it! With clients I like to explain the reason why changes are made and then they can use the info for the next home too.
There are 5 new butterfly bushes in the yard and I hope to catch more photos of them fluttering around. One landed on my neck this fall (it tickled) and I went inside to get my camera and as soon as I was walking out it flew back into the house!
With the properties I deal with, that kitchen would have been 100% fine the way it looked in the before photo!
But I admit the "after" really did improve the look and tie the colors together! Great ideas! Thanks.
I concur with your statement Amy regarding selling, I do quite a bit of redesign and sometimes nesting clients simply want a new look. The nesters are afraid to tackle this simple project hence the blog for encouragement.
Thanks for the kind word and stopping by!
Cynthia, big difference for such an inexpensive fix. And, only someone with your skills can point this out so plainly. Beautiful kitchen.
LOVE this. I tell people to paint their light fixtures all the time and they think I am nuts! This is a perfect example of how easy it is and what a difference it can make.
Thanks for your kind words Nick, it's much appreciated :~)
Shar ok, ok we here know you are nuts in fun way of course ;~) Clients look at me like that too but I reassure them before you spend the $$ just try painting the fixture.
Cynthia- Don't know how I missed this one ... guess I was looking for the wreath post.. but this was excellent. I love that you showed us all step by step how easy it is.. and you explained the why's of doing it.
LOL@you Kathy, you know that wreath post will pop up one day....just not sure which day. Roger and his gang you included will never let me live it down!!! :~)
Yes it's important to explain to the client the why the change is done, and they love the info. so they can take it with them to new house or use for their next project!
I've said it before, I'll say it again, "sisters from other mothers"....honestly I think lots of stagers are our sisters too, all of us re-purposing gals have it in our blood! LOVE the new look. I once bought two little desks that had really cute drawer pulls on them, that long outlasted the cute little desks. Though I complain when my husband strips something of its hardware before he sends it to the dumpster, I did exactly that. When the right time came along, those pulls got a coat of hammered galvanized silver spray paint and got a new life as kitchen drawer pulls! Spray paint is WONDERMOUS!!!
Hellooooo Cheryl, yes I agree we scrutinize those items and say YES they can be saved!!! LOL I save the pulls too, why am I not surprised?
Hey you came up with new word I will have put in my vocabulary WONDERMOUS :~)
Once again, I jumped on your bog to play catch-up. OMG, the pendants are beautiful.....of course, I would expect nothing less of you - my talented friend!!!! And, you kitchen is gorgeous as well!!! You are so right, they really needed to be darker to anchor the island - and loving the new globes as well. Good job!!!
Hey Dot, You are one sweet person!!! Thank you for your kind words they are always greatly appreciated. I'm lucky your creative talent has rubbed off on me, will get in touch w/ you soon girl.