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How to paint a metal lamp

Painted metal desk lamp sits on a desk in front of a grey wall.

Overview

It‘s easy to give a metal lamp a brand new look with spray paint. Here‘s how to do it.

Tip: Spray cans are premixed paint – choose a brand with a built-in primer, then pick your colour and finish. You can choose from gloss (which has a shiny finish), satin (for medium shine), or flat (for a matte finish).

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, disposable gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Work in a well-ventilated area when working with spray paint.

Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare the area and put on safety equipment

    Before getting started, read the product instructions and put on any required safety equipment. (A mask, safety glasses and gloves are recommended for spray painting.)

    Cover surrounding areas with a drop cloth to avoid overspray. A ‘paint booth’ (a large cardboard box with the front cut away for access) is a handy D.I.Y. tool for this project.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Avoid using spray paint on windy days or in extreme temperatures below 10°C or above 30°C.
    A woman wearing a safety mask and eye protection for a D.I.Y. project.
  2. 2

    Protect the areas you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape

    Make sure the lamp is unplugged. Wipe over it with a microfibre cloth so the surface is clean and dry.

    Remove the lightbulb and mask around all electrical elements with painter’s tape to prevent moisture seeping into them. (This includes the electrical cord, socket and switch.) Mask off any other areas you don’t want to paint.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Avoid spraying movable parts (such as a flexible gooseneck) as the paint will flake when the lamp is adjusted.
    A woman wraps plastic and masking tape around a lamp in preparation for painting.
  3. 3

    Shake the can and apply the primer

    Apply a metal primer first to ensure the final paint is smooth and true to colour. Read the instructions on the back of the can carefully. Shake the can for at least two minutes after it begins to rattle to mix up the paint.

    Before starting on the lamp, do a test on cardboard. If the paint is watery, continue shaking the can until the primer distributes consistently.

    Position the lamp in the booth and apply primer with even strokes. Hold the can at 45°, about 250mm away, keeping the nozzle square and the same distance from the surface at all times.

    Leave the primer to dry, touching it to test in an inconspicuous area.

    A woman wearing an apron and safety gear spray paints a lamp outdoors.
  4. 4

    Apply the topcoat in the same way 

    When spraying, apply slightly past the edges and overlap each pass by about a third to slowly build up the layers, leaving to dry after each coat, until the surface is evenly covered.
    A woman wearing a Bunnings Warehouse apron spray paints a lamp using Dulux Duramax spray paint.
  5. 5

    Finishing up

    Remove the tape and leave the lamp to dry completely before use. Check the back of the can for recommended drying times.
    Painted metal desk lamp sits on a desk in front of a grey wall.
  6. 6

    Want another painting project?

    Give your dog’s kennel a custom look with a colourful coat of paint. Here’s how to paint a kennel.

     

    Photo Credit: Michelle Holden

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.