Presto Chango

A girlfriend purchased this amazing vintage ceiling fixture off etsy. Isn't it awesome? It's perfect for her
1800s log house.

Unfortunately, this is the color it really was. It was rather garish, not even close to the picture on etsy. Plus, it arrived broken with more pieces dropping off as it was moved. Heartbreaking!

My friend asked me to repair and paint the light and even though I've never done anything like that before, I agreed to do it. In my box of lamp parts (I am a true junker) I found a cap and a finial that would work. We agreed on a patinated copper look and I got to it.

The first coat of copper spray paint was a little bright. (Yes, I'm using a Puppy Pad as a surface.)

 When the spray paint dried I did a few coats of black wash using black craft paint thinned with lots of water. I dabbed up the excess paint as I went, leaving little pools in the crevices. I wanted the build-up to be gradual.

 Then, when the black wash was dry I went over the entire piece with Plaid brand Glaze Vernis. Again, I watered down the glaze and did 3 coats, dabbing with a rag as I went.

And here is the finished light fixture installed in my friend's kitchen. I love it!

More importantly, my friend and her husband love it. And I got to learn a new technique!

ps. The etsy seller kindly paid for the repair and painting. Sweet!

Linking up to:
savvy southern style
restore interiors
primp

someday crafts
domestically-speaking
house of hepworths
missmustardseed.com
sassysites
common ground
my repurposed life
shabby nest
my 1929 charmer