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How to update your light fixtures with a press of a nozzel...photos included.

By
Home Stager

This blog post is about how easy and inexpensive it is to update your light fixtures with a press of a nozzle, also included are the why's behind this project. In this example a switch out of the pendant's glass globe was done for the finishing touch!

Whether you are selling and in need of an update or simply want a fresh new look for your light fixture, this basic project is a cost effective way of re-purposing what you already have. Many people are not confident in doing this themselves but don't second guess yourself anymore, you CAN do this!

This is my own home lighting update to illustrate the ease of this project and why I would switch out a perfectly good light fixture.

Rustoleum primer

 

 

 Listed below are the two paint products I used in this project.

  1 - RUST-OLEUM PRIMER - for use on bare metal, previously  painted and rusted surfaces.

  2 - RUST-OLEUM METALLIC - for wood, metal, plastic and      masonry. OIL RUBBED BRONZE (notice the easy on the hands trigger spray for those with joint pain this trigger spray is great). The metallic in this paint was perfect for this project, it was just enough  to keep the finished product form looking flat!

 

 

 

 

The pendant lights were taken down. Be sure the breaker is turned off before removal of the fixture and if you are unsure of this step please get a professional to help you with these matters!

Pick a non windy day for this project as you will want to spray outside to avoid the paint fumes. To avert drips keep a steady motion and spray going with a back and forth motion barely covering your layers. Keep the can about 12' to 16' from the surface while you are spraying. Don't forget to shake your can before you start ;)

I let the primer dry 24 hours before using the finishing color which I also let dry 24 before the install. Don't forget to spray any exposed hardware used in hanging the fixture.

primed light fixture

 

 

painted ceiling caps

 

 

 

 

The down rod is primed and ready for the finishing paint.

 

The ceiling caps are dried and ready to be installed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before

before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see the pendant lighting looks fine, in fact the downpoles were very smart looking. As beautiful as this island is, it appears to be floating and it needs to be anchored. The brushed nickle finish didn't complement the beautiful cherry island the and the stark white globes did not complement the cream cabinetry that the pervious owners had installed. The dark tiles on the stove backsplash helped but this kitchen needed at least one more design element to warm up this kitchen.

 

AFTER

close up of after fixture

                painted ceiling caps

updated lighting fixture

The darker lighting now anchors the island and the new globes give the kitchen an transitional look. The cost of this light update project was $13 for the paint / primer and $11 dollars a piece for the globe.

Updating your lighting fixtures really is as easy as a press of the nozzle!

 

 

 

 

Posted by

 

 

copyscape do not copy

if you want to use a photo or some copy just email me... more than likely we can work it out

Comments(49)

C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hi Pamela, yes please pass the info on! This comes in quite handy for my clients with shinny brass fixtures.

I had no idea your cool group existed until I commented on Sally's W. post. I'll proaby be a lurker for the most part ;)

Feb 18, 2011 07:42 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

What an amazing difference a little paint can make for a whole room! Nice!

Feb 18, 2011 03:11 PM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hey Russel, how's it going in your sunny part of the world? You are so right, paint and a bit of effort can make a BIG difference. Thanks!

Feb 19, 2011 01:34 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

I want my Re-Blog back....

Oh wait I said that a few days ago.

Feb 19, 2011 01:38 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Maureen, you are more than welcome to copy the post.

I did look up why they disabled it, to concentrate on making other features better.

Feb 19, 2011 01:46 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

No I believe in Re-Blog.  I will semi-patiently wait for Re-Blog to be undisabled to Re-Blog content from you, home inspectors and other experts. 

Or perhaps at some point I will give up whining and write a post with links to the experts.  Re-Blogs fit my blogging schedule and plan better.

Feb 19, 2011 02:16 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

I understand Maureen and I really like those inspectors posts too.

I wonder how long the Re-Blog will be disabled? I've found some good posts when members used the Re-Blog button.

Feb 19, 2011 02:29 AM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

That is a lot of bang for the buck!! WOW!!! Love it!! Thanks for sharing-I have bookmarked this!! So glad you are back, miss your Monarch!

Feb 19, 2011 02:31 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hi Cathy, so glad you liked it! With clients I like to explain the reason why changes are made and then they can use the info for the next home too.

There are 5 new butterfly bushes in the yard and I hope to catch more photos of them fluttering around. One landed on my neck this fall (it tickled) and I went inside to get my camera and as soon as I was walking out it flew back into the house!

Feb 19, 2011 02:52 AM
Amy Bly
Great Impressions Home Staging/Interiors - Montville, NJ
Styling Homes for Selling and Staying

With the properties I deal with, that kitchen would have been 100% fine the way it looked in the before photo!

But I admit the "after" really did improve the look and tie the colors together! Great ideas! Thanks.

Feb 19, 2011 04:08 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

I concur with your statement Amy regarding selling, I do quite a bit of redesign and sometimes nesting clients simply want a new look. The nesters are afraid to tackle this simple project hence the blog for encouragement.

Thanks for the kind word and stopping by!

Feb 19, 2011 06:14 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Cynthia, big difference for such an inexpensive fix.  And, only someone with your skills can point this out so plainly.  Beautiful kitchen. 

Feb 19, 2011 02:51 PM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

LOVE this. I tell people to paint their light fixtures all the time and they think I am nuts! This is a perfect example of how easy it is and what a difference it can make.

Feb 19, 2011 03:38 PM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Thanks for your kind words Nick, it's much appreciated :~)

Shar ok, ok we here know you are nuts in fun way of course ;~) Clients look at me like that too but I reassure them before you spend the $$ just try painting the fixture.

 

Feb 20, 2011 03:04 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Cynthia- Don't know how I missed this one ... guess I was looking for the wreath post.. but this was excellent.  I love that you showed us all step by step how easy it is.. and you explained the why's of doing it.

Feb 21, 2011 02:51 PM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

LOL@you Kathy, you know that wreath post will pop up one day....just not sure which day. Roger and his gang you included will never let me live it down!!! :~)

Yes it's important to explain to the client the why the change is done, and they love the info. so they can take it with them to new house or use for their next project!

Feb 22, 2011 12:47 AM
c m
Colorado Springs, CO

I've said it before, I'll say it again, "sisters from other mothers"....honestly I think lots of stagers are our sisters too, all of us re-purposing gals have it in our blood!  LOVE the new look.  I once bought two little desks that had really cute drawer pulls on them, that long outlasted the cute little desks.  Though I complain when my husband strips something of its hardware before he sends it to the dumpster, I did exactly that.  When the right time came along, those pulls got a coat of hammered galvanized silver spray paint and got a new life as kitchen drawer pulls!  Spray paint is WONDERMOUS!!!

Feb 22, 2011 05:15 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hellooooo Cheryl, yes I agree we scrutinize those items and say YES they can be saved!!! LOL I save the pulls too, why am I not surprised?

Hey you came up with new word I will have put in my vocabulary WONDERMOUS :~)

Feb 23, 2011 12:30 AM
Anonymous
Dot

Once again, I jumped on your bog to play catch-up.  OMG, the pendants are beautiful.....of course, I would expect nothing less of you - my talented friend!!!!  And, you kitchen is gorgeous as well!!!  You are so right, they really needed to be darker to anchor the island - and loving the new globes as well.  Good job!!!

Jun 03, 2011 03:59 PM
#48
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hey Dot, You are one sweet person!!! Thank you for your kind words they are always greatly appreciated. I'm lucky your creative talent has rubbed off on me, will get in touch w/ you soon girl.

Jun 21, 2011 11:13 AM