How to Paint a Lampshade
Spruce up that plain old white lampshade with a splash of character and color. Paint a design, pattern or full color to match the décor in your room or living space. Whether for a kids room or your living room, get creative with your masterpiece and add finishing touches to make your new lampshade truly one of a kind. Read on to learn how to paint a lampshade. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- White or cream paper lampshade
- Fabric craft paint
- Applicator: brush or sponge
- Satin or matte varnish spray
- Pencil
- Plate for paint
- Newspaper or tarp
Instructions
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Examine your space and room décor to decide the perfect painting effect and colors to make your lampshade a fabulous accessory to your space.
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Prepare your painting area. Layout newspapers or a tarp on a table or on the garage floor.
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3
Conceive a pattern or design. Get creative with stripes, polka dots, checks or simply a random design.
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Chose a color or colors that will compliment each other and your space. If you are doing a tone on tone effect, choose two colors that are very similar and only a few shades different from each other.
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Softly sketch the idea with a pencil. If you have a pattern or design, gently outline the design with a pencil so that you may see spacing and how the design will flow.
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Begin applying color. Try a few technique ideas to make a unique look. Simply use a paint brush, stencil, sponge or create beauty with a faux finish. Also try using fabric, wall paper, foil, bamboo or leather to make a unique and finished lampshade.
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Apply the first coat of paint and then set aside on newspapers to let dry.
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Allow paint to fully dry for at least 30 minutes or until paint is dry.
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Paint second coat or touch ups and allow final touches to dry.
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Spray varnish to lampshade for a nice and smooth finish.
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Jazz up your painted lampshade with final details. Use your glue gun to add accessories such as beads, ribbons, lace or pompoms. Painting a lampshade for your child's room? Paint their name or add small cut out letters.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a matte or gloss paper lampshades. Paints will bleed through fabric lampshades or fragile rice-paper lampshades.
