How to Distress Metal Antique Chandeliers

Practice the distressing process before trying it on a chandelier.

Ceiling mounted furnishings with light-bearing arms, metal chandeliers can add a rustic look to a room. Make a dull looking chandelier the focal point of a dining room or living room by creating a faux finish using a distressing method. A distressed chandelier will have an antique and worn look. Distressing a metal chandelier is similar to distressing wood furniture. It only requires a few supplies found in a hardwood store.

Things You'll Need

• Drop cloth or plastic tarp
• 2 cloths
• Dishwashing soap
• Paste wax
• Spray paint
• Wire brush or sandpaper
• Rubber mallet
• Crackle glaze

Instructions

1. Lay a drop cloth or plastic tarp on the floor in a well-ventilated area to catch any paint drips. Place the chandelier on top and remove lightbulbs and any decorative items such as crystals from the chandelier.

2. Dampen a cloth with warm water and a mild dishwashing soap. Thoroughly wipe the chandelier with the cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Use a second clean cloth to dry the chandelier.

3. Use a cloth to apply a layer of paste wax to the chandelier. If you know which areas you want to distress, only apply the paste wax to those areas.

4. Apply spray paint to the entire chandelier after the paste wax dries. Choose a neutral color such as white. Spray the paint evenly to avoid drips and apply more layers until you achieve the desired shade.

5. Allow the paint to dry before using a wire brush or medium or coarse grit sandpaper to scrape areas on the chandelier you want to distress. The paste wax helps remove the paint, revealing the metal underneath.

6. Make dents in the chandelier by striking it with a rubber mallet.

7. Create the appearance of peeling paint over the entire chandelier by applying a layer of crackle glaze over the base paint and then applying a topcoat. The base coat and topcoat should be contrasting colors.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a crackle glaze, allow the base coat to completely dry before applying the glaze. Also, allow the glaze to dry before applying the topcoat.

References

• Repair Home: Distressing Painted Furniture
• McCloskey Special Effects: Crackling Techniques

Resources

• HGTV: Faux Painting