Spray painting an old chandelier to make it shabby chic?

Question

I want to make one of the shabby chic chandeliers for my dining room. I bought an old brass looking chandelier at a flea market that I would like to paint an off white color. My question is....can i spray paint this with a good quality spray paint? Should I lightly sand and prime it first or can i just paint it like it is?

It didnt start out life as a big beautiful fancy chandelier. Its very plain and simple. I plan on painting then adding crystals and details to make it fancy and beautiful.

Answer 1

I would think that it would be best the sand it a little to make the paint stick. And plan to do a couple of coats of spray paint so that it doesn't end up being too thick and then start dripping. Many a times I haven't been patient enough with spray paint and ended up with a big mess. Make sure you do it outside in a well ventilated area. You might want to coat it with a spray vanish as well. You can sand in between coats as well to get that funky antiqued look. I am all for painting things that "shouldn't" be painted. There's a deep satisfaction when you make something that goes for hundreds in chic stores when you paid a low price.

Answer 2

You can spray paint directly if you don't plan on touching it again. I highly suggest you prime it first with an oil-based primer (this sticks to anything) and then you paint on top of that with any kind of paint you want because any paint sticks to an oil-based primer. Have a great time!

Answer 3

Use a fine grade sandpaper and rub the edges and corners of the piece of furniture. Then rub holes in the paint on the flat surfaces. Try to achieve an effect where it looks like the furniture has been well used over years, so add the bald patches where people might have repeatedly used the item.

Answer 4

you could rub it with very fine wire wool to give the brass finish a nice oldy-worldy look. If you paint and change your mind you can't easily take the paint off later.

Answer 5

In my opinion it would look better if you restored it to it's original beauty like a grand dame that fell on hard times and has now been rescued.

However if you are insistant about painting it, yes you should lightly sand it and probably use a primer for metal before using your finishing color - one specifically made for metal.

Answer 6

Better to lightly sand so the paint adheres.

Answer 7

i am wondering why would you paint ur chandelier
a good quality spray paint ,i say better spray as it is think it would increase its originality......and have a good dining