How to Refinish Cast Table Lamps

You can enhance the appearance of an ordinary cast table lamp, refinishing it with the appropriate coating. However, before attempting this type of project, consider one critical point: Cast lamps are metallic, and thus ill-suited for adhesion. If you attempt to refinish a cast table lamp, heavy shedding will occur. You must pre-treat the lamp with a special acid-based primer. This will etch the lamp, effectively creating a surface more conducive to adhesion.

Instructions

1

Remove the shade and light bulb. Unplug the cast table lamp and take it to a ventilated area.

2

Wash the cast table lamp with a water-based degreaser, using a coarse sponge. Rinse it with wet rags and dry with clean cloth towels.

3

Cover portions of the lamp you do not want painted with painter's tape and masking paper. Place the lamp on a drop cloth.

4

Coat the cast lamp with galvanized metal self-etching spray primer. Maintain eight inches between the table lamp and spray nozzle at all times. Wait four hours for the self-etching primer to dry.

5

Coat the primed cast lamp with oil-based spray enamel. Again, maintain eight inches between the table lamp and spray nozzle and wait another four hours for the lamp to dry.