How to Recover Lamp Shade Glue

Use gimp braid to recover unsightly lamp shade glue.

As a lampshade is exposed to the heat from the light bulb over the years, the shade fabric can contract or sag, exposing the factory adhesive that secures it to the shade base. You can recover lampshade glue with the use of gimp braid. This is a flat braid ranging from 3/8- to 1/2-inch wide that traditionally is used to conceal seams. Applying the braid will conceal the unsightly lampshade glue while updating the look of your shade.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth tape measure
• Scissors
• Gimp braid
• Straight pins
• Glue gun

Instructions

1. Remove the lampshade from the lamp and place it on a table. Wrap a cloth tape measure around the top edge of the shade and note the diameter. Add one inch to the measurement. Cut a piece of braid to this modified measurement.

2. Measure the diameter of the bottom edge of the lampshade. Add one inch. Cut a piece of braid to this modified measurement.

3. Measure the length of the ribs. Cut a piece of braid in the exact measurement for each rib. If your lampshade doesn't have ribs, continue to Step 5.

4. Glue braid, as measured in Step 3, over each rib. Glue the braid to the ribs first so that the subsequent attachment of the top and bottom braid covers the cut braid ends.

5. Apply glue in a thin line around the top of the shade. Take the braid cut in Step 1 and squirt a drop of glue underneath the braid's end. Fold the braid end under ½-inch. Pin through the folded/glued end and secure it to the braid underneath and the lampshade.

6. Work in sections. Align and press a two-inch section of braid to the glue and pin it to the shade. Moving around the diameter of the shade, press a section of the braid to the glue and pin it.

7. When you come to the last section of braid, determine how much extra length you have. It should be 1/2 inch. If it is more than that, cut the braid to that measurement. Add a drop of glue underneath the end and fold it 1/2 inch. Press it against the shade to align with the other end of the braid and pin it.

8. Starting with the end you pinned first, remove the pins in each section until you reach the other side. Remove the pin from the other end of braid.

9. Repeat Steps 5 through 8 for the bottom of the shade.

Tips & Warnings

• If the shade has a cloth lining, braid can be glued to the interior top and bottom of the shade to recover lampshade glue. Use high-melt glue on the interior to resist the bulb's heat.

References

• Dove Originals Trims: Home Décor and Sewing Trims Definitions
• Decorating Studio: Beaded Fringe Lampshade Project
• MacCulloch and Wallis: Gimp Braid Photograph